Six films, ranging from fantastic comedy to musical horror, will compete for the Dracula 2017 trophy. Among them is the Romanian production The Wanderers, directed by Dragoş Buliga, with Armand Assante in the lead role. The famous American actor is invited to honor the festival and will take part in the film screening on Saturday, October 21, at 20.00, at the “Sica Alexandrescu” Theater in Brasov.
The fifth edition of Dracula Film Festival, which will take place October 18-22, brings to Brasov six stories presented or awarded to the most important horror and fantasy festivals in the world on the big screen in Braşov: Double Date (R. Benjamin Barfoot), The Night of the Virgin (R. Roberto San Sebastián), The Wanderers (R. Dragoș Buliga), Replace (R. Norbert Keil), Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight (R. Alan Lo), The Lure (R. Agnieszka Smoczynska).
“The film genre can be very varied – that’s what this year’s Dracula Film Festival shows. And this time, it’s not just about fans that are fond of “horror”. For those who are afraid of horror, we have four fantastic comedies, one of which is a musical, a vampire movie made in Romania, a crazy zombie movie, two films with virgins who have unforgettable nights, three very heroic , if not fatal, movies, to which my colleague Alin Ludu Dumbravă has even labeled “feminist”. So we invite to Dracula Film Festival and those who want to laugh – and why not, to sing – between two chills, “says Anca Grădinariu, artistic director Dracula Film Festival.
Four times nominated for the Golden Globe, Armand Assante will be present at Dracula Film Festival for the fantasy horror screening The Wanderers, where he meets his set partner from California Dreamin’, Răzvan Vasilescu ten years later.
In The Wanderers (R. Dragoș Buliga, Romania, 2017), experienced vampire hunter Louis Moudon (Armand Assante) and his journalist companion arrive in an isolated village in Transylvania to investigate the mystery surrounding a bizarre event. Along with their guide, young local Sorana, and a reality show team, they will find out that the villagers are experiencing a dreadful scare. Louis will soon have to face a totally surprising discovery. The screening of the film will take place in the presence of the lead actor Armand Assante.
Double Date (R. Benjamin Barfoot, UK, 2017) is a savory comedy, a provocative variation on the films that depict the sinister efforts of young people to lose their virginity. The British once again demonstrate that horror requires a good dose of exaggeration. And what better way to provoke thrills other than a combination of tension, excitement and humor? The film was part of the selection of the Karlovy Vary film festival and is not recommended for minors under the age of 16.
The subject is also about virginity in The Night of the Virgin (D. Roberto San Sebastián, Spania, 2016).. New Year’s Eve, Nico, a 20-year-old naive, wants to lose virginity at any cost. Even in the middle of the party, his gaze meets Medee’s, a mature, cunning and attractive woman. What promises to be an epic sexual debut, passionate and without taboos, ends up becoming his biggest nightmare. A nightmare full of blood, sweat and and varied discharges.. The film was awarded the Nightmares Film Festival 2016 (USA) and was part of the FrightFest 2017 festival selection (UK).
Another film not recommended for minors under the age of 16 is Replace (R. Norbert Keil, Germania – Canada, 2017), a “horror body” told from a female perspective that examines the vain desire for eternal youth. The film was nominated for Best European Film at the International Fantasy Festival in Brussels 2017.
In Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight (R. Alan Lo, Hong Kong, 2017), Lung and Chi-Yeung are two eccentric and temperamental youths who lead an adventurous life: they think they are superheroes. However, Lung cannot save his own life, full of personal disasters. When a Lung’s favorite cartoon monster appears in the city and turns people into zombies, the chaos is set in motion. When even Chan-Yat is missing, Lung has to take a fight against an army of zombies. Zombiology was part of the Sitges festival selection.
The Lure (R. Agnieszka Smoczynska, Polonia, 2015), the debut film of director Agnieszka Smoczynska and the Jury Special Prize winner at Sundance 2016, will also be seen at Dracula Film Festival. In Warsaw, two sister sirens are adopted by a cabaret. While one is looking for human love, the other wants to confront the city’s population. An extravagant and sonatous musical horror adored in the festival.
Dracula Film Festival will take place in Braşov, October 18-22, at “Sică Alexandrescu” Theater, Cinemateca Patria, Cinema One and Reduta Cultural Center.
Dracula Film Festival is an annual event organized by Fanzin Cultural Association and presented by Viasat History. The festival is funded by the Brasov City Hall, the Brasov County Council and the National Center for Cinematography.
