LATIN HORROR | Blog of Pheare

Extra Bilingual Newspaper - Pagán scaring up a revolution at LatinHorror.com

2011-11-02T18:10:00.001-04:00

Extra Bilingual Newspaper - Pagán scaring up a revolution at LatinHorror.com

THE ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES | Teaser | BOOKS - LATIN HORROR

2011-03-10T14:13:00.000-04:00

SHRINK OF THE DEAD: Renowned professor's novel approaches Zombies from the shocking point-of-view of science and probability.

A new book about to hit bookstores on March 25th, 'The Zombie Autopsies: Secret Notebooks from the Apocalypse,' takes a scientifically- and medically-grounded look at the neuropsychology of zombies. So it appears that there is a practical reason why the walking dead thirst for "BRAINS!" after all.

Penned by Dr. Steven C. Schlozman, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School -- and an all-around zombie enthusiast --the book takes a unique look at zombies through the lens of reality and medical science, thus turning it into an immediately frightening experience since alas our final emotional defense mechanism -- "This isn't real" -- is completely stripped away from our arsenal at the outset; the makings for both a compelling premise and intriguingly gory read.

Today we have a fun and informative book teaser that sets the working parameters of the mythology that is sure to send a cold chill up your spine (that is unless the living dead haven't already removed it for use as a sippy-straw). The teaser was shot by New York-based filmmaker Hugo Pérez.

On March 25th, LATIN HORROR will bring you a full book review of 'Zombie Autopsies,' the book's exciting full trailer, and comprehensive interviews with both Dr. Schlozmanand and Hugo Pérez.

Zombie Autopsies is published by Grand Central Publishing and will have a retail price of $19.99.

http://latinhorror.com/books/thezombieautopsies

Joseph D. Peters Joins LATIN HORROR Writing Staff

2011-03-07T19:21:00.007-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

As you may already know, I was busy in pre-production and production on the short, indie horror film, The Talisman, written by short horror film guru Drew Daywalt, and directed and photographed by yours truly. And while the experience of working on my first narrative film as a director after so many years of working as a cinematographer on the creations of others was an amazing experience, I also felt that LATIN HORROR was somewhat neglected over that same period. SO, I wanted to personally vow to all our subscribers with a public pledge to re-double our efforts in bringing you the best content from both the genre of Latin horror and world of horror as a whole, as well as one-on-one, in-depth interviews with the horror projects and creators you wish to know more about. And boy do we have some horrific line-ups in the queue in store for you!

As part of that effort, we will be partnering and collaborating with the other sister purveyors of horror -- not competing -- to share resources while developing exclusive, co-produced content that we hope will inspire other such partnerships in the industry. And so today, we offer our first announcement in ensuring that you -- the Latin horrorphile -- continue to get front-line news on what's taking place not only on our own shores regionally, but within the entire universe of horror as a whole. So -

It is our pleasure to introduce to you Joseph D. Peters, who officially joins us today and will cover the horror scene in South and Central America via his LATIN HORROR column 'HORROR DOWN SOUTH.' But don't be fooled by the qualification, Joseph is no stranger to LATIN HORROR as he's been a major silent contributor to our revolution for the past two years, providing leads to hundreds of news stories and items of interest related to horror, and specifically genre developments taking place in the original Americas, including an overall look at some of the emerging horror talent coming out of Argentina last October. It was a natural progression (but what took me so long) that I approach him and offer him a writing post proper. And so here we are...

Look out for his many ongoing contributions in the months and years to follow, along with his fellow LH staff, Gary Deocampo and Irene Villalobo s.

And be on the look out for two additional contributors joining our ranks soon! As always...

'There will be SANGRE!'

Edwin

'The TALISMAN' Has Wrapped!

2011-02-13T23:20:00.004-04:00

LATIN HORROR just wrapped its second film production 'The TALISMAN' and are we excited (and tired)! The short horror film was written by indie/short horror film guru Drew Daywalt and directed by yours truly - Edwin Pagán. Here's the film's synopsis:

"A nomadic drifter is contracted by a hideous creature to deliver a sacred key - The Talisman - to an abandoned warehouse where he encounters an eternal, evil force that reveals his fateful destiny."

The production was a 2-day affair working off Daywalt's fantastic script - a lean and mean 5-pager. The film was shot entirely in New York City, including Jimmy's No. 43, Stone Street (in NYC's financial district), and at Digital Laundry Studios in Harlem. The production stars Ross Beshear, Adela Maria Bolet, and Paul Bosche. The film will begin making its festival and broadcast route summer of 2011.

You can view more photos at the film's Facebook page -

http://www.facebook.com/thetalismanmovie

http://www.thetalismanshort.com

'The TALISMAN' - Day 1 Sneak Peak Still...

2011-02-12T23:48:00.001-04:00

Wrapped Day 1 of The TALISMAN - written by Drew Daywalt and directed by LATIN HORROR founder Edwin Pagán -

http://tinyurl.com/talisman0024

Casting: THE TALISMAN - Written by Drew Daywalt, Directed by Edwin Pagán

2010-12-30T16:18:00.005-04:00

CASTING NOTICE: LATIN HORROR and LA SAYONA PRODUCTIONS are currently casting for principal actors for THE TALISMAN, a horror film written by short horror film master Drew Daywalt and directed by Edwin Pagán

A nomadic drifter is contracted by a hideous creature to deliver a sacred key - The Talisman - to an abandoned warehouse where he encounters an eternal, evil force that reveals his fateful destiny.

LATIN HORROR / LA SAYONA PRODUCTIONS

"THE TALISMAN"

SAG Signatory-Pending Project.

-- CASTING CHARACTER BREAKDOWN --

ED: Mid-20's, 30’s. A handsomely rugged, rocker type. A silent charmer with eyes that belie his fierce killer instincts.

CREATURE: A dark figure underneath a dark hood. A hideous, unspeakable abomination of a face with unblinking [dead] eyes. Will undergo extensive special effects makeup.

OLD WOMAN: 50s, 60s. Exotic features, Latin or Gypsy-like in appearance. Will undergo extensive special effects makeup in the realm of the film "Drag Me To Hell." Innate foreign accent or ability to convincingly execute one a plus.

Working from a screenplay written by cult, short horror film master Drew Daywalt.

Directed by Edwin Pagán. Produced by Leonardo Rodriguez and Edwin Pagán.

Submit headshot and resume to: lasayonaproductions@gmail.com

Shooting dates: weekend of February 5th OR February 12th (Saturday and Sunday) and potentially the following Monday after selected weekend.

Casting Date: Friday January 14th, starting at 1:00pm. Script sides and casting location provided to talent selected to audition.

Shooting Location: New York City.

Gary Deocampo Takes a Look at Vicenzo Natali's 'SPLICE'

2010-06-05T12:31:00.003-04:00

http://latinhorror.com/intheaters/splice/

LOS OJOS DE JULIA (Julia's Eyes) Trailer & One-sheet

2010-05-19T02:59:00.007-04:00

EXCLUSIVE First Look - Guillermo Del Toro's 'LOS OJOS DE JULIA' (Julia's Eyes): New Poster and Universal Trailer!

http://latinhorror.com/onthehorrizon/losojosdejulia/

Photos from the NYC premiere of George A. Romero's 'SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD' -

2010-05-17T16:48:00.000-04:00

I don't think a true horror fan could have spent a better spring Sunday afternoon than to have been in the presense of the creator and king of the Zombie genre - George A. Romero - while surrorunded by 200+ rotten Zombies! One thing, however, did manage to make it better still: it was all FREE!

Read Full Story -

http://latinhorror.com/survivalofthedead/premiere

MIEDO Digest - May 15, 2010 | LATIN HORROR

2010-05-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

LATIN HORROR's "MIEDO Digest" for May 15, 2010. A wealth of Horrific information - http://tinyurl.com/267uapx

FRIGHT ON DEMAND: FANGORIA Enters DVD, VOD, & Digital Download Market.

2010-05-11T20:30:00.016-04:00

http://latinhorror.com/frightfest/

Long-time horror staple FANGORIA announced today that it has teamed up with multi-faceted distributor Lightning Media to launch a new film distribution entity named "FANGORIA FrightFest," and plans to release eight horror feature films under the banner via a wide-ranging DVD, VOD and digital download deal, with fans additionally choosing one of the selected films for a theatrical distribution run.

Listed among the eight releases are two Latin horror titles: FRAGILE (finally!) from REC and REC 2 helmer Jaume Balagueró (word is there will be a third in that series - 'Rec Apocalypse,' but I digress), and 'THE HAUNTING,' which is fronted by Elio Quiroga. Both directors hail from Spain, a treasure trove of great horror films the last decade.

