Europe has many fine genre film festivals, and Amsterdam's Imagine Film Festival, which starts this week, can proudly call itself a member of that group. The line-up for this year's edition is particularly impressive. There is anime and other animation, there are unique screenings like a Tsui Hark film in 3D, or a David Lynch film in 70 mm. There are international guests like Jodorowsky, and a few world premieres.
Plenty of reasons for a good visit!
As always the focus is on fantasy, science fiction and horror, but not exclusively so. Any sign of abundant creativity is enough to warrant being screened here.
Being an annual festival, it does mean that there are also some great titles in there which have screened elsewhere already, and which were reviewed here at ScreenAnarchy.
To see them all, go visit the Imagine film Festival's website. But for now, here is our selection of the selection.
And even with twenty-four recommendations (and/or heads-ups), we're probably missing something, so feel free to chime in in the comments!
Capsule
This is a world premiere of a Dutch science fiction film, no less. The end of the world is nigh, and 900 people are selected to survive the apocalypse in a capsule. But the selection procedure is eyed with suspicion, as is the integrity of the people behind the plan.
Jodorowsky's Dune
This documentary tells the tale of "the greatest film never made", Alejandro Jodorowsky's adaptation of Dune. In the seventies, his vision got really close to being actually produced, but financial troubles and ego-clashing between Jodorowsky's gang of genius "creative warriors" finally doomed the project, though its half-finished concepts would go on to influence every science fiction film made afterwards.
Ryland has reviewed this award-winning documentary and says it's wonderful!
And speaking of Dune, ... (see next slide!)
Dune 70 mm
How's that for a double-bill? The Imagine programmers have secured a 70 mm print of David Lynch's adaptation of Dune, and will be showing it after one of the screenings of Jodorowsky's Dune. A perfect combo in a perfect venue. If you're a fan of either the film or the book, this is the double-ticket to go for!
Savaged
A mute young woman is raped and killed by a gang of rednecks, but is revived through Native American magic and starts a killing spree. Can she kill all her attackers before her body has decomposed?
Check out the trailer and a longer synopsis here.
Deadly Virtues: Love.Honour.Obey.
Another World Premiere with strong Dutch ties (Ate de Jong directed and co-produced it), this is a home intrusion thriller with a twist. A married couple gets held hostage by an intruder with a very uncommon agenda. Through tenderness and torture, he plans to use the woman's virtues to demonstrate that her husband doesn't have any...
The Creep Behind the Camera
This is a dramatized account of the goings-on during the making of one of the worst films ever made, especially highlighting the deranged con-man who ran the show. This is a much-anticipated world premiere, and you can expect a review soon!
Killers
A sadistic Japanese serial killer and an avenging Indonesian vigilante start circling each other, with gruesome results. Quoting from an impressed Jason Gorber, who saw it at Sundance: "It's a film that shoves its baseball bat down your throat, leaving you shaken and introspective afterwards."
Read the rest of his review as well!
The Pool
Another Dutch world premiere, this horror film follows two families who illegally camp near a pond in the forest. What starts as a fun trip sours when a malignant force starts to influence them, and rot and madness strike.
Expect a review soon!
The Wind Rises
This is reputedly the last full feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and as always his films are intelligently crafted and gorgeous to look at. Chronicling the life of someone obsessed with creating perfection, this film obviously contains some self-reflection by the master.
Christopher O'Keeffe reviewed the film and was stunned by it.
Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead
The sequel to 2009's Nazi zombie flick Dead Snow picks up the story minutes after the end of the first film, and appears to be funny and gory. The question needs to be asked though: will there also be a promotional campaign with Linni Meister singing about her ass this time?
Willow Creek
For years, Bobcat Goldthwaith was primarily known as the certifiably mad actor with damaged vocal chords from the Police Academy films. Recently he has shown to be a very interesting director as well though, one who knows his craft and seemingly does not have any inhibitions. In his most recent film Willow Creek, a young couple is chasing the legend of Bigfoot, but what will happen if they do meet him? It's a knowing riff on films like The Blair Witch Project, but one which is actually worth checking out.
In his review, Andrew Mack calls this a scary, unnerving and tense addition to the found footage horror sub-genre.
And speaking of scary... (see next slide!)
Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon 3D
Tsui Hark's insane prequel to his equally insane blockbuster hit Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame is reportedly of varying quality, but come on... A gorgeous-looking Chinese kung-fu epic by Tsui Hark, with fish people and giant sea monsters? In a huge venue, in frigging 3D? I am soooo there...