Film4 Frightfest announces 2011 programme

Troll Hunter and hillbillies highlight a long weekend of terror

by Scott Macdonald

Late-night festival Nordic favourite Troll Hunter heads up the programme of the 12th Film4 Frightfest season.

This year, Brit-horror is well-represented, with a record number of British features screening. The Wicker Tree - Robin Hardy's long-awaited companion to his 1973 classic, The Wicker Man - gets its European premiere after being notably snubbed by this year's troubled Edinburgh International Film Festival. South by Southwest hit Kill List, by Down Terrace director Ben Wheatley, and the online privacy chiller Panic Button will also be screening.

Contemporary US horror is well represented by a special London premiere of the hillbilly horror comedy Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, and the demented Deadheads. Additionally, the current state of American terror will be examined with a panel discussion. Internationally, viewers can look forward to Israel's first slasher flick, the entertaining Rabies, and the dark Dutch fairytale, Saint.

Guillermo del Toro described the Film4 Frightfest as "the Woodstock of Gore", and they're honoring his words with the Opening Night film - his latest production, Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark.

Additionally, bringing terror into the third dimension are the upcoming blockbusters Final Destination 5 3D and the impeccably cast remake Fright Night 3D - sickbags optional, glasses not. Closing up, the chase is on in dark descent thriller set in the Scottish Highlands, A Lonely Place To Die.

The Film4 FrightFest kicks off on 25th August and runs for five days. Festival and day tickets are on sale from 2nd July. Individual screenings can be booked from 1st August. Naturally, Eye For Film will bring you further coverage and news as the event draws nearer. For more information, visit the official site.

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