A similar deal was announced recently between After Dark Films, Lionsgate, and Syfy under the 'After Dark Originals' moniker (read 'ADF Ties Not With Lionsgate & Syfy'). Unfortunately, After Dark Films has yet to include a Latin director and/or film among its '8 Films To Die For' anthologies (out of 32 films over 4 years). In the case of both these offerings, however, many of the films picked up have been twisting in the wind for some time. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing for us horror fans - just ask the filmmakers whose films have been chosen:

“Having a contest to win a theatrical release is a great idea. Not only will it create some buzz around the sweepstakes, but it will support a film that might not otherwise receive a theatrical release during a time where very few independent films are getting a shot at one. Unless you have tons of money to throw at marketing these days--which nobody does--it’s important to think outside the box when trying to get a film in theaters, and that’s what Lightning Media and FANGORIA are doing.” —Jim Isaac, director, PIG HUNT

The website officially launched today - www.fangoriafrightfest.com

At the time of this posting only a static splash page was still in place.

Jaume Balagueró's FRAGILE. Photo courtesy of FANGORIA.

Starting on June 22nd, and continuing through July 19th, horror fans will be able to vote and ultimately have a say in which film will get a theatrical release in late July. According to Fangoria's release, voting participants will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes and stand a chance of winning a free trip to Las Vegas, as well as other goodies. The site also plans to preview film trailers and other special features.

Aside from its magazine and website to fuel buzz for the project, Fangoria is planning a free "On Demand" broadcast entitled 8 FANGORIA FRIGHTS on several major cable networks, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cablevision, Verizon FIOS to preview exclusive clips, featurettes, and director profiles. The half-hour program will be hosted by the stunning Cerina Vincent (Cabin Fever).
Quotes from the announcement (source: Fangoria, via website):
"FANGORIA, both the magazine and on the web, is the leading resource for fans looking for a range of horror film styles. We are excited to be able to team with Lightning Media to bring to the marketplace more of what we hear an array of fans--people from diverse demographics with divergent tastes--are asking to see. And that’s top-quality production values, outstanding star power and variety of choice." —Thomas DeFeo, president , FANGORIA Entertainment

"The FANGORIA FrightFest lineup represents a diversified lineup of quality genre entertainment, ranging from supernatural chillers to psychological horror and slasher flicks. We want to embrace horror fans of every demographic. And Lightning Media wants to offer producers an alternative, multi-platform delivery system that provides greater awareness and accessibility to reach their audiences.” —Rich Goldberg, co-president, Lightning Entertainment Group
Among the films whose 'theatrcial' fate will rest in your hands are:

PIG HUNT, FRAGILE, GRIMM LOVE, DARK HOUSE, HUNGER, ROAD KILL, THE HAUNTING and THE TOMB.
Fangoria notes that a comprehensive announcement outlining their DVD, VOD and digital download release strategy will be made public shortly. LATIN HORROR will bring you that info as soon as it's available.
For more info, visit the project's official website:
http://www.FangoriaFrightFest.com/

Steve Villeneuve's UNDER THE SCARES

2010-05-10T20:00:00.005-04:00

FRIGHT IS RIGHT: Doc Disects the Industry's Scare Factor.

This documentary primarily aims at understanding the process involved in the making of an independent horror film and this odd industry. Many aspects are discussed by the numerous horror personalities interviewed: new video technologies and the impact it has on the marketplace; how inexperience often results in a loss of 90% of the funds invested; the need for discoverying a good story; the actor's point of view, among others.

If you're an emerging horrorphile looking to gain added knowledge about how the horror filmmaking industry works - or if you're simply a maggoty fan of the genre - you don't want to miss this documentary! — LATIN HORROR

Watch the documentary's teaser trailer -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QQOph6ruXM

MIEDO Digest - May 8, 2010 | LATIN HORROR

2010-05-08T21:48:00.001-04:00

LATIN HORROR's "MIEDO Digest" for May 8, 2010. A wealth of Horrific information - http://tinyurl.com/2dgjg68

LATIN HORROR's Website Goes DARK in Honor to RUE MORGUE

2010-05-01T00:20:00.007-04:00

LATIN HORROR's website goes DARK in honor of the 100th edition of RUE MORGUE's magazine [BLACK 100]:

LATIN HORROR's home is intentionally black and white as a trbute of solidarity to our friends at RUE MORGUE Magazine, who have just reached the amazing milstone of publishing the 100th edition of their publication.

We will remain DARK from May 1st through May 8th.

Congratulations RUE MORGUE!

http://www.latinhorror.com/

MIEDO Digest - May 1, 2010 | LATIN HORROR

2010-04-30T13:22:00.002-04:00

MIEDO Digest - May 1, 2010 | LATIN HORROR

MIEDO Digest - April 24, 2010 | LATIN HORROR

2010-04-24T01:43:00.003-04:00

MIEDO Digest - April 24, 2010 | LATIN HORROR

LA CASA MUDA (The Silent House) Speaks Volumes to Horror Fans

2010-04-22T16:58:00.010-04:00

http://latinhorror.com/onthehorrizon/lacasamuda

The stuff of horror and the conventions filmmakers use to frighten us are nothing new: science has not discovered any new human emotion to tamper with, and the filmmaker's toolbox has contained the same tricks or treats for over a 100 years now (more or less); it's all been done before. But an original story with an approach that speaks to the director's singular vision will always feel fresh and sincere.

First impressions are everything, and judging from the trailer of La Casa Muda (The Silent House), Uruguayan national Gustavo Hernández is set to put that South American region, mostly known for its agriculture, on the international map of horror, as well bring more exposure to the genre of Latin-based horror. Especially since it was announced just yesterday that La Casa Muda was selected to be among the 24 films that will showcase as part of this year's Directors’ Fortnight during the 63rd Cannes Film Festival. La Casa is Uruguay's official entry

(not to mention that sci-fi phenom Federico Alvárez will shoot part of the feature-length version of his extremely virulent short Panic Attack! in Uruguay later this year, too)

The story of La Casa Muda centers on a father and daughter team who settle into a dilapidated cottage to begin to make some much-needed repairs. And as an organically built-in metaphor to the director's land-locked country, that is surrounded on three sides by Brazil and Argentina, the protagonists soon find themselves with only one possible way out of their dire dilemma - directly through the unknown evil force that threatens their very existence. The story, we are told, is based on true events that took place in Uruguay in 1944. This detail makes the premise instantly all the more intriguing in The Blair Witch Project kind of way (but hopefully with a genuine payoff). And given what we've seen so far, we think there will be.

La Casa Muda is shot in a single, continuous 78-minute take using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) Canon's D5—a still camera with the added capacity to shoot full 1080 HD video (part of that 'more or less' equation). The film's look is a marvel given the technology utilized (the D5s were first generation, buggy and tempermental units) and the credit goes to cinematographer Pedro Luque. Producer Gustavo Rojo also needs to be singled out for effectively managing such an enormouse orchastration and coming out the other side with a production as visually rich on only a shoe-string budget: around $6,000!

The film follows in the footsteps of other shake-and-brake films with its use of hand-held camera work (think Cloverfield and District 9). But unlike those nausea-inducing pills that ran amok in their sprawling environments, La Casa is more in line with its Spanish counterpart, REC (with whom it shares a few similarities), bound to close quarters with movement more an innate byproduct of the story than a forced joyride. Kudos go to DP Luque again for striking a visual balance (incidently, it should be noted here that Luque also shot the eye-catching Panic Attack!). Similarly like REC, it is also a first-person point-of-viewer.

But apart from all the semantics, the film's real power lies its ability to take away our safety net by focusing on the true and tried basics of fear without relying on ungrounded gimmicks or CGI. It's hard to do that when the camera doesn't stop rolling. The filmmaker's astutely bill this as "Real fear in real time." What lies in the shadows is as important as what we are allowed to see; the mind fills in the blanks. And we cannot pause, rewind, or make it stop until its final conclusion.

Making us feel powerless in the dark, now that's true horror.

Ladies and gentlemen, Gustavo Hernández has left the building...

There Will Be SANGRE: The Business of Horror

2010-03-22T14:23:00.007-04:00

http://www.latinhorror.com/nalip-miedo2010

LATIN HORROR, in partnership with the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), takes a look at the business of horror with a comprehensive panel that explores the almost limitless opportunities available to HORRORphiles within the genre of fear, including film/TV production, print (magazines, comic books, and graphic novels), music, collectibles & memorabilia, toys & games, among others. Panelists include some of the industry's leading creative entrepreneurs and filmmakers working within various niche horror markets, whose insights will help you take your passion for the macabre and transform it into a viable business venture in one of the most successful genres in entertainment.

The panel will take place as an exclusive part of NALIP's 11th annual producer/filmmaker conference "NALIP 2010: NAVIGATING IN A SEA OF CHANGE" @ Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, and can only be attended via conference registration. Conference Day Pass Available Here

Co-sponsored by RUE MORGUE, FEARWERX, and VAMPIRE-CON.

