For the last few weeks we at THN have been bringing a series of interviews with filmmakers whose movies will be playing as part of this year’s Grimmfest line-up. The festival returns to the physical realm for its thirteenth edition, taking over Manchester’s Odeon Great Northern from the 7th to 10th October. For those unable to attend in person, the organisers are also hosting an online variant of the festival, which will run from 14th to 17th October. Over both events, ticket buyers will be able to enjoy around thirty films that explore the darker side of cinema. With films ranging from psychological dramas, awkward dinner parties, and full-on gore-fests, there is sure to be something to satisfy everyone’s horror taste.
If you’re a fan of eco-horror, apocalypse films, and stories that explore the human condition, then you should seek out D. M. Cunningham’s The Spore. Told through a variety of different characters’ eyes over several chapters, The Spore follows the lifespan of a deadly new spore whose mutation has devastating results for the human race. A real low-budget, all hands on deck production, Cunningham’s film presents some interesting ideas that are sure to capture your imagination.
Made just before the pandemic struck, The Spore takes on an eerie new feeling when watching now, Cunningham almost appears to have prophesied the imminent global catastrophe. It’s not the only time that the director has accidentally spoken something into existence. A recent accident in his homestead occurred mere moments after he warned it could happen. With this in mind, we were a little afraid of what doom Cunningham would foresee when we sat down to chat to him about The Spore. Thankfully, the interview went off without a hitch and you can view it in its entirety below.
The Spore screens at Grimmfest 2021 on 9th October 2021. Tickets for the festival can be purchased here.
