Pagan Festival Shout Out: Meditrinalia

Meditrinalia is an ancient Roman festival that celebrated the wine vintage, which was offered as libations to the gods for the first time each year. The obscure festival revolved around offering the vintage to the gods for the first time each year. The festival was to honor the goddess Meditrina who was the goddess of health, longevity and wine. The earliest account of associating the Meditrinalia with such a goddess was by 2nd century grammarian Sextus Pompeius Festus. Also during the festival Romans would mix both new wine with vintage in a libation to be tasted as a symbol desire to be healed.

Today Meditrinalia can be celebrated still with added focus on Meditrina’s mystical aspects of control over health as well as wine. This would be good time to adorn an emblem or charm associated with healing. Create one that symbolizes what ever ailment or concern over health issues you may have so that Meditrina can offer protection or healing. It would be a perfect opportunity to have friends come over and have a few glasses of wine and well wishes. Also you can make a “healing wine” by adding herbals known for healing properties that compliment your favorite wine as garnish or mixed with the beverage to create Mulled Wine. Cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger, honey are just a few that could create a nice spicy autumn drink on Meditrinalia. Follow this link for a great recipe for Mulled Wine.

The Meditrinalia (from 'mederi', to heal) celebrates the end of the vine harvest. Varro [De Lingua Latina, 6.21] says the following about this day:

"Octobri mense Meditrinalia dies dictus a medendo, quod Flaccus flamen Martialis dicebat hoc die solitum vinum novum et vetus libari et degustari medicamenti causa; quod facere solent etiam nunc multi cum dicunt: 'Novum vetus vinum bibo: novo veteri morbo medeor'."

"The day of the Meditrinalia in month October was named from 'mederi' (to be healed), as Flamen Martialis Flaccus used to say that on this day it was the custom to make a libation of new and old wine and to taste it in order to be healed. Many are accustomed to do this even now when they say: 'Wine new and old I drink, of illness new and old I'm cured.'"  

To celebrate this festival in the custom of ancient Romans follow the directions below as stated on Nova Roma, Libation For The Meditrinalia on October 11th.

1. Prepare a mixture of wine new and old. Note that at this time of year, the new wine mentioned by Varro is most probably grape juice or must taken from the recently harvested grapes. Accordingly, buy some mature wine and grapes, and mix one half of wine and one half of grape juice. Place the mixture in a 'patera' or similar recipient.
   
2. Prepare a recipient with water to stay beside you during the ritual in order for you to wash your hands. Prepare a towel as well.
   
3. If the place of worship you have chosen  has no fireplace ('focus'), then you will just pour the wine on an altar or recipient prepared for the effect which you place before the place of worship.
   
4. Go to your place of worship in your home (lararium, shrine, or whatever). You can be helped by a few assistants who, during the ritual, will help you to wash the hands and to take the offering.
   
5. Cover your head. If you have a toga, you can use it to cover your head in the fashion known as 'cinctu Gabino' proper of the roman sacrificer.
   
6. Say the following (note that I have addressed the deity indirectly employing the 'si deus si dea' formula because it is not known with certainty which deity in honoured today):
   "Si deus si dea es qui Meditrinalium tutelam habet, quod tibi hodie fieri oportet libationem vini novi et veteri, eius rei ergo macte hoc vino novo et veteri pollucendo esto."
   "Be you god or goddess who has the tutelage of the Meditrinalia, as it is proper to offer to you today a libation of wine new and old, for sake of this shall you be honoured by this offering of wine new and old."
   
7. Wash your hands in the water prepared for the effect, and clean your hands.
   
8. Take the wine.
   
9. Pour a part of it in libation saying:
   "Si deus si dea es qui Meditrinalium tutelam habet, eius rei ergo macte vino novo et veteri inferio esto."
   "Be you god or goddess who has the tutelage of the Meditrinalia, for sake of this shall you be honoured by this wine new and old, which I pour in libation."
   
10. Note that in the previous step you have expressly noted that the wine offered is only the part poured in libation ('inferio'). You will drink the rest saying the following before drinking, as Varro teaches us:
    "Novum vetus vinum bibo, novo veteri morbo medeor."
    "Wine new and old I drink, of illness new and old I am cured."
    
