Stanley Film Fest 2014 Dispatch: Day 4 Brings A Bloody End

Stanley Awards Horror Brunch

Sunday brought out the dregs in all of us as we trudged toward the Stanley's MacGregor Ballroom for the Horror Brunch awards. Filmmakers, producers, and horror fans filled up on Soylent Green Smoothies, Psycho Pancakes, Hannibal Lecter's Favorite Egg Scramble (with Chianti Salsa), and Exorcist Granola, all set to the tunes of several classic horror soundtracks, such as The Shining, The Thing, Rosemary's Baby, and Dawn of the Dead. Sadly, Mick Garris couldn't make it, but sent along a recorded introduction for his friend Joe Dante, who accepted the festival's very first Master of Horror award.

[Photo of Joe Dante by author.]

The Sacrament

Ti West's latest film brings us a re-imagining of the events of Jonestown and its kool-aid apocalypse. Some may consider this a horror film, some may not. Some may argue that the film lives in the found footage realm, some may not; in any case, this tight, suspenseful flick has excellent pacing and plenty of dread to spare. Featuring killer performances by Amy Seimetz, A.J. Bowen, and Gene Jones, this is West's best yet.

Big Wheel Death Race

Until today, the weather had been pleasant. The wind whipped, tore, and bit, and gave me a cold-induced, temporary asthma. However, that couldn't keep me away from the Big Wheel Death Race! I joined our Festivals Editor Ryland Aldrich, along with Starry Eyes producer Travis Stevens and directors Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch, on team Maximum Overbite for a trip back into childhood (albeit a scary one). We started off strong in the first few rounds, but were edged out by faster teams. As for the bike itself, it was so large, I had trouble reaching the pedals. In the last match, Kevin was neck-and-neck with his competitor until he wiped out in grand horror movie style on the last turn. Maybe next year, guys!

[Photo by author, starring Festivals Editor Ryland Aldrich on the big wheel, with producer Travis Stevens running in the background.]

What We Do In The Shadows

This clever horror comedy about vampires living as roommates in New Zealand won the Audience Award at this year's Stanley Film Fest. Framed as a documentary, the film follows vamps Deacon, Vladislav, Viago, Peter, and newbie Nick as they go about their daily lives. Highlights include tussles with local werewolves, showdowns with vampire hunters, and arguments over who's turn it is to do the dishes. It's well made, funny, and absolutely adorable.

Stanley Ghosts and History Tour

A Stanley tour guide led us through the history of the hotel along with tales of its spectral happenings. Long before room 217 achieved popularity in the horror literary canon, it was the site of an explosion in 1911. The story is that housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson was in room 217 lighting acetylene lamps after a huge flood. The problem was, no one knew that the flood had ruptured a gas line, and when the hapless maid stuck a match, this particular part of the hotel exploded, and Wilson was flung, burning, into the music room, where she landed on her feet, breaking both ankles. She lapsed into a coma, but recovered and was given a job for life. Since her death in 1950, guests have reported clothes being folded, shoes lined up, and even being tucked in. How's that for room service?