SPEAKERS:

Edwin Pagán, founder, LATIN HORROR, Filmmaker [moderator]

Edwin Pagán is a filmmaker, cinematographer, screenwriter, photographer, and cultural activist with a rare blend of creative and administrative experience, including over 20 years in community organizing, organizational capacity building and initiative-based/event programming, as well as extensive production experience in the narrative and documentary film sectors. Edwin is the founder-in-chief of LATIN HORROR (www.latinhorror.com), an online niche market website specializing in Latin-influenced horror, and its documentation and promotion as a distinct genre. Currently, he is penning a book entitled MIEDO - The History of Latin Horror, and is an advisory board member of the Hispanic Organization Latino Actors (HOLA).

Gary Deocampo, Staff Writer, LATIN HORROR

Gary "El Boy" Deocampo covers the horror film festival, horror convention, and comic-con circuits for LATIN HORROR, providing insightful profiles & reviews with his own original tongue-in-cheek, macabre, fan-boy style.

Gary was born in the City of Angels and raised on a healthy diet of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Night Gallery, The Hammer Horror Films, and his favorite, Universal Studio's Monster Movies. Presently, his affinity for the horror genre has broadened and spans the globe.
Gary is frequent guest on the Fanboy Confidential podcast, is part of the writing staff of Del Toro Films, and writes and manages his own horror blog, Dark Recess.
Rodrigo Gudiño, Publisher, Rue Morgue Magazine, Filmmaker
Rodrigo Gudiño is a filmmaker and founder and president of Rue Morgue, an independent magazine focusing on horror in culture and entertainment. Currently, he is working on several feature film projects. Rodrigo’s most recent short, The Facts in the Case of Mister Hollow, was a 2009 Genie Award nominee, and his film The Demonology of Desire premiered at the 2007 Worldwide Short Film Festival. He oversees the Cinemacabre Movie Nights, a monthly screening of classic and cult horror films in Toronto’s Bloor Cinema, the weekly program Rue Morgue Radio, and the Rue Morgue Festival of Fear, Canada’s largest, annual horror convention.
Joe Sena, President, FearWerx
Joe Sena runs SphereWerx, a marketing agency known for its EMCE Toys brand, and FearWerx.com, the largest horror ecommerce site. Joe has 21 years of production and marketing experience, including event and video production, product development, strategy and software engineering. Previously, Joe developed affinity programs and merchandise lines for Universal, Paramount and MGM. As Creative Director of Universal Studios New Media in the 1990s, Sena created the Universal Online Horror Channel, HorrorOnline.com and 13thStreet.com, credited as the first major presence of the horror genre on the internet. Sena also launched the first sites for genre magazines Fangoria and Starlog.
Lotti Pharriss Knowles, VAMPIRE-CON
Lotti Pharriss Knowles is a writer, producer and partner in Weirdsmobile Productions, Inc. Her producing credits include the short films SHADOW.NET (Winner, Best Thriller – Dragon*Con Independent Short Film Festival) and WEAK SPECIES (Winner, Best Short – FilmOut San Diego and Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival), and the world premiere run of her play BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO WORDS. Lotti'’s current producing projects include the horror-comedy feature film CHASTITY BITES, the annual event VAMPIRE-CON, and filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz’s documentary feature ACTIVIST: THE TIMES OF VITO RUSSO (founder of ACT UP and GLAAD). As a horror expert she can be seen on the E! Channel special “Ten Vampires We Love,” and in the upcoming documentary “The 50 Greatest Horror Films You’ve Never Seen.”
Monica Winter Vigil, Filmmaker, Entrepreneur
Monica Winter Vigil is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and script consultant. Her short films have played across the Unites States, Europe and South America. Her current short, Not Even Death, (www.stopjackie.com), recently made its European premiere at the Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival. Her screenplays have earned her many recognitions and placements in screenwriting contests. She has numerous shorts in pre-production and a slew of features in development. Previously, she worked on the daytime drama “The Young and the Restless,” and Nickelodeon’s family series “Rhodes Home.” Monica is the co-founder of the Gimme Credit International Screenplay Competition (www.gimmecreditcompetition.com) and teaches business and marketing at Ashford University.
Pablo Proenza, Filmmaker
Critically acclaimed filmmaker Pablo Proenza broke records for IFC Films with his feature debut 'Dark Mirror', which became their top-selling OnDemand title of all time. Variety compared the supernatural thriller to 'Repulsion' and 'The Others', praising it as a “spooky” and “fascinating spin on the genre.”
Proenza has been receiving rave reviews for his work ever since his break-out film, a short called 'ViDi' which screened at festivals around the world. (“Superbly accomplished. A masterpiece.” - Peter Keough, Boston Phoenix.) The son of Cuban-American immigrants, Proenza had an international upbringing (Washington, D.C.; San Jose, Costa Rica; Rome, Italy; Miami, Fl).
Jason Cuadrado, Filmmaker
Jason Cuadrado is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who has worked in independent film and new media for the last fifteen years. Currently, he is preparing to shoot the film Dark Desert Highway with Esperanza Productions, and developing a horror anthology series for television. Previously, he directed television in New York City and worked with John Leguizamo's production company, Lower East Side Films. Later, he relocated to Los Angeles where he wrote and directed the critically acclaimed feature Tales from the Dead, the first Japanese horror film shot in the United States.
He was the writer and director of his award-winning short Monstrous Nature.

"MIEDO (fear): The Business of Horror." April 9, 2010

2010-01-21T15:25:00.007-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

We just wanted to inform you that we have a tentative date for our forthcoming horror industry panel "MIEDO (fear): The Business of Horror." The panel is set to take place on FRIDAY, APRIL 9th during NALIP's 11th annual filmmaker conference @ Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in sunny California. YES, for our friends and fans on the west coast: We're coming out to meet and greet you!

While the panel is still in formation, we guarantee that it will be populated with some of the industry's leading creative entrepreneurs and filmmakers working within niche horror markets. Aside from our e-blasts, the following link will be your direct source of information to this horrific event! Save the date, and stay tuned for more details coming shortly

http://www.latinhorror.com/nalip-miedo2010/

"There will be SANGRE!"

Edwin Pagán
Founder-In-Chief
LATIN HORROR

LATIN HORROR's ON THE HORRIZON: THE WOLFMAN

2009-08-21T10:48:00.009-04:00

Universal Pictures Releases Trailer; Cages Beast Until 2010

Back in February we reported with some delight that the website for the remake of The Wolfman had just gone live. The bigger part of the elation was that the project would be fronted by the multi-talented Benicio Del Toro in the leading role of Lawrence Talbot. At the time, we also promised to keep you in-the-loop on the ongoing status of this production. True to our word, we bring you some good news, albeit wrapped in a little bit of the bad stuff.

First the good news: Today Universal Pictures released the first full trailer for The Wolfman (view trailer HERE).

The Wolfman - Key Poster Art.

The remake, helmed by Joe Johnston, is directly based on the 1941 classic that starred Lon Chaney Jr. in the role of Talbot, a man who upon returning to his ancestral homeland is bitten and cursed by a werewolf. Part of the good news is that the trialer packs some stunning visuals by cinematographer Shelly Johnson and potentially frightful moments that evoke and pay homage to the original film while employing a trick or two from the modern scare tactic book. Even if you've never heard of the Wolfman (anything is possible), the trailer quickly sets up the folklore in just a few swift shots and soundbytes and sets you straight.

Another feather in the film's cap: special effects makeup master extraordinaire: Rick Baker, who has won a remarkable six Oscars ® for his work. 'Nuff said.

But aside from aesthetics, the prime question on the mind of every true fan of the classic is whether Del Toro can match - or surpass - the angst and foreboding that Chaney brought to the original. OR, if he'll bring something new to the role and make it his own. That is still to be seen (there's that tick again).

The production also boasts a star-studded cast that includes Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins, the ever-fantastic Hugo Weaving, and Golden Globe-winner Emily Blunt.

Now the silver bullet: Unfortunately, the suits at Universal Pictures giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other, and have put the half-man, half canine beast back in its cage - until 2010! This marks the fourth time the film's release date has been pushed back by UP. It was first scheduled to see the light of day this past Feb 13th, then bumped to April 3rd, then up to Nov. 6th.

