In the heart of New Orleans, a city steeped in mystery and the macabre, horror enthusiasts from around the world will gather for a four-day celebration of the genre’s most bone-chilling and thought-provoking offerings. The Overlook Film Festival, taking place from April 4-7, 2024, at the Prytania Theatres, promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all things horror.
This year’s festival boasts an impressive lineup of 45 films from 11 countries, showcasing the best in new and classic horror cinema. With 22 feature films and 23 short films, the festival offers a diverse range of scares, from psychological thrillers to supernatural nightmares and everything in between. The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is not just about the movies, though; it’s a full-fledged celebration of horror culture, featuring live presentations, immersive experiences, special guests, and much more.
Kicking off the festivities is the Opening Night film, NEON’s Cuckoo, directed by Tilman Singer and starring Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick. This beautiful and terrifying giallo-esque nightmare is sure to set the tone for the rest of the festival. The excitement continues with the Closing Night world premiere of Universal Pictures’ Abigail, the latest offering from the renowned filmmaking collective Radio Silence.
In addition to the latest and greatest in horror cinema, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 pays homage to the genre’s rich history with an expanded selection of retrospective screenings. From the 10th anniversary of Mike Flanagan’s breakout film Oculus to the 50th anniversary of Brian De Palma’s cult classic Phantom of the Paradise, featuring a special appearance by the legendary Paul Williams, the festival offers a chance to revisit and celebrate horror’s most iconic and influential works.
With an unparalleled lineup of films, live events, and immersive experiences, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is poised to be the horror event of the year. In this comprehensive article, we’ll take a deep dive into the festival’s offerings, providing you with all the details you need to make the most of this unforgettable celebration of horror’s past, present, and future.
Feature Films of The Overlook 2024
At the heart of The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is its impressive lineup of feature films, showcasing the best in contemporary horror cinema from around the world. The festival’s opening night film, NEON’s Cuckoo, sets the bar high with its giallo-inspired tale of a young woman plagued by terrifying visions in the German Alps. Directed by Tilman Singer and featuring a stellar cast including Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick, Cuckoo promises to be a haunting and unforgettable experience.
Other notable features include A24’s Sundance breakout hit I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun, which follows an awkward teenager whose life is upended by a mysterious and supernatural TV show. Festival-goers can also look forward to Blackout, a genre-bending werewolf story from horror icon Larry Fessenden, and Azrael, a pulse-pounding, post-apocalyptic thriller from E.L. Katz and Simon Barrett, starring Samara Weaving.
The festival’s closing night film is equally impressive, with the world premiere of Universal Pictures’ Abigail, the latest offering from the renowned filmmaking collective Radio Silence. Starring Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens, Abigail is a fresh take on the vampire genre that promises to be both brash and blood-thirsty.
A Celebration of Horror’s Past: Retrospective Screenings
In addition to showcasing the latest and greatest in horror cinema, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 pays homage to the genre’s rich history with an expanded selection of retrospective screenings. Horror fans will have the opportunity to revisit and celebrate some of the most iconic and influential works in the genre, often with the added bonus of special guests and rare screening formats.
One of the highlights of this year’s retrospective lineup is the 10th-anniversary screening of Oculus, the breakout film from prolific horror filmmaker and showrunner Mike Flanagan. Flanagan, along with actress Kate Siegel, will be in attendance to receive the festival’s prestigious Master of Horror Award, joining the ranks of past recipients such as Roger Corman, Mick Garris, Stuart Gordon, and Joe Dante.
Other retrospective screenings include a new 4K restoration of Lucio Fulci’s 1981 giallo classic The Beyond, a 70th-anniversary 3-D screening of Creature from the Black Lagoon in 35mm, and a 100th-anniversary showing of the silent film classic The Hands of Orlac, accompanied by a live score from New Orleans’ own Think Less, Hear More.
Perhaps the most anticipated retrospective event is the 50th-anniversary screening of Brian De Palma’s cult classic Phantom of the Paradise, which will be attended by the film’s composer and star, the legendary Paul Williams. This special screening, presented by FANGORIA, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to celebrate this beloved film with one of its key creators.
The Complete Guide to The Overlook Film Festival 2024
Opening Night Film
- Cuckoo (Germany, United States, 2024)
Closing Night Film
- Abigail (United States, 2024)
International Titles Presented by MUBI
- All You Need is Death (Ireland, 2023)
- Azrael (United States, 2024)
- Birdeater (Australia, 2023)
- Blackout (United States, 2023)
- Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (Canada, 2023)
- I Saw the TV Glow (United States, 2023)
- In a Violent Nature (Canada, 2023)
- Infested (France, 2023)
- Kill Your Lover (United Kingdom, 2023)
- Look Into My Eyes (United States, 2024)
- New Life (United States, 2023)
- Oddity (Ireland, 2023)
- Red Rooms (Canada, 2023)
- Sleep (South Korea, 2023)
- Things Will Be Different (United States, 2023)
Retrospective Film Presentations:
- The Beyond (Italy, 1981) – World Premiere of 4K Restoration
- Creature From the Black Lagoon 3-D (United States, 1954) – 70th Anniversary Screening in 35mm
- The Hands of Orlac (Austria, 1924) – 100th Anniversary Screening with New Live Score by Think Less, Hear More
- Phantom of the Paradise (United States, 1974) – 50th Anniversary Screening with Paul Williams in person
- Oculus (United States, 2014) – 10th Anniversary Screening with Mike Flanagan in person
Short Films:
The Overlook Film Festival 2024 will also feature 23 short films as part of its lineup. The titles of these short films have not been announced yet.
