Returning for its thirteenth year, Grimmfest will be taking over not one, but two, weekends this October. The first weekend is for a physical event at Manchester’s Odeon Great Northern running from 7th to 10th October 2021. The second part of the festival is a virtual component that will be held online on 14th to 17th October 2021. Across both events, Grimmfest will screen over thirty films, all embracing the spirit of genre cinema, with a focus on established and new voices.
Writer and director Aaron Bartuska is one of several fledgling filmmakers to make his debut in the UK at Grimmfest with his movie For Roger. A hybrid of mumblecore, indie drama, and found footage with the added extra of a masked monster, For Roger presents a very different take on the concept of a horror film. It stars a cluster of Bartuska’s friends who also happen to have a passion for acting; the story unfolds within the confines of a creepy cabin in the woods. The cabin was the holiday location of choice for Roger (Michael Andrusiewicz) and his recently deceased girlfriend Clara (Jenna Gibilisco). Still mourning her loss, Roger decides to take one more trip to the old haunt. Armed with a collection of mini DV tapes and a camcorder, he holes up and watches tape after tape of their time away and takes a trip down memory lane. Watching the footage back Roger is confronted by some stark realisations about his relationship, and then he discovers that their time alone was being observed by a sinister watcher (Nicholas Paparo). A watcher who may still be waiting for Roger.
In the lead-up to the screening at Grimmfest, we spoke with Aaron, Michael, Jenna, and Nicholas, to uncover more details about the shoot, how their friendships brought For Roger to life, and an unexpected passion for Dawson’s Creek.
For Roger screens as part of Virtual Grimmfest 2021 on 14th October 2021. Tickets for the festival can be purchased here.