The new release date is set for February 12th, just two days shy of Valentines Day. Is Universal seriously looking at releasing this pictures as a romantic drama? Not likely. Part of the decision, if one is to be believe Adam Fogelson, president of marketing and distribution for Universal, may be based on the fact that horror typically fares better at the box office during the first few month of the year rather than later in the year, say, for example, in November:

“We have seen just how enormous first quarter movies can be,” he said, citing the $215 million that studios generated on the February weekend this year, versus the $136 million that pics earned on the November date last year. [Variety]

But if that was the actual basis for their decision, then why not release it this past February 13th? (those exasperated HOWLS you hear are the thousands of fans who have been anticitpating this film for nearly a year now)

I've always said that horror fans are a loyal bunch. But they also have memories like elephants, industry-related blogs, fan sites with incredible viral capacities, and the purse strings. The folks at UP should be cautious not to bring out the monster in THEM, and risk bringing a curse (read backlash) upon their house... you f * * k with the beast, and you get the fangs!

SIDEBAR: As if to add salt to our already burning wounds, Universal has provided a widget that counts down the days until the film's new, new, new, new premiere date. Not excactly sure that reminding us how much more we have to wait until the film hits theaters is the best tactic right about now.

For more info about the movie:

http://www.thewolfmanmovie.com/

You can join the The Wolfman group at FACEBOOK.

Edwin Pagán, LH

LATIN HORROR "In The News" - miapogeo.com

2009-08-10T13:27:00.006-04:00

"Edwin Pagan scares up a revolution"

http://miapogeo.com/main/content/view/1187/4723/

LATIN HORROR FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT: VAMPIRE-CON

2009-08-03T21:26:00.020-04:00

MAJOR U.S. CITY LOSES BATTLE AGAINST VAMPIRES!

August 14th - 16th - Los Angeles

On August 14th a major milestone in humankind's history will reach critical mass: VAMPIRES WILL INVADE AND CAPTURE A MAJOR U.S. CITY!  And if you are adverse to having the life sucked from your body, you might want to avoid the following zip-codes from August 14–16 (or, wear your best chastity scarf!): 90036 and 90028 (Los Angeles, CA). That, my friends, is Ground Zero for what is being billed as the world’s first full-out, fangs-in-your-face convention entirely devoted to Vamp-Pop culture. VAMPIRE-CON! [look for staff horrorphile Gary Deocampo's highlight reports from the field]

First off, let's clarify what Vampire-Con is not: a zombie walk. Rather, it's a family reunion of sorts for those other creatures of the night who have seen a marked renaissance of late in everything from graphic novels to major Hollywood movies. The convention boasts a fully stocked film festival, bloody curated panels, and sexy rave parties. I'm told there will be vampirerotic dancers - and a special performance by DJ XIAN (Christian Madrid) of LADEAD.com. I'd buy that for a dollar!  Even tough this is the first year Vampire-Con comes into the light, the organizers have hit the floor running with an alluring print campaign, and six clever, high-grade value promos that are well worth a looky-look. [sample and link below]

The film fest kicks off on Friday, August 14th with three movies befitting the evening's theme "Bad Boys," hosted by author David J. Skal (V Is For Vampire: The A-Z Guide For Everything Undead). “Count Yorga, Vampire” (1970) will screen first at 7:30 PM in honor of star Robert Quarry, who passed away earlier this year. The 9:30 slot is occupied by cult favorite “The Lost Boys” (1987), starring Keifer Sutherland, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Dianne Weist, Jason Patric and Jami Gertz. Cast members Jamison Newlander, Chance Michael Corbitt and others will appear in person to talk about the making of the film. Friday at midnight, Vampire-Con will unveil a WORLD PREMIERE sneak preview of “Midnight Son,” the new film from writer/director Scott Leberecht and executive producer Eduardo Sanchez, the visionary behind The Blair Witch Project! Members of the cast and filmmaking team are expected to be in attendance.

The theme for Saturday, August 15th's double feature is Lesbian Vampireotica, hosted by author Pam Keesey (Daughters Of Darkness: Lesbian Vampire Stories). The evening opens at 7:30 PM with the 1971 Roger Corman production “The Velvet Vampire,” starring Celeste Yarnall. Celeste will be attending the screening as well as joining the “Vampires & Sexuality” panel discussion on Sunday, August 16th! At 9:30 the film festival concludes with “The Hunger,” the stylish and steamy 1983 classic directed by Tony Scott and starring Susan Sarandon, David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve.

On Sunday evening, Music Box Theatre @ Fonda in Hollywood Fonda transforms into VAMPIRELLA’S ® BALL, a heart-pounding 21 & over danse macabre. Vampires and humans alike will experience the dark side of Los Angeles’ acclaimed underground vaudeville cirque “Lucent Dossier” and revel the night away to the blood-churning beats provided by DJ Gary Calamar, music supervisor of HBO’s TRUE BLOOD and host of KCRW’s The Open Road.

Vampire-Con is set to re-animate Vamp-Pop fans of all ages with a world-class convention that is sure to leave you drained of your daily societal woes.

Tickets are $15 for the Sunday day-walkers and $30 for Vampirella’s ® Ball. Film festival admission is $7 per night (cash only).

For more info about the festival:

http://www.vampire-con.com

And join the Vampire-Con group at FACEBOOK

Introducing GARY "EL BOY" DEOCAMPO - LATIN HORROR's New Team Member

2009-08-01T00:06:00.008-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the latest addition to the LATIN HORROR team, GARY "El Boy" DEOCAMPO.

A life-long horror fan, Gary will cover the horror film festival, horror convention, and comic con circuits for LATIN HORROR, providing insightful profiles & reviews with his own original tongue-in-cheek, macabre, fan-boy style. Gary is part of our concerted effort of growing the LH team and expanding our reach to better serve the community - and niche - we are slowly but surely building. We are extremely exited about this small but significant step forward and promise many more surprises in the months and years to follow.

And, NO, this WILL NOT be just another boy's club -- the "horror feminine/fan-girl" point-of-view will play a major role at LATIN HORROR (look for our next announcement, coming shortly).

You can read Gary's full bio at --

http://www.latinhorror.com/staff/deocampo/

AND, please take a moment and help us welcome Gary aboard the LATIN HORROR staff by sending him your regards directly at : (and remember, be kind, Gary may be reviewing your next horror film!):

garydeo@latinhorror.com

OR, you can post a message at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/garydeocampo

OR, Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/98469215

There will be SANGRE!

Edwin Pagan
Founder-In-Chief
LATIN HORROR
http://www.latinhorror.com

"The Official Publication of Latin Horrorphiles Everywhere"

LATIN HORROR at NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL LATINO FILM FESTIVAL

2009-07-28T09:05:00.004-04:00

ALIMANAS

Dir. Claus Groten | A woman guards a junkyard trailer loaded with medical supplies. A young boy, begging for food, breaks into her encampment, but she forces him back out into the terrifying world beyond. Then she realizes the mistake she's made. 15 min.

Thu, Jul 30 @ 5:00 PM

Sat, Aug 01 @ 2:00PM

SVA Theater - Screen 1

Get Tickets

DEAD IN THE WATER

Marco Aguilar | A young couple attempting to survive a zombie outbreak, decide to travel by river to safety. But they soon learn that traveling by river has its perils and sometimes zombies aren't the only thing you have to worry about. 14 min.

Thu, Jul 30 @ 10:00 PM

SVA Theater - Screen 2

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FRIGHT FLICK

Dir. Israel Luna | A second-rate film crew sets out to shoot the third in a trilogy of cheesy, tasteless horror movies. The schmuck-of-a-director maintains an active casting couch, the spineless producer never gets his due credit, the supporting actress keeps pouting that she should be the lead, and the rest of the crew is secretly making plans to shoot their own movies. On-the-set shenanigans turn scary when cast and crew members turn up as brutally murdered corpses...and everyone realizes they’re in a real-life horror movie. 103 min.

Fri, Jul 31 @ 10:30 PM

SVA Theater - Screen 2

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MANSFIELD PARK

Dir. Samuel Benavides | In another realm, a creature exists in a horrific place known as "Mansfield Path." His only purpose and sole job is to extract, protect and then bury the souls of the dying. It is here where the evil souls are to be brought in and buried for eternity. 40 min.

Thu, Jul 30 @ 10:00 PM

SVA Theater - Screen 2

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RHYME ANIMAL

Dir. Phil Roc | Backed by beats from DJ JUDAH, rising hip hop star SHIVA dominates the NYC freestyle scene, driving his nemesis (fading diva HEAVEN) into a competitive fury. After an MC battle, Heaven’s hype man is devoured by a shadowy figure. As more killings occur, a sinister climax with Heaven nears. Judah is forced to ask: are Shiva’s cannibalistic lyrics just an act… or is he really a serial killer? 22 min.

Sun, Aug 02 @ 5:15 PM

SVA Theater - Screen 1

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ON THE HORRIZON: "SAW VI" Teaser/traier & Red Band Carousel Clip

2009-07-24T12:59:00.006-04:00

In the midst of all the fanboy/fangirl frenzy taking place at this year's Comic Con International (July 23-26, 2009) in Diego, CA., LIONS GATE has officially released the trailer/teaser for the highly anticipated SAW VI (that's "6" for the roman numerically-challenged and franchise deficient).

