This weekend sees Mitch Harrod host another edition of his film festival, Soho Horror Fest. The event began in 2018 and has become a fast favourite of those that follow the genre festival circuit. What makes Soho Horror Fest exciting is that it always champions inclusivity and accessibility. This weekend’s event is evidence of that mantra, it being a specially curated Pride edition that will screen a breadth of new and important Queer genre cinema virtually.
Back in 2020 the festival was one of the first to attempt the cyber set-up and ran regular screenings online; a lifeline to many who were trapped isolating in their homes alone. The sense of community is evident from the smallest of searches online and this weekend’s Pride edition is set to be an epic party, filled with a mixture of screenings, live commentaries, panels, an interactive competition, and an actual online after-party to dissect all the films.
Sohome Horror Pride will run from 24th – 26th June, is entirely virtual, and will operate on a ‘pay what you can’ tariff. It’s an incredibly generous move and one that is welcome given the rise in cost of living and is the perfect opportunity to experience some new frights no matter the budget.
Here’s a smattering of what you can expect to experience this weekend.
Exploited
Star of House of Wax and Scary Movie, Jon Abrahams, continues to carve out a career as a director with Exploited. An exceptionally horny film, Exploited is set in college; the story joins freshman Brian (Jordan Ver Hoeve) as he arrives. Whilst tidying his room he discovers a mysterious flash drive. Curious, he plugs the drive into his computer and finds a ton of videos featuring a webcam model and his clients. The last video appears to end in murder and sends Brian and his new friends down a dangerous path. A kinky, cyber thriller with heavy elements of college-set slashers such as Valentine, Urban Legend, and Sorority Row (with the added inclusion of Leah Pipes), Exploited is set to kick the festival off with one helluva bang.
Eurovision Event
Eurovision is one of the campest events on the television schedule and never one to be outdone, Soho Horror Fest will host its own horror version of the event. Teams have been painstakingly creating their homages to movies from Eurovision countries. Their videos will be shared with the audience at home who will wield the power to vote for their favourite. Tune in to find out which country wins.
Road Head
Proof that horror films work just as well in the daytime, Road Head is a desert-set, sun-bleached story that pits a trio of friends against a reclusive murderous cult. Easily one of the most fun films on offer, Road Head will have viewers laughing, wincing (with perhaps the odd retch or two), and applauding its over-the-top nature. There’s a kick-ass female lead for the audience to get behind and a loveable sidekick character who steals whatever scene that he’s present for. Road Head may also have the zingiest dialogue of any of the films on the schedule. Trust us, you’ll be instantly quoting this one and showing it to as many of your mates as you can.
We’re all Going to the World’s Fair
In addition to populating the line-up with a ton of new content, Soho Horror Fest also gives the chance for viewers to catch-up on one of last year’s favourites, We’re all Going to the World’s Fair. The film presents a tortuously twisted exploration of the darker side to the internet and living online. It features a stunning performance by first-time actor Anna Cob. Beautifully realised and stunningly acted, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair plays out like the indie weird second-cousin of Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade, and therefore has to be seen immediately.
Sohome Horror Pride runs from 24th – 26th June, more details can be found here.
