First Annual Perth Horror Film Festival

Do you love horror films? Maybe it’s the adrenalin rush or perhaps it’s the alternative realities such as zombie outbreaks or alien infestations? There’s also a morbid fascination with the dark side of the human psyche. Whatever the reason, fans of the genre are in for some good news – the first annual Perth Horror Film Festival is ready to engage you in plenty of fear, suspense and terror with a variety of popular movies and independent shorts.

From August 19 to 21, the Perth Horror Fans (a group for the horror freaks and geeks of Perth, according to Facebook) are taking over The Backlot Perth, located between Northbridge and Leederville, for three days of terrifying chills, bloody deaths and audience screams. Perth Horror Fans director Vanessa Gudgeon said the festival had been curated by genre fans – for genre fans.

“The program showcases the incredible talents of local horror and science-fiction short filmmakers, paired with classic feature films that are rarely screened in Australia,” she said. “There are lots of prizes being given away across the three days. Audience members are able to have their say by voting for their pick of best short film.

“Voting cards will be available upon entry and the winner will be announced via social media at the end of the festival with the winning filmmaker also receiving an award. The goal of the award is to inspire filmmakers to uphold the standards of genre filmmaking in WA, while still being given the freedom to make the films they want.”

Each day of the festival has several locally made short films, leading up to a feature-length classic:

- From 6.30pm, Friday, August 19: five shorts and House of Wax featuring famed horror actor Vincent Price.
- From 6.30pm, Friday, August 20: three shorts and the sci-fi horror The Day the Earth Caught Fire.
- From 1.30pm, Sunday, August 21: five shorts and The Exorcist, often regarded as the scariest movie ever made.

Tickets for the 2022 Perth Horror Film Festival range from $15 to $17.50 – visit the Perth Horror Fans website for more details. You can also keep up-to-date with all the latest on the festival via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. The Backlot is at 21 Simpson Street, West Perth.