Although some dismiss Pigeon Shrine FrightFest as a straight horror festival, the truth is the event caters to a much more sophisticated palette. The programming covers every spectrum of genre cinema from all out gore fests, to more psychological films. The line-up also champions, not just horror, but also science-fiction and anything that embraces the dark heart of cinema, something that Jonathan Zaurin’s Derelict most definitely does. Our review of Derelict commended Zaurin’s composition and flair for story-telling, as well as the decision to tell the story outside of the expected setting of London.
Derelict joins Abigail (Suzanne Fulton), a socially isolated, angry young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the savage death of her father some years prior. Matt (Michael Coombes) is a young man whose life gets turned upside down by the return of his brother, Ewan (Pete Bird). The destinies of these lost souls cross in ways that will tragically shape their lives. A strong and compelling addition to the library of unflinching, harsh and tough British crime films in the Shane Meadows mode, Derelict cements director Jonathan Zaurin as one of the most exciting voices working in UK genre cinema today.
Ahead of the world premiere of Derelict at FrightFest, THN spoke with director Jonathan Zaurin and lead actress Suzanne Fulton as part of our ‘Road to FrightFest’ series. Both Jonathan Zaurin and Suzanne Fulton were at FrightFest to celebrate the film’s debut and made an appearance on the media wall. THN took the opportunity to have a catch up with them, as well as picking the brains of several other members of the cast – Dean Kilbey, Ayvianna Snow, Darren King, Pete Bird and Michael Coombes. Conversations covered the power of FrightFest, tackling dark subject matter, why moving the story outside of London works, and the true life inspiration for Derelict’s story.
Derelict screened at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest.