Live Event Presentations:
- Fasterpiece Theater, presented by The Museum Of Home Video
- Looking Over the Garden Wall: A 10th Anniversary Celebration
Immersive and Interactive Experiences:
- A Freak Encounter
- The Most Dangerous Man in America
- Regrets From the Dead
- The Dark Séance
- The Grand Hall, presented by Escape My Room
Please note that this list includes all the films and events announced in the initial lineup, and additional programming will be revealed closer to the festival dates.
Beyond the Screen: Live Events and Immersive Experiences
The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is more than just a film festival; it’s a full-fledged celebration of horror culture that extends beyond the screen. Attendees can look forward to a wide range of live events and immersive experiences that further enhance the festival’s atmosphere of terror and excitement.
One of the festival’s signature live events is Looking Over the Garden Wall, a 10th-anniversary panel celebrating the beloved horror-tinged animated miniseries Over the Garden Wall. Creator Patrick McHale and art director Nick Cross will be on hand to share behind-the-scenes stories and rare artwork from the making of this modern cult classic.
Another must-see live event is Fasterpiece Theater, presented by the Museum of the Home Video. Created and hosted by Bret Berg, this unique experience takes audiences on a whirlwind tour of ten little-known horror films, edited down to their most memorable moments for maximum impact.
For those seeking a more interactive experience, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 offers an unparalleled immersive program, anchored by the festival’s ongoing partnership with the Academy of Magical Arts. This year’s offerings include three world premieres: A Freak Encounter, a mind-bending journey guided by the infamous Todd Robbins; The Most Dangerous Man in America, an unforgettable meeting with the greatest card cheat in the country; and Regrets From the Dead, a ghostly guided journey through our decisions and regrets materialized by Jared Kopf. Rounding out the immersive program is a special presentation of The Dark Séance, an attempt to part the veil and manifest the dead from the renowned Zabrecky, and a sneak preview of The Grand Hall, presented by local favorites Escape My Room, where guests explore an ancestral home to uncover the deepest mysteries of a family’s long-buried past.
A Festival for Horror Fans, by Horror Fans
At its core, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is a celebration of horror by and for the genre’s most passionate fans. The festival’s programming team, led by Co-Founders Landon Zakheim and Michael Lerman, along with Program Manager Keith Garcia, Short Film Programmer Katie Rife, and Associate Director of Programming Sheryl Santacruz, has curated a lineup that reflects the diversity and depth of the horror community’s tastes and interests.
From the latest indie sensations to beloved classics, from pulse-pounding thrillers to thought-provoking explorations of the human condition, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 offers something for every kind of horror fan. The festival’s commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent, as well as its dedication to providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the genre, is a testament to its role as a vital and inclusive force in the horror community.
An Unforgettable Experience
With its unparalleled lineup of films, live events, and immersive experiences, set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of New Orleans, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for horror fans from around the world. Whether you’re a die-hard gore-hound, a connoisseur of psychological terror, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry and craftsmanship of great filmmaking, this festival has something to offer.
So mark your calendars for April 4-7, 2024, and prepare to immerse yourself in the dark, twisted, and endlessly fascinating world of horror at The Overlook Film Festival. With its commitment to celebrating the genre’s past, present, and future, this festival is not just a showcase of great horror, but a testament to the enduring power and appeal of one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring genres.
As the festival approaches, horror fans can look forward to additional programming announcements, special guest appearances, and more. But one thing is certain: The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the world of horror, and an experience that no fan of the genre will want to miss.
In Memoriam The Overlook 2024
The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is dedicated to the memory of Doug Jones (1970-2023), a beloved friend and colleague whose contributions to the world of horror will never be forgotten. Jones’ iconic performances in films like Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, and The Shape of Water, among countless others, have left an indelible mark on the genre and inspired generations of fans and filmmakers alike. His presence at the festival will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the unforgettable characters he brought to life on screen.
The Overlook Film Festival 2024: A Horror Lover’s Dream Come True
As the sun sets on the final day of The Overlook Film Festival 2024, attendees will undoubtedly leave New Orleans with a newfound appreciation for the power and versatility of horror cinema. From the pulse-pounding premieres of the latest and greatest in contemporary horror to the nostalgic celebrations of the genre’s most iconic and influential works, this festival offers an unparalleled experience for fans of all stripes.
But The Overlook Film Festival is more than just a showcase of great films; it’s a celebration of the horror community itself. Throughout the four-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded fans, engage in lively discussions and debates, and even rub elbows with some of the genre’s most renowned filmmakers and actors. It’s this sense of community and shared passion that sets The Overlook Film Festival apart from other film festivals and makes it a true horror lover’s dream come true.
As the festival draws to a close, attendees will leave with more than just a collection of unforgettable cinematic experiences; they’ll leave with a renewed sense of excitement and enthusiasm for the future of horror. With its commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent, as well as its dedication to pushing the boundaries of what the genre can achieve, The Overlook Film Festival 2024 is a testament to the enduring power and relevance of horror in our cultural landscape.
So as the credits roll on this year’s festival, horror fans can take comfort in knowing that the future of the genre is in good hands. With events like The Overlook Film Festival leading the charge, the world of horror is sure to continue thriving, evolving, and terrifying audiences for generations to come. Until next year, when the festival returns to once again celebrate the best and brightest in horror, fans can look back on the 2024 edition as a true high point in the genre’s long and storied history.
To stay up-to-date on all the latest news and announcements from The Overlook Film Festival, be sure to follow the festival on social media and visit their official website. And for those who were unable to attend this year’s event, fear not – with any luck, the festival will be back in 2025, bigger, better, and scarier than ever before. Until then, keep the spirit of horror alive in your hearts, and never stop celebrating the genre that we all know and love.
Resources:
The Overlook Website
