This year marks the eleventh anniversary of the Shriekfest Film Festival, a Los Angeles-based annual event that has the distinction of being the longest-running horror festival in the city. Formed in 2001 by Denise Gossett and Kimberlee Beeson, Shriekfest has become one of the most popular genre events in the country and is held every October, accepting submissions from both independent filmmakers and new writing talents.
Denise Gossett talks about her experiences running a horror event…
In the decade since you launched Shriekfest, there have been countless horror conventions and festivals that have begun to appear across America. Do you feel you have played a small role in the rise in popularity of such events and how have these affected the success of your own?
“Sure, I know for a fact that we have; many of the fests that have popped up contacted me with questions about how to start a festival. There are a lot out there right now, but they don’t always make it… it’s sad when that happens.”
Do you find it a struggle each year to find fresh and unique films that are not too similar in style to ones you have screened at previous events?
“Not really… we don’t really worry about similarities, we just look for the best indies out there right now. Most films, even studio films, will have similarities here and there. Let’s face it, everything has been done at least once. They can still really be enjoyable, though.”
How soon after your festival comes to an end do you begin planning for the following year?
“Well, we’d like to take a few months off, but that doesn’t happen anymore. The fest ended early Oct’ and we were already getting requests to open the call for entries… cracks me up. It’s nice that people are excited, though.”
Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have become an invaluable tool for artists to promote their work. What role have these sites played in keeping Shriekfest in touch with its audience?
“Well, it makes us more accessible; anyone can ask questions easily and it also helps us get the word out about films/filmmakers and writers that we love or have accomplished something cool. It’s also a good way to keep everyone abreast of call for entries and our networking events.”
The horror genre runs in circles, with PG-13 movies like The Ring replaced by the torture porn of Hostel and then the current run of remakes such as A Nightmare on Elm Street. How difficult is it to remain relevant with changes in the public’s taste, particularly when trying to obtain films that will appeal to the modern crowd?
“Well, that is true… the tastes do change, but the interesting thing… I like to believe that there is a wave length that we are all on. It’s interesting; whatever happens to be in favour that year is exactly what we get submitted. There have been years of vampires, zombies, werewolves and even a year where we received a ton of horror porn. It all goes in waves.”
Have you used the event to promote your own horror films and what kind of connections have you built from hosting the festival for so long?
“Yes and no… I don’t do a lot of horror films, but when I do, even if I say nothing about them, word spreads and someone will start asking me about it. I have met some amazing people out there and I try to support them all and, in return, they support me by showing an interest in my acting career. It’s really very sweet. There has only been one film in the history of Shriekfest that I appeared in and it was a tiny part. I try not to mix the two worlds. I’m sure one day there will be a film that gets in that I happen to be in, but it won’t be because of me that it gets in, the judges will have to vote it in.”
How much support have you received from the mainstream industry and which filmmakers have you built a strong working relationship with?
“When you say mainstream, I assume you mean outside the horror genre? Moviemaker Magazine gave us the top 25 film festivals worth the entry fee, and I consider them pretty mainstream. Last year, we also made the LA Weekly Magazine best issue! When you say built a strong working relationship with, I don’t really ‘work’ with any of the filmmakers. Have I become fans of some? Yes and I love to support our Shriekfest alumni in any way I can.”
One inspired aspect of the festival is your screenplay competition, allowing young writers the chance to gain exposure for their work. Has this led to many films being produced as a result of being featured at Shriekfest?
“Yes, actually… I’ve helped quite a few screenwriters get agents or sell their scripts! It’s very exciting! We even had one of our under 18 screenwriters get her feature made!”
The horror genre is constantly criticised as being misogynistic and something of a ‘boy’s club?’ Having gained credibility without being exploited, how do you feel about the negative image that the genre has and how women are portrayed in it?
“I think it is changing…. slowly. But it is changing. We are getting more and more female horror filmmakers and that is helping and we are getting some stronger female characters. It’s all very exciting to see how women are going to shape the future of this genre, in a much different way then they already have.”
The financial climate over the last couple of years has forced many businesses to declare bankruptcy. How have you managed to survive through this and do you feel that no matter how bad things may become, horror fans will always want to escape to these kinds of events?
“Well, honestly, I think we have survived and grown through the years because we truly care about the filmmakers and screenwriters and the fans! If you talk to anyone who has participated in our festival, they will usually say it’s like a family… we truly do try to make it personal. If someone is going to entrust their money and their films/screenplays to us, they deserve us to care and give it our time. I think there are some fests out there that don’t do that, at least that is what I hear. We hold a monthly networking meeting too and we are constantly helping introduce people so they can work. We’re all a big family and we can all help each other in some way. I love to send referrals to filmmakers or screenwriters who were not finalists… they are shocked that I would still try to help them even though they weren’t in the festival. The way I see it, talent is talent and not everyone can be a finalist in the festival.”
very informative and beautiful pictures as well…congrats…