Easily one of the more eccentric films on the line-up for this year’s Arrow Video FrightFest is Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead. Directed by Pat Higgins, writer of Stripper vs Werewolves, the film places a group of cheerleaders at the centre of the zombie apocalypse. Did we mention it was a musical? Well it is. Following in the footsteps of Anna and the Apocalypse, Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead mixes melodies with gore and creates a rip-roaring time.
On the eve of a televised talent show, an enthusiastic but dysfunctional cheerleading troop is on the brink of falling apart. But when a cursed necklace turns their rival boy band act into a screeching gang of zombies, the girls must learn to use their wits, friendship, and assorted power tools—before the TV finale takes a turn for the apocalyptic…
The heart of the film is Head Cheerleader Emily. Played by Charlie Bond, Emily has reached a crossroad of frustration in her life, one that is strangely aided by the rising of the undead. Bond also serves as producer for the project. It’s the first production that she’s had the reins to and thanks to a global pandemic was a baptism by fire. Ahead of the World Premiere of Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead THN spoke with Bond to get some more details on the film. We discussed making a film during a pandemic, musical theatre, the other FrightFest film she appears in, Eating Miss Campbell, and what’s next for the actor / producer.
Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead screens at Arrow Video FrightFest on Monday 29th August at 6:30pm. Tickets for Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead can be purchased by heading to the FrightFest website here.
