As Fantastic Fest 2024 approaches, horror enthusiasts and genre fans alike are eagerly anticipating a lineup packed with chilling thrills, dark humor, and groundbreaking cinema. This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with two highly anticipated titles that are sure to be the talk of the event: Terrifier 3 and Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire.
Terrifier 3 - World Premiere & Opening Night Film
Set to open the festival on Thursday, September 19th, Terrifier 3 is the latest installment in the terrifying saga of Art the Clown. Directed and written by Damien Leone, the film promises to deliver more of the brutal horror that fans have come to love. The story follows Art as he unleashes chaos on the unsuspecting residents of Miles County on Christmas Eve, turning the season of joy into a night of unimaginable terror. With a stellar cast including David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, and Samantha Scaffidi, along with surprise appearances by Clint Howard and Chris Jericho, this 125-minute thrill ride is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Terrifier 3 is set to hit theaters on October 11, 2024, but festival-goers will be among the first to experience the horror firsthand at its world premiere. The film’s unrated status only adds to the anticipation, suggesting that Leone has once again pushed the boundaries of horror cinema. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the audience that witnesses this chilling chapter in Art the Clown’s legacy before anyone else.
Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire - World Premiere
On Sunday, September 22nd, the festival will also showcase the world premiere of Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire. Directed and written by Stuart Ortiz, known for his work on Grave Encounters and Extraterrestrial, this faux true-crime documentary dives deep into the eerie case of Mr. Shiny, a notorious serial killer who terrorized Southern California for nearly two decades. The film follows two detectives as they unravel the dark and twisted history of Mr. Shiny, blending elements of horror, crime, and the supernatural to create a uniquely unsettling experience.
Featuring a talented cast that includes Peter Zizzo, Terri Apple, and Andy Lauer, Strange Harvest promises to be a compelling exploration of obsession, fear, and the blurred lines between reality and myth. At 94 minutes, this film is set to captivate and disturb in equal measure, making it a must-see for fans of true crime and horror alike.
A Festival to Remember
Fantastic Fest 2024 is poised to deliver a cinematic experience like no other, with Terrifier 3 and Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire leading the charge. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or simply looking for something fresh and thrilling, these world premieres are not to be missed. Make sure to mark your calendars for these standout films, and prepare for a festival that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Jessie Hobson