This week, the Nightmares Film Festival (NFF) will be invading Columbus, Ohio, for its third consecutive year of presenting #BetterHorror. Taking place in the city’s Gateway Film Center, the event runs from Oct. 18 through Oct. 21, presenting a wide array of genre short films and features. In addition to the films being shown, time is allotted for breaks for the filmmakers in attendance to mingle, earning the event its reputation as “the best networking opportunity at a festival, bar none.”
That will continue this year, as multiple fan favorite filmmakers from different eras will be attending to showcase their newest work. This includes Bill Lustig (Maniac, 1980), Fred Vogel (August Underground, 2001), and Scott Schirmer (Found, 2012). “We’re not a
convention and they won’t be behind a table,” NFF co-founder Jason Tostevin says, explaining the atmosphere of the film festival. “These iconic filmmakers are coming to Nightmares to show their newest films, talk about them at the bar and watch other people’s movies.”
Here are the fan favorites in attendance with screenings, from the official press release:
● Director Bill Lustig (Maniac, Maniac Cop) will present the Midwest premiere of the brand new 4K restoration of his classic slasher, Maniac (opening night film, Thursday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.)
● Director Fred Vogel of Toetag Pictures (August Underground) will present the world premiere of his new thriller, The Final Interview (Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 p.m.)
● Director Jason Trost (The FP, All Superheroes Must Die) will present the Midwest premiere of his sequel to The FP, Beats of Rage (Friday, Oct. 19, 10 p.m.)
● Director Jordan Downey (ThanksKilling, Critters: Bounty Hunter) will present the North American premiere of his new Middle Ages feature, The Head (Saturday, Oct. 20, noon)
● Director Scott Schirmer (Found, Headless, Harvest Lake) will present the world premiere of his new twisted kidnap chiller, The Bad Man (Friday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.)
● … and director Cam Evrenol (Baskin) will make a video introduction to the midwest premiere of The Field Guide to Evil, containing a segment by him (Saturday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.)
There are still limited tickets available for festival passes and individual screening blocks. If you want to see what else is playing at the event, we have the full lineup. To find out more info and to purchase tickets, head on over to the Nightmares Film Festival official website!
