Brooklyn, New York – The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival concluded its ninth annual event with a showcase of groundbreaking films and performances that captivated both jury members and attendees. The festival, known for highlighting emergent talent in the horror genre, held multiple world premieres and concluded with awards handed out to stand-out works and creators.
John Hsu’s comedic horror, “Dead Talents Society,” emerged as a top favorite, securing the coveted Best Film award by the Dark Matter jury as well as winning over the general audience to snag the Gold in audience awards. This film sets a distinguishing mark with its unique blend of horror and humor, resonating well with viewers and critics alike.
Notably, the festival opened with Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy’s “Dead Mail” and closed with James Ashcroft’s “The Rule of Jenny Pen.” Other premieres that lit up the screens were Izzy Lee’s “House of Ashes,” the eerie “Lilly Lives Alone,” and the queer sci-fi adventure “Psychonaut.”
This year also marked the introduction of the Leviathan Award, presented by Arrow Video, which honored prolific genre filmmaker Larry Fessenden. This recognition represents the festival’s commitment to celebrating trailblazing figures in the horror scene who have made significant impacts.
In the Dark Matter Jury Awards, besides the triumph of “Dead Talents Society,” other honorees included Sasha Rainbow, who won Best Director for “Grafted” and Blu Hunt for Best Performance in “The Dead Thing.” Jayro Bustamante received the Best Screenplay award for his gripping narrative in “Rita.”
The Head Trip Jury selected “Dead Mail” as the best film, with accolades also going to Emma Benestan for her directorial work in “Animale” and actors Zachary Ray Sherman and Oulaya Amamra for their compelling portrayals in “Who’s Watching” and “Animale,” respectively. Screenwriters Ariella Mastroianni and Ryan J. Sloan were recognized for “Gazer.”
The Shorts Competition Jury also highlighted exceptional short-form works. “Femme” was lauded as Best Film, with Émile Lavoie winning Best Director for “Mean Ends.” The special FX/Makeup award went to Irene Uncal for “Apotemnofilia,” and Jordan M. Hahn was recognized for his editing work in “Beach Logs Kill.”
To further engage with the community, the festival issued the Home Invasion Award, granting a post-production services credit for the highly impactful short film “Hammer.”
Looking back, this year’s Brooklyn Horror Film Festival not only celebrated a plethora of innovative and eerie narratives but also solidified its reputation as a paramount experience for both creators and enthusiasts in the genre. As it continues to attract and showcase global talent, the festival’s impact on the horror genre is undeniable, paving the way for new voices and unforgettable stories.
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