11. The libation is finished. If you have not used a fireplace and just poured the wine on an altar or recipient prepared for the effect, let the wine stay before the place of worship until the next day, so that the deity may enjoy it. You should then clean it so that it does not become deteriorated and hence polluted and impure.

Release Date Set For “Paradox Alice” As Viral Vids Hit The Web

The Orchard announced a release date for sci-fi film “Paradox Alice” as three viral video logs hit the web. The Orchard will be releasing “Paradox Alice” for sale and for rental in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in association with Mako Pictures and Fabrication Films. The Eric Dapkewicz’s directed film will be available on all major digital outlets including iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, X-box, Playstation, and Vudu as well as through Cable VOD on October 15th. A DVD date is to follow but no official date is set for that release just yet. “Paradox Alice” stars Jeneta St. Clair, Stewart W. Calhoun, Ethan Sharrett, Andrew Hernon, Amy Lindsay, Sandra Staggs, Liz Stewart, Jack Brand, Tansy Alexander, Scott Gabelein and Kim Mulligan.

The three viral video logs as well as future excerpts from the film will be featured on ShockTillYouDrop’s new Youtube channel along with special commentary. The material released will be handled by The Orchard. Check out the viral vids below and head over to ShockTillYouDrop’s channel for future material.

The story of “Paradox Alice” is set in 2040 and follows a group of astronauts sent on a dangerous mission to retrieve water from Europa. After narrowly escaping the moon and on their way back home, the team learns that a nuclear war as broken out on Earth living the planet uninhabitable. Just as the male crew come to terms with the devastating fate of Earth, one of the crew members spontaneously transforms into a female. The remaining men turn on one another as tensions rise while each seek to explain the mysterious and terrifying event. Act of God or Biological Imperative, the men via for the female as the truth reveals itself in the shocking finale.

“Vampires: Lucas Rising” Turns The Fangs On Seeking The Iris Prize

In case anyone doesn’t know what the Iris Prize is, it is a film competition/festival that awards it’s winners with a cash prize to fund another film project. It is held in the Welsh capitol of Cardiff. On October 11th indie gay vampire film “Vampires: Lucas Rising” will sink it’s teeth into Iris audiences in hopes to win the prize. The film is directed by Jason Davitt and stars Rhys Howells, Dan Briggs, Rebecca Eastwood. “Vampires: Lucas Rising” is a sequel to “Brighter In Darkness”. The Director’s  cut of that film is scheduled to be released on the 22nd and will feature new scenes, special effects and soundtrack.

Lucas Rising continues the love story between the immortals Lucas Delmore and Toby Brighter and their fight in the supernatural dark world of Demons and Vampires! Set one year after Lucas had followed Toby into the Chaos realms to rescue him, Lucas is summoned back into the mortal world by his old friend Mikal. Check out the hot images from the “Vampires Saga”.

Trailer Released For Action Horror “The Gauntlet”

Check out the trailer for Matt Eskandari’s action horror “The Gauntlet”. The film stars Warren Kole, Bai Ling, Jamie Ray Newman, and Dustin Nguyen. “The Gauntlet” is among the films to show at this years Screamfest on October 10th.

In a sunken castle underneath the earth, five strangers wake. They have no food. No memory. No water. And no way out. They don't know it yet, but they're capable of something they never imagined. They must organize and band together for the sinister adventure that awaits them.

After Dark Films Pick Up “Mischief Night”

After Dark Films has announced that it acquired “Mischief Night” for it’s After Dark Originals series 2. The film is directed by Travis Baker in his feature directorial debut. “Mischief Night” will see a limited theatrical release on October  30th and stars Brooke Anne Smith, Marc Valera, Nikki Limo, Matt Angel, Malcolm McDowell and Eric Palladino. Along with word of After Dark’s acquisition of the film came a new poster which is featured below.

Kaylie is just like most other girls her age. She babysits, enjoys stealing from her parents’ liquor cabinet, and has boys who like her. The only difference between Kylie and other girls is that the boy who likes her, wants to KILL her. On Mischief Night, the night before Halloween, Kylie’s true nature is revealed when she is attacked by a psycho who wants nothing more than to see her insides.

News Update For “Young, High And Dead” Extended Release

Rum Punch Productions extends the up and coming release to their debut film “Young, High And Dead”. Written and directed by Luke Brady. “Young, High And Dead” stars Hannah Tointon, Louisa Lytton, Philip Barantini, Matthew Stathers, Nigel Boyle, David Partridge and Su Elliott. Read the full news update below.

