Briley Barrett
In Motion Staff Writer
In an interview, evil genius and theater manager Stephanie Mason-Teague offered the history behind the event, as well as what horrific happenings are planned for the evening.
“We came up with Zombie Fest because it really encourages independent film making and that’s our mission. One of the reasons Cinematique is here is because we realized so many movies were being made that no one ever got a chance to see. They were not only great works of art, but also lots of fun and a great way for people to express themselves. Our Zombie Film Festival is a way that we can see what our community has to offer and I’ve been really impressed.”
In its inaugural year, the contest attracted five movie makers whose challenge it was to create a short film in 48 hours featuring the reanimated . Though many attempted to create a gory picture for the big screen, the results were mainly parodies of the popular ‘Walking Dead’ genre.
Daytona State student filmmaker Nicholas Gear is planning to enter a film in the contest for the first time this year. “I have a bunch of really cool ideas and I’m already putting together a team. We’re all stoked to get started.”
Those interested in creating their own zombie-inspired feature this time around will be given 72 hours to write, cast, produce, and edit a spine-chilling tale. Prizes and awards will be presented at the end of the film screening on Halloween night.
Cinematique’s celebration kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a free showing of contest flicks. Audience members will vote for their favorite. Sources on the other side believe a live performance of works by Edgar Allen Poe may materialize during the evening. The frightening fun doesn’t end there. At 7:30 p.m., $5 per body grants admission to the 1968 classic horror film “Night of the Living Dead.” Also on tap will be special themed drinks and seasonal nighttime nosh, so tasty they may wake the dead.
“This is a great alternative for young adults,” said Mason-Teague. “If you’re not going out to bars and you’re not going trick or treating, Zombie Fest is good middle ground.”
For more information about contest registration or the Zombie Fest event, contact Cinematique at 386-252-3118 or www.cinematique.org
Fear FACTor:
• The term “zombie” is thought to originate from Haitian voodoo culture.
• The first flesh-eating zombie film created was George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead.”
• The Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St.Paul) hold the Guinness World Record for the largest zombie walk ever where 8027 people participated.
• On the set of ‘The Walking Dead,’ special effects make-up takes about an hour and a half per character.