Beyond Fest 2023 Unveils Star-Studded Film Lineup for Genre Enthusiasts
Ready your calendars, genre film aficionados! The leading light of American genre film festivals, Beyond Fest, has unveiled its dazzling slate for the 2023 edition, poised to thrill audiences from September 26th to October 10th. The 11th iteration of the revered cinematic event will take place at Los Angeles’ Los Feliz 3, Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre, and the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood. An impressive lineup of 55 films is set to hit the screens, promising a cinematic festivity for genre enthusiasts and cinephiles all around.
Kicking off the festival, Gareth Edwards’ much-anticipated sci-fi extravaganza 'The Creator' will serve as the opening feature. Beyond Fest 2023 will culminate in the A24 picture 'Dream Scenario', a captivating spectacle starring Nicolas Cage, brought to life in the directorial vision of Kristoffer Borgli. The festival will also host the world premieres of 'It’s a Wonderful Knife', 'Welcome Space Brothers', 'History of Evil,' along with the 4K restorations of 'Cemetery Man' (1994) and 'The Church' (1989).
Other key highlights include the remake of Troma classic 'The Toxic Avenger', Amazon Prime Video's Blumhouse TV’s retro horror flick 'Totally Killer', 'Suitable Flesh', 'Where Evil Lurks' and the ambitious 'Kill'. A double treat awaits fans of Paul Mescal as his films 'All of Us Strangers' and 'Foe' will be screened.
An engaging retrospective of the infamous Roger Corman, featuring his iconic films like 'Rock’n’roll High School', 'Piranha', 'Grand Theft Auto' and 'The Raven,' is set to unravel as part of the fest. Several grandmasters of cinema including James Cameron, Guillermo del Toro, and Roger Corman will join the festival, sharing the stage with seminal, upcoming, audacious storytellers such as Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Demián Rugna, and Macon Blair.
And now onto the good stuff...
As if sitting in a dimmed theater, popcorn in hand, wasn't exciting enough, Beyond Fest is here to remind us why we missed the in-person cinema experience. There's something galvanizing about awaiting the premiere of 'The Creator', the sound of universal applause after a vintage Corman film, or the collective gasp at the first scene of a reconstructed 'Cemetery Man'.
Don't forget the inevitable cheeky tantrums we'll throw when 'Dream Scenario' closes the fest - because really, who wants it to end? Nicolas Cage might not be able to fix everything, but at least he'll somewhat soften the blow.
Seeing James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro take to the stage will most likely trigger an internal (or, most appropriately, external) squeal of impeccable fanboy/fangirl delight. Even the most seasoned industry professionals could turn into giddy teenagers when faced with such bonafide film legends. Just remember, deep breaths, everyone.
We'll find ourselves in awe of the promising new names on the bill, such as Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and Macon Blair; these are the future Spielbergs and Coppolas, folks. And where else other than Beyond Fest can you have the chance to say you saw them first? You can take that one to the bank, or at least any dinner party conversation in town.
When all's said and done, the upcoming Beyond Fest seems intent on punishing your socially starved souls with a hearty dose of adrenaline, nostalgia, awe, and a bucket load of popcorn! Brace yourself, Los Angeles; it's going to be a tumultuous ride!