Due to the strong UK release and increasing demand we would like to announce that we will be widening the USA release this Halloween (31^st October) to a worldwide VOD release exclusively on Vimeo On Demand.

Further News: We are also pleased to announce that young, High and Dead will be attending London's MCM Comic Con 25^th to 27^th October 2013. The films Writer/Director Luke Brady will be there ready to chat about his film, plus there will be some exclusive pre release Blu-rays and DVD's as well as some of the props from the film and other unique related memorabilia.

A personal note from the Writer/Director Luke Brady:

“Since Young, High and Dead got it's UK VOD release the feedback and support has been incredible, I know that as a relatively unknown British Independent film we are competing against much bigger companies and well established filmmakers, so we still have our work cut out, but I couldn't be more happy with how things are going. The reviews and response to the film have been fantastic, so much so that I have already dived in and penned 10 pages of a sequel. It's very early stages but I hope to inject more blood, more horror, more kills and even more money in the next installment. So if things work out 2014 might be the start of Young, High and More Dead”

Recent Reviews:
“A must watch for Halloween 2013, Great F@cK#en Movie, I’m impressed”
                      8/10 TheHorrorMoviesBlog.com
"Young, High and Dead is a fine example of UK independent horror and at times is scary as hell, often uncomfortable and a bloody good ride."
7/10 - www.ukhorrorscene.com
"It is clear that film making is what the crew behind “Young, High And Dead” are meant to be doing."
7/10 Asouthernlifeinscandaloustimes
"...this is true gritty British horror"
                       4/5 - Beyondthegore.co.uk
 
“Young, High And Dead” follows five friends who head to the woods for a weekend of drug fuelled madness their night soon descends into chaos when they pitch up next to the grave of a local missing child.

Full synopsis:
To celebrate a recent engagement a group of five friends embark on a camping trip they will never return from. Deep in the forest the group pitch next to the grave of a local missing child. As the killer watches them it’s not long before a night of drink and drugs turns into a waking nightmare. When the group awake in the early hours, they find themselves shackled and chained to trees, will the group stick and work together in order to exit the situation and the forest alive? Or will the killer leave them all Young, High and Dead?

Brady states that, ““Young, High and Dead” is a modern twist on a familiar genre piece.” He elaborates on the statement by adding, “As a huge fan of 80’s horror classics, I wanted to write and shoot something that harked back to this style of cinema. YHAD nods to certain influences in that era but hopefully brings a layered journey for the group of five friends, part autobiographical part fantasy, YHAD draws a story that hopefully audience members can engage and relate to. I tried to buck all trends and steer in the opposite direction to what people expect, not just narrative. The way I made the film is just as fantastical as the film itself.”

“Young,High And Dead” Social :
Young High and Dead official website  
   YHAD PODCAST
YHAD VIMEO
YHAD Facebook
YHAD Twitter
YHAD Instagram
YHAD IMDB
YHAD TUMBLR

New Clip Released For “Muck”

A new clip has been released for indie horror “Muck”. The film is expected to release sometime in 2014 and is directed by Steve Wolsh. The new clip titled “It’s Just The Wind, Don’t Be A Pussy” offers a very tense and suspenseful look into the film’s atmosphere. I can’t wait to see this little chilling motherfucker! “Muck” stars a hot young cast combined with even hotter horror legend Kane Hodder, Lachlan Buchanan, Puja Mohindra, Bryce Draper, Stephanie Danielson, Laura Jacobs, Grant Alan Ouzts, Lauren Francesca, 2012 Playmate of the Year Jaclyn Swedberg, all star in the film. “Muck” is described as a highly stylized and hyper-violent middle chapter of a true horror trilogy that unfolds like a love letter to horror fanatics everywhere.

After narrowly escaping an ancient burial ground, long forgotten and buried underneath the marshes of Cape Cod, a group of friends emerge from the thick, marshy darkness, tattered and bloody, lucky to be alive. They have already lost two of their friends in the marsh, presumably dead. They stumble upon an empty Cape Cod vacation house alongside the foggy marsh and break in to take shelter. Whatever was in the marsh is still after them and soon after one of them goes for help, the rest of the group learns that the evil in the marsh is not the only thing that wants them dead. Something worse, something more savage, was lying in wait just outside the marsh, in the house. What happens next is unspeakable, horror that cannot be unseen. These unlucky travelers spend their St. Patrick's Day trapped between two evils forcing them to fight, die, or go back the way they came.

