Wes Craven’s passing last August was a devastating loss for cinema, in a year that struck down far too many icons of film, but horror in particular. A true giant of modern horror, Craven not only helped shape the genre’s future (more than once), but created a genuine pop cultural icon in Freddy Krueger. Paying tribute to the late master of the macabre, California’s Silver Scream festival will be screening two of his films this year. In addition, Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp will be in attendance to share their memories of working with their Nightmare on Elm Street director.
Presented by Famous Monsters and Santa Rosa Entertainment, the Silver Scream Film and Comic Festival aims to discover and support new genre talent. Currently taking submissions, the festival accepts feature films, short films, animations and screenplays, as well as stories and concept art for comics and graphic novels.
Alongside this year’s special screenings of both A Nightmare on Elm Street and the mighty Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, the event has an impressive guest list headed by Englund and Langenkamp. Appearing this year are SFX and makeup legend Rick Baker (The Howling, Videodrome, Gremlins 2), director John Landis and actor David Naughton, who will be talking about their work together on An American Werewolf in London, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Also scheduled to appear are The Simpsons character designer Eric Keyes, Comic book artist Darick Robertson (The Boys, Punisher Volume 3) and – get this – Bela Lugosi Jr.
The 2016 Silver Scream Festival takes place from 4th – 6th March in Santa Rosa, California.
