Horror fans of the southwest, it's that time of year again!
Texas Frightmare Weekend, the southwest's biggest horror convention is just around the corner, and this year they are bringing some awesome film screenings to the party. Every year has gotten bigger and bigger, with 2017 looking like it's going to be the biggest event yet. Not only are convention regulars like Malcolm McDowall, Udo Kier, Claudio Simonetti, Tom "Fright Night" Holland, and Keith David on the schedule, there are also some marquee guests making rare appearances like Dario Argento in his first visit, as well as Wilford Brimley, Frank Henenlotter, and wrestling legends Ric Flair and Sting!
The guests are great, but I'm more about the merch and the movies, and this year's film line-up is one of the best TFW has had in years. Check out the gallery below for more details on the amazing film line up this year straight from TFW's press release:
Texas Frightmare Weekend Announces Screening and Panel Schedule
Celebrities, film screenings, and attractions mark TFW's biggest year to date
04/03/2017, Dallas, Texas – Texas Frightmare Weekend is back with a vengeance May 5th through the 7th, offering up celebrity guests, vendors, and more new films than ever! Several films have been slated for viewing throughout the weekend including North American Premieres, rarely seen films, retro classics, a secret screening and more!
First up, TFW 2017 Presenting Sponsor Arrow Video is presenting two retro classic screenings: Dario Argento’s giallo THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE and the rarely seen 1982 slasher THE SLAYER.
Shudder, the diabolical new streaming service devoted exclusively to things that go bump in the night, will be screening three films. THE CURSE is an underseen Japanese found footage classic and was never distributed in the United States. A pitch black, wryly British comedy from the mind of Alice Lowe, PREVENGE marks the directorial debut from Lowe, who is a true triple threat, writing, directing, and acting in the film during her own real-life pregnancy. Every camper's worst nightmare came true at LAKE BODOM in 1960 when four teenagers were stabbed to death while sleeping in their tent. The killer is still at large. Now, a group of teenagers arrives at the same campsite, hoping to solve the murder by reconstructing it minute by minute.
Also screening is Kurando Mitsutake’s violent and bloody Martial Arts masterpiece KARATE KILL; the North American premiere of REALM OF THE DAMNED - an animated motion comic voiced by David Vincent (Morbid Angel), Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth); BOGGY CREEK MONSTER based on the research of author Lyle Blackburn, the film documents the chilling, true story of an unknown creature in southern Arkansas; Severin Films presents a screening of the disturbing BAG BOY LOVER BOY.
Unearthed Films will be presenting three films including LILITH’S HELL starring Italian director Ruggero Deodato, the over the top and bloody DREAMING PURPLE NEON and a super-secret third film so new that its title can’t be revealed until the lights go down!
Also screening are three fantastic short subject films including director Debi Sue Voorhees’ (Friday the 13th Pt V: A New Beginning)CATCHING UP and two Texas produced shorts LUCKY JACK and DEATH METAL.
All film screenings are completely free for convention pass holders, and will conveniently take place at The Hyatt Regency DFW – the home of Texas Frightmare Weekend! Want more? The hotel's also hosting Friday night's “Party at Outpost 31” party (free to VIP and Premium passholders), several reunion panels, celebrity Q&A’s and Saturday's popular late night Scaryoke!
TFW is arguably America’s largest gathering of horror celebrities, professionals, and fans – now celebrating its 12th amazing year. The blockbuster event boasts thousands of attendees annually and has hosted hundreds of genre legends, including George A. Romero, Clive Barker, Malcolm McDowell, Robert Englund, John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, and Cary Elwes, and more!
Alongside newly-announced guest Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates on BATES MOTEL), TFW 2017’s unbelievable guest roster includes Stranger Things cast members Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin and Mark Steger, Wilford Brimley and cast celebrating the 35th anniversary of THE THING, Malcolm McDowell and the cast of Rob Zombie’s 31, legendary Italian director Dario Argento, The Shining’s Danny Lloyd, The Walking Dead’s Austin Amelio, Tom Payne and Pollyanna McIntosh, wrestling legends Ric Flair and Sting!
Complete guest list available at http://www.texasfrightmareweekend.com/guests
Daily and weekend passes are available at www.texasfrightmareweekend.com/tickets
Look for the full festival schedule at www.texasfrightmareweekend.com/schedule