DarkFest IV (2021): A Spectacular Day For Horror Fans

David Gelmini |

Dec 2, 2021

After being canceled last year due to the pandemic, DarkFest returned to the Genesis Cinema with a vengeance this month. Horror fans from far and wide were treated to a wondrous day of celebrating their favourite genre. DarkFest is already shaping up to be one of the top annual horror events in the UK, and all self-respecting fans of the horror genre should make an effort to attend.

An eclectic selection of horror films was screened this year, so fans could enjoy everything the genre has to offer. Watching Cannibal Holocaust on the big screen was certainly not an experience I am going to forget anytime soon Director Ruggero Deodato was also in attendance, so guests could have their picture taken with him and ask him questions about how he filmed the infamous turtle scene. Filmmaker Chris Walker also had his spooky short film The Devil’s Idol screened at the event There was even a screening of a gory stop-motion film called Dr. Block’s Train Of Shocks from director Brick Boy Bloater, made entirely from Lego. Other films shown throughout the day included the Hammer classic The Devil Rides Out, The Lost Continent, and Lucio Fulci’s The New York Ripper. This was clearly the place to be for horror fans.

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Best of all, the traveling performance troupe known as The Circus of Horrors performed two live acts onstage during the day, with some of their stunts being so incredibly dangerous that many people in the audience were literally holding their breath. Watching Hannibal Helmurto swallow real swords was truly a sight to behold, as one wrong move would surely result in his certain death. Similarly, the sight of the acrobats jumping over live flames was absolutely incredible, although how they secured permission to use real fire inside a cinema auditorium is beyond my understanding. I’ve attended a number of horror conventions throughout my life, and this was the first time I’ve ever seen death-defying stunts performed on stage before my very eyes. Needless to say, I was certainly impressed by the spectacular Circus of Horrors.

Between the screenings and the performances, fans mingled in the large foyer area, with other special guests such as Pauline Peart, Debi Sue Voorhees, Caroline Munro, and Norman Eshley being on hand to sign autographs. It was also a pleasure to catch up with award-winning filmmaker Emma Dark and renowned artist Graham Humphreys, who were both in attendance. As a Star Wars fan, I was delighted to meet actor Mike Quinn, who plays Nien Nunb in the franchise.