Beyond Fest, the biggest genre film festival in the U.S. is back for its 12th edition with a staggering lineup of 82 feature films, 16 world premieres, and 15 days of cinematic celebration. Set to run from September 25th to October 9th, this year’s festival, presented by NEON in collaboration with the American Cinematheque, promises to be the largest yet, welcoming film enthusiasts from around the world to screenings at iconic venues such as the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3, and Vista Theatre.
Building on its reputation as the ultimate genre film experience, Beyond Fest 2024 kicks off with the world premiere of Salem's Lot, Gary Dauberman's much-anticipated adaptation of Stephen King's classic novel. The festival will close with Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Cloud, marking a fitting end with the Japanese auteur in attendance for a seven-film retrospective.
Beyond Fest has earned a reputation for combining cutting-edge genre films with appearances from legendary filmmakers and stars. This year is no different, with a host of in-person events featuring icons such as Sam Raimi, Sarah Paulson, and Shane Black. A 30th-anniversary screening of Speed will reunite Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, and director Jan de Bont, while Al Pacino will grace the festival to discuss his career ahead of the release of his memoir, Sonny Boy.
Among the many highlights, the West Coast premieres of The Brutalist in 70mm, Sean Baker's Palme d’Or-winning Anora, and Marielle Heller's scathing Nightbitch promise to deliver powerful, cinematic experiences. Damien Leone’s Terrifier 3 is set to be a crowd-pleaser, while Ali Abbasi's The Apprentice brings together an all-star cast led by Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong.
For fans of international cinema, the festival includes the U.S. premiere of The Platform 2 and the international premiere of My Hero Academia: You’re Next from Japan’s Toho Studios. Additionally, Devara: Part 1, the latest epic from Jr NTR, brings Indian cinema to the forefront.
Genre spotlight events include a special 20th-anniversary screening of Saw, with Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, and Leigh Whannell attending, and a 50th-anniversary celebration of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre featuring a screening and discussion with 12 members of the original cast and crew. Fans of Mike Flanagan’s Hush will get to see a never-before-seen 'Shush Cut', with the director and star Kate Siegel in attendance.
The 2024 edition also honors visionary filmmakers with events showcasing the work of Jennifer Kent, Tarsem Singh, Walter Hill, and Paul W.S. Anderson. Sam Raimi’s triple feature of Darkman, The Quick and the Dead, and Drag Me to Hell is expected to draw huge crowds, while Shane Black’s quadruple bill featuring Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys highlights his mastery of the noir genre.
Beyond Fest’s dedication to discovering new talent remains strong, with 4 shorts blocks highlighting the best-emerging voices in genre cinema. The Los Feliz 3 will serve as a hub for these screenings, all offered free to the public, continuing the festival’s commitment to making global genre cinema accessible.
Head of Programming Evrim Ersoy emphasized the festival’s mission of bridging the cinematic past with the future. “We’ve created a program that embraces all corners of the cinematic spectrum, bringing together Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Brady Corbet, Jennifer Kent, and Sam Raimi to celebrate the full range of genre filmmaking,” said Ersoy.
The 12th Beyond Fest promises an unforgettable cinematic journey for all attendees, celebrating the weird, wonderful, and terrifying world of genre filmmaking. With screenings, marathons, and special events spread across Los Angeles, this year’s edition is set to cement Beyond Fest's status as the premier destination for genre lovers.
For more information on the festival lineup and ticket sales, visit Beyond Fest’s official website.
Jessie Hobson