It has also simultaneously put out an extended and uncut clip from the film that is much more in line with what we've come to expect from the mini-major that helped solidify the horror/splatter subset now referred to - both disparagingly and with affection - as "torture porn."

One obvious faux-pas that I see in LG's marketing strategy of "give them more" is that the message can get lost in the overwhelming nature that is the unsaid hallmark of these events. This is especially true given the current venue: Comic Con International is the largest gathering of it kind in the world, and with the hundreds of so-called groundbreaking announcements being launched in a three-day period, bite-size portions of information are easier to digest than large spoonfuls. Instead, the trailer/teaser should have been released weeks before Comic Con to whip up fan hype (like they really need it) as a setup for the main event: the reveal of the extended "Red Band - Carousel" Clip (which would have been exactly what the demented doctor ordered).

In all fairness to LG, they did attempt (barely) to get some pre-release "buzz" before the convention by releasing a motion poster for the film. But due to the dudish nature and flat design of the motion poster that left a great many scratching their heads and somewhat wanting, that push, needless to say, has worked against them as has been evidenced by the susequent blogaphere backlash. I called it "lame," others have called it worse.

BUT I think the extended clip gives us all hope that the franchise still has some steam left in its engine. The Carousel scene keeps us on the edge our seat and wanting to know who will weasel their way out of getting whacked, hacked, and restacked. Some serious tension here!

I'm still hoping, however, that the suits at LIONS GATE will take the time to throw us another bone or two with some meat on it to help whet our appetites before the film's wide October 23rd release.

BTW: It's worth noting, at least to my warped mind, that given the forward-thinking platitudes spoken by the unseen Jigsaw about healthcare and greed in the Carousel scene, that a new more "humane" hand is at work pulling the strings of the death games from behind the curtian: President Barack Obama. Sorry - I couldn't resist :)

Edwin Pagán, for Latin Horror

ON THE HORRIZON: MOTION POSTERS

2009-07-22T11:27:00.008-04:00

The Hollywood marketing machine is always looking for new ways to attract more eyeballs and parley that into bottoms in theater seats. The latest viral gimmick that is rapidly catching on with the studios: MOTION POSTERS.

Motion posters, in essence, are nothing more than FLASH or Activex animations that simply take on the aspect ratio of the traditional movie one sheet (poster / key art), and utilize them in the same manner that early web designers used animated GIFs—and later FLASH—to make images stand out among all the static ones. The more interesting motions posters take advantage of elements that are germane to the film's concept, taking story points or visual cues and integrating them into the overall animation (another way to look at them is as oversized banner ads on speed).

The current trend is to release the motion poster as a prelude to the film's trailer in an effort to generate early buzz and anticipation, and later as a complement to it.

The first "motion posters" I saw were for A HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT, and TERMINATOR SALVATION. As a visual creature myself, I immediately found the numerous creative applications and possibilites exciting.

My personal favorite to date is for THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT. It appears to be in 3D and reminds me of the holographic travel postcards of my youth. The supernatural ectoplasmic chunks seems to be coming right at you (yuck!). The motion poster for TERMINATOR SALVATION is another good example of smart design as explosions give way to a revelation of the grand machine's ominous face emerging from a futuristic armageddon-like metropolis, piercing volcanic eyes continuing to "loop" in trails of smoke and destruction.

LIONS GATE recently released a motion poster for SAW VI. And, to cut straight to the chase: it is rather LAME. LG could have done much more given all the franchise's built-in horror imagery. How could they get it so wrong with SAW when they rocked it with THE HAUNTING? [look for our review of SAW VI's trailer after its release on July 23rd at San Diego's International Comic Con]

Going forward the only thing standing in the way of truly captivating and dynamic motion posters is the imagination of the creative minds working in the studios' art bullpens and marketing departments (if the latter doesn't cancel out the other - think SAW VI).

NOTE: The motion posters shown below contain a mix of samples that automatically "loop" and some that may need for you to refresh your browser in order to replay the animation. Also, move your curser over the images to see if they contain any additional interactive capabilities or links.

ON THE HORRIZON: "DAYBREAKERS" (trailer/review)

2009-07-04T01:20:00.007-04:00

In the year 2019, a plague has transformed most every human into vampires. Faced with a dwindling blood supply, the fractured dominant race plots their survival; meanwhile, as the human population nears extinction, a researcher - Edward Dalton - works with a covert band of vampires on a way to save humankind.

Watch the trailer and read our quick & dirty review at -

http://www.latinhorror.com/onthehorrizon/daybreakers/

- LATIN HORROR Team

Get an EXCLUSIVE "First Look" of Franc. Reyes' Trailer for THE MINISTERS

2009-07-01T13:05:00.001-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

We are delighted to have the opportunity to be the very first venue to present an exclusive "first look" of Franc. Reyes' hot new trailer for his latest feature film, THE MINISTERS, starring John Leguizamo and Harvey Keitel. View the film's one-sheet below.

The trailer will screen as part of "The HORRORphiles #3 - Summer Scream" taking place tomorrow (July 2, 2009) at Anthology Film Archives in New York City. Trailer courtesy of MAYA Entertainment and ALUMBRA Films.

http://www.latinhorror.com/theministers/

Please join us for a full night of Rum & Coke cocktails during reception, Latin horror films, exclusive trailers, and a Q&A session with the filmmakers in attendance immediately following the screening.

Full program lineup at -

http://www.latinhorror.com/horrorphiles3/

There will be SANGRE!

Edwin Pagan
Founder-In-Chief
LATIN HORROR
http://www.latinhorror.com/

Exclusive Photos from M. Night Shymalan's THE LAST AIRBENDER

2009-06-26T12:47:00.113-04:00

LATIN HORROR has attained exclusive photographs of the costume armor worn by the FIRE NATION Warriors on M. Night Shymalan's THE LAST AIRBENDER, including detail of the Fire Nation helmut. We also have an early rendition of the Fire Nation screensaver art from the film. The film is based on the first season of the animated television series that aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon.

The Nickelodeon Movies/Paramount production is currently shooting in Shymalan's native Philadelphia from a script by Michael Dante DiMartino. Cinematographer Andrew Lesni (all Lord of the Rings films) is lensing the film. Originally titled AVATAR: The Last Airbender, "Avatar" was dropped after James Cameron began production on a film of the same name.

Click on images for high-rez version.

Pictured in the manacing armature is New York-based actor / singer J.W. Cortes (A Kiss of Chaos / 44 / Sandman's Box), who was cast in the role of a Fire Nation Warrior.

Photos: Courtesy J.W. Cortes.

LATIN HORROR and RUE MORGUE team up for "The HORRORphiles #3 - Summer Scream"

2009-06-18T01:17:00.006-04:00

LATIN HORROR, in association with ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES, cordially invite you to another special edition of the NewLatino Filmmakers Screening Series — "The HORRORphiles #3 - Summer Scream" — featuring the work of emerging Latino/a directors working within the genre of horror.

LATIN HORROR inaugurates its Director's SINema Spotlight with three short-form horror films by Rodrigo Gudiño in an exclusive regional horror retrospectare. ALSO, we'll feature the northeast encore presentation of Pablo Proenza's critically-acclaimed DARK MIRROR.

Full program and film synopsis details at: http://www.latinhorror.com/horrorphiles3/

Thursday, July 2, 2009 ~ 6:00-9:30PM Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue at Second Street, NYC (Lower East Side)

$6 admission ~ at the box office ~ general seating

Series Director/Curator: Edwin Pagán (epagan@latinhorror.com)

6-7pm: RECEPTION - Complimentary RUM & COKE cocktail shots in theater lobby.

7-8pm: SHORTS FILM PROGRAM [Director's SINema Spotlight] -

* THE EYES OF EDWARD JAMES (2006), directed by Rodrigo Gudiño

* THE DEMONOLOGY DESIRE (2007), directed by Rodrigo Gudiño

* THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF MISTER HOLLOW (2008), directed by Rodrigo Gudiño

8-9:30pm: FEATURE PRESENTATION - * DARK MIRROR (2008), directed by Pablo Proenza

GUILLERMO DEL TORO NYC BOOK SIGNING: "THE STRAIN"

2009-06-04T12:10:00.002-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles,

Guillermo Del Toro (Pans Labyrinth, Hell Boy 1 & 2, Blade 2) will make a rare public New York City appearance to promote his first novel THE STRAIN, part one of three books in the serialized vampire trilogy. I'm 3/4 through the novel and haven't been able to put it down! AND, my wife, who abhors horror in general, read it before even allowing me to begin my read and review. So that should say something about the quality of the book.

