Frightfest announces guest line-up

Robert Englund and Alan Moore top the list.

by Jennie Kermode

Englund's iconic Krueger.
Englund's iconic Krueger.

Freddy Krueger himself - or at least the man who played him, Robert Englund - is to make a special appearance at this year's Film4 Frightfest, it was announced today. Besides A Nightmare On Elm Street, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the 67 year old actor has also starred in genre hits from V to Strippers Vs Werewolves, as well as playing a memorable Phantom of the Opera. “Englund is one of the genre’s originals and we are thrilled to host such an icon of fright,” said festival co-director Alan Jones.

Also big news for fans is a scheduled appearance by legendary author and noted recluse Alan Moore, creator of the original comics behind From Hell, V For Vendetta and Watchmen. Moore will introduce his new short film triptych Show Pieces along with its director, Mitch Jenkins.

Other stars joining the line-up are horror's latest scream queen, Maika Monroe (It Follows), acclaimed director John McNaughton (Henry, Portrait Of A Serial Killer), and actress Essie Davis, who has gone from a bit part in The Matrix Revolutions to wow audiences with her recent turn as a troubled mother in The Babadook, which will be screening on the Friday night. Festival stalwart Nacho Vigalondo will introduce not one but three films - Open Windows, V/H/S/ Viral and his much-loved science fiction comedy romance Extraterrestrial - while Fabrice Du Welz will introduce Alleluia, a film already attracting impressive word of mouth.

With a further 25 directors, six producers and 17 actors filling out the line-up, it's going to be a busy few days.

Film4 Frightfest will run from 22 to 25 August. You can read or coverage so far here.

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