Brooklyn, N.Y. — The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, a beacon for avant-garde and classic horror cinema enthusiasts, recently celebrated its conclusion on October 24. Over the span of eight days, the festival showcased a diverse array of horror films at Nitehawk Cinema’s locations in Williamsburg and Prospect Park. As the curtains closed on the 2024 edition, a variety of films and filmmakers were lauded, receiving jury and audience accolades.
“Dead Talents Society,” a comedy horror crafted by writer-director John Hsu, emerged as a festival favorite, captivating audiences and critics alike. The film, which stars Bo-lin Chen, Sandrine Pinna, and Gingle Wang, skillfully combines humor and horror, depicting a ghost’s quirky adventure in a supernatural talent agency. It clinched the best film award from the Dark Matter Jury and was also celebrated for its cohesive and engaging ensemble cast.
The Head Trip Jury, dedicated to honoring films that push the boundaries of the conventional horror genre, awarded Emma Benestan the best director for her film “Animale.” This distinct narrative follows a young bullfighter played by Oulaya Amamra, who encounters mysterious transformations after a harrowing event in the ring. The film explores themes of identity and trauma, enriching the genre with its psychological depth and innovative storytelling.
Another notable award was the Leviathan Award, which recognizes influential figures in the horror film industry. This year, it was bestowed upon Larry Fessenden, a stalwart in the New York indie horror scene. With over three decades of contributions through his film studio Glass Eye Pix, Fessenden has significantly shaped horror cinema with his multi-faceted involvement as an actor, producer, and director.
In the shorts category, Grace Rex’s “The Shadow Wrangler” was highlighted for its screenplay. Featuring Mitzi Akaha, Michael Schantz, and Rex herself, the film provided a gripping portrayal of an audiobook narrator whose work on an erotic novel is menacingly disrupted by unknown forces.
The festival also resonates with its audience through the Audience Awards, with “Dead Talents Society” taking the gold medal. Following closely were Racheal Cain’s horror thriller “Somnium” and Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s mystery “Bone Lake,” which received the silver and bronze, respectively, demonstrating the diverse tastes of the festival’s attendees.
Additional honorees included Sasha Rainbow as best director for “Grafted” in the Dark Matter Jury section, while “Dead Mail” triumphed as the best film in both the Head Trip Jury and Shorts Competition Awards. Furthermore, the Shorts Jury recognized outstanding efforts in various technical and artistic categories, applauding achievements in editing, production design, special effects, and more.
This year’s Brooklyn Horror Film Festival not only celebrated a wide spectrum of horror cinema but also highlighted emerging and established talents that continue to challenge and expand the genre. With each edition, the festival cements its reputation as an essential platform for innovative horror storytelling.
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