I will be there to have my advance review copy signed by the master [look out for our review shortly]. Del Toro is one of the prime reasons I started LATIN HORROR. If you love horror, and your schedule permits, come out to support one of the most creative members of our industry - and certainly the current king of the genre of Latin horror. Hope to see you there.

He will make two appearances --

June 4 at 7 PM

BARNES & NOBLE

33 East 17th Street

New York, NY 10003

212-253-0810

June 4 at midnight

BARNES & NOBLE

267 7th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11215

718-832-9066

There will be SANGRE!

Edwin Pagan

Founder-In-Chief

LATIN HORROR

THE STRAIN - Guillermo Del Toro's First Horror Novel

2009-05-27T15:49:00.003-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

"They have always been here. Vampires. In secret and in darkness. Waiting. Now their time has come.

In one week, Manhattan will be gone. In one month, the country.

In two months—the world."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In exactly one week from today, the vampire genre is set to be changed as the first novel from one of our most creative writer/directors' first novel hits bookstores everywhere. GUILLERMO DEL TORO's "THE STRAIN" is a vampire trilogy that kicks off in New York City and spreads around the world and promises to inject the genre with new blood (pun intended!). Watch a short trailer at --

http://www.youtube.com/deltorotube

Thanks to the lovely & talented Jovanka Vuckovic (editor of Rue Morgue) for bringing this gem to my attention. LATIN HORROR will review the book shortly.

The interactive website for the book has just launched. Make sure to enter the Harper Collins prize giveaway. The Grand Prize winner will receive a DVD player, a DVD library of Guillermo Del Toro movies, a signed first edition of The Strain, and an advance readers copy of the second book in the trilogy, The Fall, as soon as it is available. Five (5) runners-up will receive a signed first edition of The Strain.

www.thestraintrilogy.com

Join the Facebook group at --

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Strain-Trilogy/76000914502

On Myspace --

http://www.myspace.com/471723480

On Twitter --

http://twitter.com/thestrain

FREE Ticket to Tribeca Film Fest Screening of HYSTERICAL PSYCHO

2009-04-25T13:40:00.004-04:00

Dear LATINHORRORphiles:

I got a pair of tickets for tonight's midnight screening of Dan Fogler 's new horror film, HYSTERICAL PSYCHO (Tribeca Film Festival) from my friends at FANGORIA Magazine. I am looking for a true horror fan to join me as my guest to the screening. The first horrorphile to reach back out to me, and confirm he/she can attend, will score the second ticket to the screening.

More about HYSTERICAL PSYCHO here --

http://www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/Hysterical_Psycho.html

Please reply back to this message with your email address and/or cell phone and I will contact the lucky winner with all relevant details. The winner will also get a complimentary entree into our next HORRORphlies #3 screening (DTB).

There will be SANGRE!

Edwin Pagan

LATIN HORROR
http://www.latinhorror.com/
"Scaring Up A Revolution"

ZOE SALDANA MAKES THEM BELIEVE IN "THE SKEPTIC"

2009-04-23T19:26:00.046-04:00

By Edwin Pagán, for LATIN HORROR

Seems like 2009 is the year when our marketable Latina actresses are taking the plunge into the darker side of the industry's genre landscape. First we mentioned here [http://tinyurl.com/cs4set] that Salma Hayek is riding a leading role in Paul Weitz' CIRQUE DU FREAK as the bearded lady of sideshow fame, now another venerable talent, Zoe Saldana (VANTAGE POINT, THE TERMINAL, PREMIUM, GUESS WHO), is set to hone her cognitive powers in the haunted-house thriller, THE SKEPTIC, which was written/helmed by Tennyson Bardwell (DORIAN BLUES) and hits theater in a limited run on May 1st at the IFC Center in New York and elsewhere. The film also stars Tim Daly, Tom Arnold, Andrea Roth, Edward Herrmann, Robert Prosky and Bruce Altman. The project marks Bardwell's second feature outing.

The suspense thriller follows a skeptical lawyer (Daly) who moves into a haunted mansion after the unexplained death of his aunt seeking to gain an inheritance and soon begins to experience supernatural incidents that increasingly become more terrifying and can no longer be ignored. Daly's character turns to a local coy medium, played by Saldana, who takes him on a journey to discover the long-hidden unspeakable truth that threatens to destroy him.

View the trailer here --

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/the-skeptic/trailer

The New York-based actress who hails from the Dominican stronghold of Washington Heights, has had a meteoric career starting with stints on LAW & ORDER and leading to a breakout role in CROSSROADS (2002) as Britney Spears' BFF. She later went on to star in DRUMLINE, CONSTELLATION, DIRTY DEEDS, and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, among others. In 2009, her calendar is full with such top shelf projects as the highly-anticipated J.J. Abrams' blockbuster, STAR TREK, in the role of the beloved communications officer UHURA, and in James Cameron's next experiment, AVATAR. She is also on deck with s slew of pending ptojects such as Christopher B. Landon's BURNING PALMS, and Neil LaBute's DEATH AT THE FUNERAL.

The acquisition and release of the THE SKEPTIC also marks a recent trend at IFC to explore inroads into the highly lucrative horror genre. IFC also recently acquired the Latin horror gem, DARK MIRROR [http://tinyurl.com/dm8dk7], that is set to have its broadcast premiere on May 6th. The development looks promising for horror-handed filmmakers looking for alternative venues outside Lions Gate. The film opens May 1st at New York City’s IFC Center, on May 8th at Spectrum 8 Theatres in Albany (NY), and May 15th at Los Angeles’ Laemmle Music Hall 3. The film will also have a three-month run on the network's 'In Theaters' video-on-demand platform.

DARK MIRROR ACQUIRED BY IFC FILMS / PREMIERES MAY 6TH

2009-04-14T11:47:00.004-04:00

Pablo Proenza and Erin Ploss-Campoamor of Cut Glass Productions have sold their film DARK MIRROR, a feature length supernatural thriller, to IFC Films, which has scheduled a May 6th date for its release on "Movies on Demand" as part of "IFC in Theaters" service. The film stars Lisa Vidal, David Chisum, Christine Lakin and Lupe Ontiveros. Variety said of the film: "tour-de-force performance," "excellent!," "a spin on the genre."

Watch the trailer at -- http://www.vimeo.com/4113686

With a broadcast premiere of May 6th approaching the husband and wife creative team are fanning out next week to bring added fanbase attention to the project. Pablo will be participating on a panel about the film at Fangoria's Weekend Of Horrors (http://tinyurl.com/cg7mjp) at the LA Convention Center, while Erin presses the flesh at the National Association of Latino Independent Producer's (NALIP) 10th anniversary conference (http://www.nalip.org/conference10), taking place at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

DARK MIRROR can be ordered starting May 6th from IFC Festival Direct, which will be available nationwide for 90 days on most major cable systems and reach about 30 million households! Not too shabby.

LATIN HORROR will provide a full review of DARK MIRROR in our May/June issue. And look for an interview with Erin Ploss-Campoamor in our forthcoming essay LADIES OF THE NIGHT, where LATIN HORROR profiles Latinas working within the genre of horror, which will also profile Shawna Baca and Monica Winter Vigil.

ABOUT THE FILM

Dark Mirror is a supernatural thriller about a beautiful Latina photographer named Deborah. When she and her family move into a strange old house, her happy life is turned upside down. First, Deborah sees things – horrible visions, a hooded stalker -- that make her increasingly paranoid and housebound. She changes from confident professional woman into obsessed housewife. She even becomes frightened of her own camera. Every time she takes pictures of people, they disappear. One day, in a fit of anger, Deborah decides to use this power against someone; she photographs her sexy neighbor flirting with her husband. And it works! Her neighbor disappears. But Deborah realizes to her horror... she’s also taken pictures of her own husband and son.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

Director, Pablo Proenza

Critically acclaimed filmmaker Pablo Proenza has been receiving rave reviews for his work ever since his break-out film, a short called ViDi, was screened at festivals around the world. (“Superbly accomplished. A masterpiece.” - Peter Keough, Boston Phoenix.) A passionate cinephile from an early age, Pablo was given his first camera at the age of eight. Since then, he has worked in all aspects of film production: writing, directing, producing, shooting and editing. The son of Cuban-American immigrants (an economist for the United Nations and a gifted ceramicist), Pablo had an international upbringing (Washington, D.C.; San Jose, Costa Rica; Rome, Italy; Miami, Fl). Dark Mirror is Pablo’s first feature film. Premiering in NY to a rave review from Variety comparing it to Repulsion and The Others and praising its “spooky" and "fascinat[ing]… spin on the genre.” (Ronnie Scheib, Variety).

