READING’S own independent cinema is set to host the latest in a series of short film festivals with a seasonal twist this summer.
Reading Biscuit Factory is following up on previous festivals Winter Chills and Spring Rites for a new celebration of indie horror films, Season of the Witch.
The festival will feature short works from female and non-binary directors, curated by Stephen Graves and Nicci Brighten.
The screening will begin with 2013’s Scalped, a 1-minute film reminding cinema-goers of the proper etiquette for audiences, directed by Melanie Light.
This will be followed by Stop Dead, a 2023 film which follows a city detective and her partner as they try to help a girl being stalked by something unseemly, directed by Emily Green.
The Yellow Balloon follows Lauren as she returns home to a fully redecorated home, released in 2023 and directed by Lisa Guerts, and 2022’s Blood Rites follows three teenage girls as they grapple with a monstrous hunger in the English Fens.
2022’s *666 sees a Satanic ritual go awry, leading to a supernatural phone call, while 2021’s Requiem follows Evelyn, a girl fighting to be with the woman she loves against the backdrop of the early 17th Century witch trials.
Judge and organiser Stephen Graves said: “I’m delighted to be bringing another selection of short horror films to Reading Biscuit Factory.”
“We’ve put together a diverse line-up of films spanning genres including slashers, sci-fi, animation and comedy.”
James Ireland, Assistant Manager at Reading Biscuit Factory, said: “RBF are thrilled to host another night of horror shorts, following the success of Winter Chills and Spring Rites, this time centring women and non-binary filmmakers.”
Judge Nicci Brighten said: “I’m super proud to have helped curate a diverse array of exceptional shorts showcasing and celebrating the talent of women and non-binary filmmakers at different stages in their careers, each selection a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and cinematic vision.”
Director Lisa Guerts said: “I am so pleased that The Yellow Balloon is being shown amongst other short horror films by directors that identify as female or non-binary, and can’t wait to show my support for my fellow filmmakers on the night itself.”
“The film is a female-focused story with a diverse crew, and we look forward to it being shown amongst other films with a similar ethos to ours.
“I am also really excited to show The Yellow Balloon to a Reading audience as this is actually where the film was shot and we had the film’s cast and crew screening at the Reading Biscuit Factory.
“The crew includes some local talent, so we really feel this film is a Reading local production.”
Season of the Witch comes to Reading Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk, from 7.30pm on Sunday, July 14.
Tickets and full details available via: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
