SXSW Film Fest announces special midnight film slate for 2009

They're not all strictly horror - but they do sound strictly cutting edge.

by PegNews wire

A lot of the most fun (funnest?) stuff that goes on at the SXSW Film Festival happens after midnight. Some of it even involves movies.

Judging by this latest news coming out of SXSW Festival HQ, that trend will be continuing in 2009.

We've just gotten wind of a new themed group of midnight films on tap for the fest, categorized as "SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight," with offerings to include the following:

Ong Bak 2 (Thailand)

Director: Tony Jaa. Writer: Panna Rittikrai

Martial-arts superstar Tony Jaa is back in an epic prequel to the 2003 action smash Ong Bak. Cast: Tony Jaa, Sorapong Chatree, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Nirut Sirichanya, Santisuk Promsiri, Primorata Dejudom (International Film Festival Premiere)

Black (France)

Director: Pierre Laffargue. Writer: Pierre Laffargue, Lucio Mad and Gábor Rassov

A nouveau-blacksploitation adventure awash in black magic, African Mysticism, mutant arms dealers, gargantuan machete-wielding mercenary armies and a truckload of knuckle-sandwiches.  Cast: MC Jean Gab'1, Carole Karemera, François Levantal, Anton Yakovlev (World Premiere)

The Haunting in Connecticut (U.S.)

Director: Peter Cornwell. Writer: Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe

In the tradition of such real-life horror movies as The Exorcist and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Haunting in Connecticut tells the astounding true story of one family's supernatural ordeal. Cast: Amanda Crew, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Kyle Gallner, Martin Donovan (International Film Festival Premiere)

The Horseman (Australia)

Director/Writer: Steve Kastrissios

When Christian Forteski’s (Peter Marshall) drug addicted daughter dies after appearing in an amateur porn video, he deals with his grief by burning, kicking, smashing and stabbing his way through those responsible. Cast: Peter Marshall, Caroline Marohasy, Brad McMurray, Jack Henry, Evert McQueen (North American Premiere)

Lesbian Vampire Killers (UK)

Director: Phil Claydon. Writer: Paul Hupfield and Stewart Williams

Matthew Horne and James Corden, the comedy duo behind the award-winning BBC comedy series Gavin and Stacey, are two hapless losers whose idyllic country holiday is shattered by the arrival of an army of thirsty lesbian vampires. Cast: Paul McGann, James Corden, Mathew Horne, MyAnna Buring, Silvia Colloca (World Premiere)

Pontypool (Canada)

Director: Bruce McDonald. Writer: Tony Burgess

A seemingly ordinary day’s work at the radio station for Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie) turns sinister when calls begin to flood the station about violent outbreaks in and around Pontypool. Cast: Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, Hrant Alianak, Rick Roberts (U.S. Premiere)

As you can see, many of the films have a horror element, though some are not strictly (or even remotely) horror-related, and thus the "fantasy" designator.

posted by JM