Producer, Erin Ploss-Campoamor

Born in Canada to American parents, award-winning filmmaker Erin Ploss-Campoamor was raised all over North America, while learning to speak three languages (English, Spanish, and French). Over the years, she has written, directed, and produced several short films, including April in the Morning (recipient $25,000 Jacob K. Javits Fellowship; nominated Eastman Kodak Award), The Good Egg (winner Platinum Award & Best of Festival) and the semi-autobiographical La Americanita, inspired by the years she spent living with her stepfather’s Cuban-American family in Miami, FL (winner, two Best Short Film awards; semifinalist Angelus Film Award). Erin also produced Pablo Proenza’s debut feature film, Dark Mirror, which received a rave review for its star’s “tour-de-force performance” and was compared to some of Bergman, Amenábar and Polanski's best work.

ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTOR

A leading theatrical film distribution company launched in 2000, IFC Films brings the best of independent and specialized films to theaters near you. Independent film audiences nationwide recognize the IFC brand, which has rapidly become synonymous with first-rate product, aggressive and strategic release campaigns, utilization of brand cross promotions and artistic integrity. IFC is dedicated to realizing the visions of independent filmmakers without compromise and is a dedicated ground for nurturing these visions. IFC Films releases 10-12 films per year, building a slate of titles from an acquisitions program and selected in-house productions.

IFC Films releases include My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Casa de los Babys and Lost in La Mancha.. For more information, visit http://www.ifcfilms.com/.

RESOURCES:

Official website: http://www.darkmirrormovie.com/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dark-Mirror/49243290681

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/darkmirrormovie

1st Annual MIEDO: Latin Horror Film Competition

2009-04-12T12:07:00.008-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

This fall LATIN HORROR will produce the work of an emerging writer/director or writer/director team as part of its 1st Annual MIEDO: Latin Horror Film Competition, a juried competition looking to discover the next emerging Latin horror auteur. The official for call for scripts (10-15 pages in length), and related guidelines, will begin circulation May 1, 2009. Look for complete details soon.

There will be SANGRE!

- LATIN HORROR Team

ONLY "LET THE RIGHT ONE IN"

2009-04-09T11:16:00.040-04:00

By Edwin Pagán, for LATIN HORROR

Last September Hammer and Overture Films announced they had tapped CLOVERFIELD director Matt Reeves to helm a remake of the critically-acclaimed Swedish vampire film, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN. The news sent chills up the spine of fans of the film (and genre) and even elicited a few choice words from the director of the original, Thomas Alfredson:

"Why can’t they just read the subtitles?" [MovieZine.se]

Any takers to that solid question?

John Ajvide Lindqvist, who wrote the novel on which the film is based, and wrote the script for the Swedish production, also opined:

"Tomas’ film is the definitive film, it is, I can’t imagine how anything would be better." [AICN]

I'm personally in complete agreement with Alfredson and Lindqvist on the matter of remakes of foreign films, especially when the original is of such high grade that it almost negates a re-imaging by its very nature. BUT, in all fairness, and to begin another point of discussion that is seldom pointed out, like the 800-pound gorilla in the room: Why complain after you have sold off the rights and deposited the check(s)? There obviously was another choice in direct line with their convictions:

"Thanks for the generous offer, sirs, but NO thank you."

If the undercurrent for this article is not entirely apparent, it is this - The trend of remaking hit foreign horror films began with the success of the Japanese brand [JU-ON begat THE GRUDGE, RNGU begat THE RING, JIAN GUI begat THE EYE, etc.]. The plague has now moved east and touched this Swedish gem. Soon, I dread, it may carry over to Latin/Spanish horror as the genre continues to gain traction and directors with a steady hand turn out true works of suspenseful horrific wonder. And I think to myself: What would a remake of Guillermo Del Toro PAN'S LABYRINTH be like? Or Juan Antonio Bayona's THE ORPHANAGE? I come short of hurling at the mere prospect. In 2007, New Line toyed with the idea of redoing Bayona's tone-perfect Spanish ghost story, but that seems to have evaporated into the ether (yes, there is a Goddess). Or maybe the mini-major is simply taking a prudent 'let's-wait-and-see' stance.

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, some say, may go into production as soon as May from a script by Reeves himself. But Overture more recently contradicted those claims as ungrounded and pointed to the fact that a May start date would not be logistically savvy since the bulk of the story takes place in winter. J.J. Abrams scored a huge victory with his savvy word-of-mouth viral campaign for CLOVERFIELD, and is known to keep details about pending projects close to the chest. So it stands to reason that they would attempt to cast as much confusion onto the fan stage as possible since its worked in their favor in the past. SO to him, I only have two phrases: Sound stage / CGI (to whom he is no stranger and which will play a big role if he navigates the production -- did I mention the queazy feeling of needing to blow chunks?).

So the next time they come knocking, the answer can be as simple as ONLY letting the right one in. OR, not opening the door at all. After all, the door DOES swing both ways.

The remake -- LET ME IN (the name of Lindqvist's original novel) -- is scheduled for a January 15th release.

DARK CARNIVAL FILM FEST CALL-FOR-ENTRIES / SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

2009-04-07T12:30:00.009-04:00

Submissions for the Dark Carnival Film Festival 2009 are now open!

Dark Carnival Film Fest - http://www.darkcarnivalfilmfest.com/ - is currently accepting shorts, features, and trailers. We're looking for unique horror, dark fantasy, and sci-fi and every sub-genre in between. DARK CARNIVAL also has the ONLY screenplay competition where the winning script gets produced into a film!

Dark Carnival receives films from nearly two dozen countries from all over the planet, and from almost every state in the US. In a relatively short time, we have gained a reputation as a festival that values indie filmmakers, and that loves the horror genre as something much more than some business niche or a way to sell merchandise.

Screenplay info--

http://www.darkcarnivalfilmfest.com/screenplay.html

Submission form --

http://www.darkcarnivalfil mfest.com/DCScriptform.pdf

--------------------------

- LATIN HORROR

"Scaring up a Revolución"

"DARK SHADOWS" COMING INTO THE LIGHT - EVENTUALLY

2009-04-06T21:44:00.033-04:00

By Edwin Pagán, for LATIN HORROR

Frequent collaborators Johnny Depp [ED WOOD, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN] and Tim Burton [BEETLEJUICE, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET] are at it again - keeping the net abuzz with talk of their next pending project: DARK SHADOWS.

Depp, who purchased the rights to the gothic-style soap opera back in 2007 and plans to develop the project via his production company, Infinitum Nihil, is set to star in the lead role of Barnabas Collins, a 175-year-old vampire (played by Jonathan Frid in the original series). Tim Burton, who is knee-deep on postproduction on ALICE IN WONDERLAND is anticipated to helm. The script is penned by John August [CORPSE BRIDE, BIG FISH, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, FRANKENWEENIE].

The project was first reported on the boards as going into production this coming summer (a rumor that gained steam when veteran producer Richard D. Zanuck dropped the tid-bit to entertainment portal Collider.com). But due to schedule overruns on WONDERLAND, and Depp's next big blockbuster, PUBLIC ENEMIES, gaining media attention, DARK SHADOWS is now more practically seen as kicking into gear proper in the fall. Both Depp and Burton, both big fans of the original series, have continued to assert that the project will go forward in 2009.

But while most are anticipating the magical Burton spin, some movie fans sites and blogs are also showing a growing discontent with the increasing trend of remaking time-tested classics in their "re-creator's" image. At hand is whether Burton can manage to keep the integrity of the original series that ran from 1966 - 1971 and ended its run with an amazing 1,225 episodes to its credit, as well as an enormous cult following (me included among them)! The original serial featured a heavy gothic horror feel and ran the gamut of monsters from vampires and werewolves to ghosts and zombies, and everything in between.

The question is: can 90-minutes or a 2-hour portal replicate the feel of the original? Hard to say. But Burton has successfully tackled other rooted material in the past and come out on top. I'm personally of the opinion that the original can never be destroyed. Even if Burton and Depp come up short -- hard to imagine -- the classic can always be purchased on DVD (http://www.darkshadowsdvd.com). But when you begin to consider the investment it would take to purchase an anthology comprising 1,225 episodes, you can bet that the fanboys/fangirls will keep their words on the net and money away from their mouths. Suddenly $12 for Burton seems much more within reach. Now harm, no foul.

--------------------------

- LATIN HORROR

"Scaring up a Revolución"

THANKS FOR THE BLOODY SUPPORT - HORRORphiles #2 A HUGE SUCCESS

2009-04-05T14:37:00.003-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

I wanted to take a moment and THANK everyone who came out last night and helped make "The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución" such a BLOODY enormous success!! We had a packed house and once again we had an incredible vibe going that's hard to describe. The closest would be: SOLIDARITY. And I'm hoping there's more to read into the kinship than just extremely spiked BLOODY MARY mix :)

I also want to thank you all for coming out and putting $6 on the barrelhead during this wacked out economy to support the Anthology Film Archives and the filmmakers whose films we showcased. Please know that those hard-earned $ go a long way in keeping the Anthology up-and-running. It is the ONLY venue of its kind left in New York and is entirely administered by filmmakers, for filmmakers. I'm honored to have been associated with the screening space for the last 7-years, showcasing Latino/a films and now helping to put Latin horror on the map with their unconditional support.

