If vampires, witches, werewolves, parasites, mad scientists, devils, serial killers, cannibals and zombies wet your appetite, then get ready for Horrorfest, because it has all of them and more on offer in time for Halloween.
Niche off-centre film genre's often experience much difficulty when it comes to gaining exposure, especially because mainstream cinema houses generally aren't interested.
Thankfully Cape Town is set apart with places like the Labia, and people like Paul Blom and Sonja Ruppersberg who understand the importance of horror films.
Horrorfest has been running since 2005. "It takes a lot of time, effort and money, but it has to be done. If we don't do it, no one will," they say.
This year is no different, promising a range of classic, new, and indie films, documentaries, short films, Halloween dress-up and a live soundtrack feature. Entries for short films have been pouring in from all over the world, making this year's festival apparently one of the best.
Highlights include the 1922 silent film Haxan (The Witch) which will feature a band performing the soundtrack to celebrate Halloween. Blom and Ruppersberg will be joined by ex-Lark members and violin maestro Matthijs van Dijk, performing the new eclectic soundtrack live to the screen. Other films to look out for include Maldito Bastardo! which is a Spanish film about a mad scientist that is apparently hilarious.
Things is a B-grade Canadian film which claims to be so tacky that the organisers are willing to refund your ticket if you can sit through the whole film. "It's so bad, I don't think people will be able to survive," says Ruppersberg.
Vampira The Movie is a documentary chronicling the life of Maila Nurmi.
"It's very interesting, because she's quite a cult figure since she was the first Horror Hostess," says Blom.
He also recommends Last House on the Left which was very controversial when it was originally released. The remake was shot in South Africa and Clinton Smith, who did the make-up FX will give a talk about the experience.
This year there will be the Shadow Realm series which is a selection of short films both local and international.
A competition is running for best local short film and the winner will receive a prize of R20 000 production prize with film equipment.
- Horrorfest runs until November 6 at the Labia Theatre on Orange. Tickets : R25 (except Haxan at R40, for which booking is essential). For more info check out www.HORRORFEST.info