Trailer Released For Thriller “The Fetish Set”

Check out the trailer for indie thriller “The Fetish Set” . The film is directed by Shane Wheeler and stars Glenda Galeano, Tomiko, Sarah Nicklin, Julia McAlee, Bill Oberst Jr. To keep up with the latest details on this film head over the film’s Facebook page.

Four women gather at a yearly fetish convention in South Texas. Mai, the loving mother who recently began work as a fetish model. Jo, the adrenaline junkie porn star drawn between her new friend Mai and Reyna, an old flame from darker times. Reyna brings along Angel, her new found love and a fresh new face to the industry. As one bad decision leads to another the girls find themselves drawn deeper into a darkness well beyond their rational limits.

Check Out Indie Horror “Dying Light”

“Dying Light” is a new indie horror from director David Newbigging and writer Gordon Mclean. The film deals with claustrophobia and fear of the dark as main psychological horror elements. It stars Owen Whitelaw, Kelly Wenham and James Cosmo. All in all this sounds like a pretty tight, mature horror film with a heavy suspenseful atmosphere. I am intrigued and eager to check this one out. Check out the latest trailer below.

When Eddie Bowen hooks up with the beautiful and sexually aggressive Suze Phillips he thinks his luck’s in. But it’s a trap! Suze imprisons them both within a specially-prepared room and before Eddie can react he’s drugged and blacks out. When he wakes he finds a symbol carved into his chest and Suze lying unconscious on the floor with a dagger in hand.

While Eddie desperately attempts to break through the room’s stone walls and securely-locked door he tries to get some answers from the seemingly psychotic Suze. What has she done to him? What the hell’s going on?!

The true horror of his situation gradually emerges: despite how crazy it sounds, the room is growing darker and darker and there’s something in the shadows... something that’s coming to get him.Can Eddie escape in time? Or will the darkness claim him?

Release Date For Indie Horror “Cut/Print”

According to HorrorSociety new indie horror “Cut/Print” has a release date set. The film will hit cable VOD in January and can be seen on Cablevision, Comcast, Charter, Cable One, Brighthouse, Suddenlink, Cox, Mediacom, Insight, Verizon, Frontier. “Cut/Print” is directed by Nathaiel Nose and stars Vince Orlando, Randy Godwin, Ken Foree, James Ohngren, Chelsey Fatula, Angela Chetcuti, Tamara Frapasella and Ele Barha. Check out the trailer below.

The story follows a group of ambitious filmmakers who set out to create the world's first reality horror movie. Their plan was simple; they'd offer an active serial killer complete anonymity and a worldwide platform from which to display his work in exchange for genuine footage of his grisly crimes. What ensues is a hellish game of cat and mouse as a cryptic filmmaker, known only as The Maestro, comes out from hiding in search of his "perfect shot".

John and Paul, ambitious to a fault, will stop at nothing to break into Hollywood. As a result, exploitation for profit has become their business.

After nearly destroying Paul’s uncle’s police precinct by spinning a documentary to make good cops look bad, they’ve come upon their newest scheme; to bait an active serial killer by offering complete anonymity and a worldwide platform for which the killer’s work can be displayed. They begin receiving tapes of women being murdered and quickly realize they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.

Or at least Paul and Mark, the cameraman, realize. John wants his fifteen minutes. The tension rises among the filmmakers as the question is continually posed, “how far is too far?” When they finally decide the line has been crossed, it’s too late. The police won’t listen to them and neither will the killer. The tapes continue to pile up as the filmmakers are forced to fight for their lives.

Indie Horror “Hitchhiker Massacre” Completes Production

Indie horror “Hitchhiker Massacre” has completed production. The film is a return to 80’s road horror. The trailer for “Hitchhiker Massacre” dropped yesterday, you can check it out below. The film is directed by  James L. Bills and stars Ely LaMay, Calista Caradine, John Barrymore, Veronica LaVery, James Bartolet.

The story centers around a maniacal madman who not only sells the body parts of his victims, but also cooks up the remains and serves them to the public.