Last but NOT least, I want to thank the very talented artists who allowed us to present their work -- I hope we managed to showcase their talents in a dignified and respectful manner. I want to ensure that you also continue to support their work. If you enjoyed their work, become their fans and friends (if you already aren't). Send them a note of appreciation, and keep abreast of their next projects as they continue to create more horrific work. Fortunately for us, all the filmmakers from last night's showcase can be found on Facebook:

* LEONARD ZELIG ["434"]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=514887046

* MONICA WINTER VIGIL ["MY WIFE IS A ZOMBIE"]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=589172188

* SHAWNA BACA ["3:52"]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546928318

* PEPPER NEGRON ["BLOOD DRIPS"]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=512228309

* MIGUEL GALLEGO ["THE CRYPT CLUB"]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=757645857

* JORGE ALGORA ["THE MUD BOY"]

[also on Facebook but non frequently on - may take a while for response]

Tell 'em LATIN HORROR sent you.

And thanks for helping us as we journey on "Scaring up a Revolución!"

- LATIN HORROR Team

"Scaring up a Revolución"

CIRQUE DU FREAK BOUNCED TO 2010..

2009-04-02T18:03:00.002-04:00

Universal has now pushed CIRQUE DU FREAK, vampire flick based on the Darren Shan book series, from its original loosely tossed about release slot of summer/fall 2009 to January 15, 2010 (a date the studio says will be its final answer). While this new date is a bummer for fans of the series anxiously waiting for the adaptation, it is beginning to turn the first quarter of 2010 into a jammed-packed horror smorgasbord as slew of other fright films are also poised to hit the screen during that time, including Lionsgate’s DAYBREAKERS, Joss Whedon's THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, and Screen Gems’ LEGION.

We will continue to update you on this and other projects.

- LATIN HORROR Team

"The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución" / BLOODY MARY COCKTAIL SHOTS

2009-04-01T11:26:00.001-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the overwhelming response to LATIN HORROR and it series of Latin horror screenings. Your support is going a long way toward getting the word out about this venture to put this very worthwhile genre on the map.

I also wanted to inform you that we now have many more RSVPs than the capacity of the Anthology Film Archives will allow for the "The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución" screenings, taking place on Saturday, April 4th. And since it's "general seating," I encourage you to come early and purchase your ticket(s) at the box office to ensure entry.

AND, if you arrive between 6:30 and 7pm, we will have complimentary "bloody mary" cocktail shots in the lobby for all our guests as a way to get you into the LATIN HORROR mood.

- LATIN HORROR Team

3:53 Trailer Online

2009-03-15T13:45:00.004-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

Here is a link to the trailer for Shawna Baca's film, 3:52 (staring America Ferrera), which is showcasing April 4th as part of "The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución" screenings hosted by LATIN HORROR at Anthology Film Archives.

We hope you join us on April 4th and support the genre of Latin horror.

http://tinyurl.com/crwbc3

- LATIN HORROR Team

"THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT" [Remake] Trailer.

2009-02-22T13:23:00.001-04:00

"THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT" Trailer.

Courtesy Trailer Addict:

http://tinyurl.com/dk89nj

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009

2009-02-19T20:20:00.001-04:00

The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución"

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=51352450884

LATIN HORROR, in association with ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES, cordially invite you to another special edition of the NewLatino Filmmakers Screening Series — "The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución" — featuring the work of emerging Latino/a directors working within the genre of horror.

Saturday, April 4, 2009 ~ 6:30pm-9:30pm
Anthology Film Archives
32 Second Avenue @ 2nd Street (Lower East Side)
New York, NY

Full program details coming soon.

- LATIN HORROR Team

LATIN HORROR is hitting the bricks..

2009-02-17T20:10:00.000-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

In our quest to ensure that the Latin horror movement seed begins to bear fruit, we are designing a series of advertisements entitled GET YOUR HORROR ON! designed to bring more like-mind folk into the ranks of the revolution.

When time allows, please take a moment and check out the first one we are releasing starting today. Of course, feedback is always welcome. And since this is an entirely grassroots effort, word-of-mouth is an indispensable part of making this a successful publicity push. So please pass it on to your fellow "dark creative expressionists" or anyone else you know who simply is a fan of horror.

http://tinyurl.com/aog8ku

Thanks so much for the ongoing support.

- LATIN HORROR Team

HEART-FELT THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

2009-02-14T12:01:00.001-04:00

Dear LATINHORRORphiles:

We just wanted to convey how much we treasure your support of LATIN HORROR, especially in these early days of developing the fan-base that is allowing us to "scare up a revolution." Please take a moment and read our special message to you at --

http://www.latinhorror.com/

AND, if you'd like to share a piece of your heart with a loved one, just copy the image here --

http://tinyurl.com/cyaunw

With horrorific respect,

- LATIN HORROR Team

FIRST PHOTO OF SALMA HAYEK IN "CIRQUE DU FREAK" RELEASED

2009-02-13T15:10:00.005-04:00

The first photo of award-winning actress, SALMA HAYEK in Paul Weitz' "CIRQUE DU FREAK," as Truska, the bearded lady/vampire, has been released (sans the beard - go figure!): http://tinyurl.com/c37hne

The film adaptation is based on the series of young adult vampire novels of the same name by Darren Shan, Cirque du Freak tells the story of a boy (Chris Massoglia) who breaks a 200-year truce between two warring blood-sucking factions (Think GANGS OF NEW YORK meets THE LOST BOYS) after he and his best friends visit an illegal freak show, where an encounter with a alpha vampire, Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly), and a deadly spider forces them to make life-changing choices. The cast also includes Willem Dafoe, Ken Watanabe, and Orlando Jones.

Cirque du Freak wrapped filming in New Orleans in June 2008 and will be released later this year by Universal Pictures.

LATIN HORROR will keep you appraised.

- LATIN HORROR Team

THE WOLFMAN WEBSITE LAUNCHED

2009-02-12T12:40:00.002-04:00

UNIVERSAL has launched a minimalist website for the highly-anticipated horror classic, THE WOLFMAN. http://www.thewolfmanmovie.com/

Oscar-winner, BENICIO DEL TORO (talk about inspired casting!) takes on the lead role of Lawrence Talbot. Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins will play his estranged father. The re-imagined film, being helmed by Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park III, Jumanji, The Rocketeer), is set to hit screen across the U.S. on November 6, 2009.

LATIN HORROR ( http://www.latinhorror.com/ ) will provide an early update on the film, currently in post-production, in our March 2009 online issue, complete with all the excitement and rumors floating in the fan-base ether. LATIN HORROR will post the film's trailer as soon as it is made available and publish an in-depth review of the project when press screenings are held.

- LATIN HORROR Team

LH NEWS: JOE SENA CONFIRMED FOR APRIL 2009 LATIN HORROR

2009-02-11T12:28:00.004-04:00

Dear LATIN HORRORphiles:

We just received confirmation that we will be conducting an EXCLUSIVE profile of JOE SENA, president, SphereWerx Micromedia, in our April 2009 edition of LATIN HORROR online -- http://www.latinhorror.com

Joe Sena is a Latin horror entrepreneur responsible for bringing to market some of the most beloved horror merchandise in the last 20-years. Sena recently launched a series of 8” MEGO style action figures based on the NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD brand [Joe: thanks for the Bill Heinzman Grave Yard Zombie - Badass!]. Sena is also the brain-trust behind StoreWerx, an online e-commerce retail service used by such genre brands as Fangoria, Dread Central, Rue Morgue, and Starlog, among others.

Read the entire exciting profile on JOE SENA and his ground-breaking contributions to horror EXCLUSIVELY in the April 2009 LATIN HORROR online.

More soon.

- LATIN HORROR Team

LATIN HORROR E-zine Launches Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T00:05:00.008-04:00

First off, I wanted to thank you for supporting our venture and being among the first to subscribe to LATIN HORROR (LH)! And what better day to launch LATIN HORROR than on all our favorite holiday: HALLOWEEN!

LH is the first English-language publication entirely dedicated to fans of the emerging genre of Latin horror and will feature the leading Latin/Hispanic/ Inter national proponents working in film, theater, music, graphic novels, "dark art" novelas, comic books, literature, and games -- from the seasoned masters -- to the up-and-coming Latin horrorphile.

And make sure to stay tuned for our "Blog of Pheare" coming soon right here.

Edwin Pagán
Founder-In-Chief