Frightfest line-up announced for 2009

Dario Argento, Clive Barker, and zombies galore!

by Jennie Kermode

The programme for this year's Film4 Frightfest has just been announced, and it looks like lots of fun. Opening with the eagerly awaited mystery boat tale Triangle, and with The Descent: Part 2 for its closing gala, it's sure to pull in the fans.

Other highlights this year include Dario Argento's new work Giallo, as seen at the Edinburgh Film Festival, the world premieres of Heartless and Clive Barker's Dread, and the UK premiere of Millennium: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Zombie fans will be particularly well served, with four great films in store including the much talked-about Zombie Women Of Satan. There'll also be the unconventional not-quite-zombies of Pontypool.

As usual, there's more going on at Frightfest than just watching films. This year's special guest will be John Landis, director of the classic An American Werewolf In London. Adam Gierasch and Federico Zampaglione will be among the other directors attending, alongside actors Jim Sturgess and David Hess. There will be several Q&As, sneak previews of forthcoming films, competitions, and a special even commemorating the 100 best deaths in the movies.

Frightfest will be held in the Empire Leicester Square in London between Thursday 27 and Monday 31 August. For details visit http://www.frightfest.co.uk

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