Trailer Released For Ojeda’s “Savaged”

Michael Ojeda’ s postmodern horror film “Savaged” has released a trailer. The brutal and visceral film premieres in Asia on 11th and 12th at Busan, then heads to U.S. shores on 14th and 15th at Screamfest in L.A. before heading to the Sitges Festival on the 18th and 19th. “Savaged” stars Amanda Adrienne, Tom Ardavany, Ronnie Gene Blevins and Ernie Charles. Check out the trailer below.

While traveling across country, Zoe, a lovely deaf mute woman, stumbles on a horrific crime – a gang of rednecks slaughtering two Native American boys. Zoe’s brave attempt to save one of the boys seals her fate. She is captured, raped and left for dead. When an Indian shaman finds her clinging to life in a shallow grave he attempts to save her – but something goes horribly wrong. The spirit of an ancient Apache warrior takes host of Zoe’s dead body. So now she walks amongst the living, hell-bent on getting revenge. One by one she slaughters the men who brutalized her, while the clock ticks away on her quickly decomposing body.

Release Date Set For Documentary “Birth Of The Living Dead”

“Birth Of The Living Dead” will be released on iTunes on October 15th with a limited theatrical run to follow on the 18th. The documentary is the project of director Rob Kuhns and features stars such as George A. Romero, Larry Fessenden, Mark Harris, Gale Anne Hurd, Elvis Mitchell.

In 1968 a young college drop-out named George A. Romero directed a low budget horror film that shocked the world and became an icon of the counterculture – “Night of the Living Dead.”

“Year of the Living Dead,” a new documentary, shows how Romero gathered an unlikely team of Pittsburghers — policemen, iron workers, teachers, ad-men, housewives and a roller-rink owner — to shoot, with a revolutionary guerrilla, run-and-gun style, his seminal film. During that process Romero and his team created an entirely new and horribly chilling monster – one that was undead and feasted upon human flesh. The “zombie” became its own genre worth billions of dollars that continues to this day.

This new documentary also immerses audiences into the singular time in which “Night” was shot. Archival footage of the horrors of Vietnam and racial violence at home combined with iconic music from the 60s invites viewers to experience how Romero’s tumultuous film reflected this period in American history. “Year of the Living Dead” shows us how this young filmmaker created a world-renowned horror film that was also a profound insight into how our society really works.

Trailer Released For Horror “Torment”

The official trailer has gone online for new horror “Torment”. The film is directed by Jordan Barker and stars Katharine Isabelle, Robin Dunne, Stephen McHattie, Peter DaCunha, Sitara Hewitt and Asim Wali. Check out the trailer below.

Newlyweds Sarah and Cory Morgan have decided to take a relaxing holiday with Cory’s seven-year-old son, Liam, to try to smooth over some of the teething problems Liam is having with his new mom. Despite the idyllic location of Cory’s isolated and luxurious country house, the family members soon realize they have made a mistake by going there. The house brings back too many painful memories of Liam’s deceased mother, and the boy reacts angrily, punishing Sarah for trying to take his mom’s place.

However, the boy’s discomfort is soon put to one side when they realize that someone has been using the house in their absence. After having a police officer inspect the house and reassure them that there’s nothing to worry about, the couple decides that they will stay, at least for one night. Another big mistake.

Their unwanted house guests will soon reveal themselves, and the family will find itself caught up in a fight for their lives. What was planned as a relaxing getaway quickly turns into their worst nightmare as they find themselves on a holiday from hell.

“Sickle” Now Called “Exit To Hell”

Kane Hodder’s horror “Sickle” has now become “Exit To Hell” as revealed in new poster promoting the contemporary horror thriller. “Exit To Hell” is directed by Robert Conway and along side horror icon Hodder, the film also stars Tiffany Shepis, Rena Riffel, Dan Higgins, Dustin Leighton and Owen Conway. The film is tribute to classic grindhouse and modern slasher genre filmmaking.

A group of stick-up kids rob a mafia run strip club and head for the border but when they enter the town of Redstone, they find that crime is a dish best served cold! Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th, Hatchet) takes the title role as Sheriff Slade Sickle, a man with a true appetite for justice! The film co-stars Tiffany Shepis (Nightmare Man, Dark Reel) and Rena Riffel (Showgirls, Mulholland Dr.) in this carnage-filled tribute to American Grind-House cinema.