Pagan Festival Shout Out: Yule/Winter Solstice

Yule is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the seasonal differences. It is a pagan religious festival observed by the historical Germanic peoples, later undergoing Christianized reformulation resulting in, the now better known, Christmastide. Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider.  Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges which were laid in baskets of evergreen boughs and wheat stalks dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun. There are literally dozens of ways you can enjoy the season.

Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, the sun's "rebirth" was celebrated with much joy. On this night, our ancestors celebrated the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth. From this day forward, the days would become longer.


The traditions that I have grown accustomed to incorporating into to the holiday season, many were already apart of my Christmas tradition from childhood, decorating my home with evergreens-holly-mistleto-trees-lights. These are all apart of the Yule tradition as well as modern Christmas traditions. I have since added, as an adult, the bonfire (Yule log burning) which protects against the powers of evil in whatever shape or form they stalked the land, and symbolizes the light returning to conquer the darkness. I also decorate my altar in honor of Yule. You can also make a symbolic Yule log for decoration.

Find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright. Drill three holes in the top side to hold red, green, and white (season), green, gold, and black (the Sun God), or white, red, and black (the Great Goddess). Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rosebuds, cloves, and dust with flour. The ceremonial Yule log was the highlight of the Solstice festival, Ash is the traditional wood of the Yule log. It is the sacred world tree of the Teutons, known as Yggdrasil. An herb of the Sun, Ash brings light into the hearth at the Solstice. Oak is also great for making a Yule log-and has special significance to pagan beliefs.


Here are some great links that have helped me explore and express my  own Yule practices as a solitary pagan.

• Setting Up the Yule Altar
• Prayers for Yule
• Welcome Back the Sun for Yule
• Goddess Rite for Solitaries
• Goddess Rite for Groups
• Hold a Yule Log Ceremony
• Yule Cleansing Ritual
• Holiday Tree Blessing Ceremony
• Elemental Blessings of Donations Ritual

Deities of Yule:  All Newborn Gods, Sun Gods, Mother Goddesses, and Triple Goddesses. The best known would be the Dagda, and Brighid, the daughter of the Dagda. Brighid taught the smiths the arts of fire tending and the secrets of metal work. Brighid's flame, like the flame of the new light, pierces the darkness of the spirit and mind, while the Dagda's cauldron assures that Nature will always provide for all the children.
Full List Of Deities Of Yule: Goddesses-Brighid, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother. Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, The Oak King, The Horned One, The Green Man, The Divine Child, Mabon.
Symbolism of Yule:Rebirth of the Sun, The longest night of the year, The Winter Solstice, Introspect, Planning for the Future.

Symbols of Yule: Yule log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, christmas cactus.

Herbs of Yule: Bayberry, blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar.

Foods of Yule: Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider, wassail, or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).
Incense of Yule: Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Divalia

December 21st is the day of the ancient Roman festival known as Divalia, in honour of the goddess Angerona. The festival is also known as Angeronalia and to drive away all the sorrow and chagrin of life. She was a goddess who relieved men from pain and sorrow, or delivered the Romans and their flocks from angina. Angeronalia is also thought to be the goddess of the new year and the returning sun.

Angeronalia is known as The Lady of Silence and Secrets, She Who Stands As the Protector of Rome, and she is represented with her mouth bound, or with her index finger held over her mouth, commanding silence. Aspects and attributes of the goddess are strength, passion, guardianship, and it is customary to have a cleansing fire to symbolize joy. Her incense are olive blossom, white nectarine, vibrant blood orange, honey absolute, lemongrass, elemi, sensual patchouli, and the quiet purity of gardenia. Angeronalia and the Divalia make a perfect additive to the Yule, Winter Solstice celebration.

First Official Still Of Del Toro’s “Crimson Peak”

The first image of Guillermo Del Toro’s upcoming gothic horror “Crimson Peak” has been released. The image is of actress Jessica Chastain as Lady Lucille Sharpe. “Crimson Peak” will be released in theaters on October 16, 2015. The film also stars Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver, Leslie Hope, Burn Gorman, and Javier Botet. “Crimson Peak” is an homage to the gothic-romance, ghost stories of yesteryears.

In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds…and remembers.

Official Poster Released For “It Follows”

Check out the official poster for upcoming horror “It Follows”. The film is described as a teen horror that has its foundation in action/consequence as promiscuity leads to nightmarish ends. ‘It Follows” is directed by David Robert Mitchell and stars Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe.

For 19-year-old Jay (Maika Monroe, AT ANY PRICE), the fall should be about school, boys, and weekends at the lake. Yet, after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she suddenly finds herself plagued by nightmarish visions; she can’t shake the sensation that someone, or something, is following her. As the threat closes in, Jay and her friends must somehow escape the horrors that are only a few steps behind.

Official Trailer And Release Details For “Suburban Gothic”

FilmBuff has released the official trailer and release details for horror comedy “Suburban Gothic”. The film will hit VOD on January 30th, 2015. “Suburban Gothic” stars Matthew Gray Gubler, Kat Dennings, Ray Wise, Sally Kirkland, Jeffrey Combs, and John Waters. The film is described as a quirky, paranormal comedy.

Raymond has a prestigious MBA, but he can’t find work. He can also channel the paranormal, but chatting with a cute girl still mystifies him. Kicked out of his apartment, Raymond returns home to his overbearing mother, his ex-jock father, and some beer-bellied former classmates. When a vengeful ghost starts terrorizing his small town home, Raymond the city-boy has to recruit Becca, the badass local bartender, to solve the mystery of the spirit threatening their lives.

Eight Contestants Find Out If They Can Survive Zombies In “Fight Of The Living Dead”

Press Release:
Think you can survive a zombie apocalypse? The forthcoming horror series “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” will put eight contestants to the test.

From Alpine Labs, BlackBoxTV, and Revolver Picture Company, the unprecedented mash-up of reality and scripted genres “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” follows a collection of online celebrities including Joey Graceffa, Jesse and Jeana (PrankvsPrank), Justine Ezarik (iJustine), and more as they work to survive the first 24 hours of a simulated zombie apocalypse. Contestants will face a series of grisly challenges in an attempt to eliminate the competition through the undead’s frightening realistic onslaught.

The thrilling original series will debut on Cinedigm and Wizard World’s forthcoming digital channel CONtv, due to launch in early 2015.

Shot over the course of two days at Sybil Brand Women’s Prison in Los Angeles, “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” competitors were first blindfolded, driven in circles, led onto the set, and zipped into body bags, all to help simulate the all-too-real tension of awaking in a post-apocalyptic landscape riddled by monsters out for blood. Instructed by a faceless character named Dr. Altagracia (portrayed by Tony E. Valenzuela, Executive Producer and founder of YouTube’s #1 ranked genre channel BlackBoxTV), the “survivors” are tasked with finding the antidote that can save mankind.

Enlisting over 200 extras, FX Supervisor Tommy Pietch (“Face Off”) and his team create a horrifying mob of rotting, wounded, bloody zombies tasked with keeping the competitors from accomplishing their mission. “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” also turns up the thrills by including a collection of zombie-clad Parkour experts, overseen by renowned stunt coordinator Chris Carnel (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), who use the prison’s walls as their terrifying playground, threatening to unleash destruction from any angle.

Requiring over 60 cameras to track each competitor as they fight to survive the game, each participant was also clad with their own GoPro cameras so that the viewers may get even closer to all the explosive action.

“FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” is produced by Alpine Labs and Revolver Picture Company; Alpine’s Kevin Abrams, Jamie Denenberg, BlackBoxTV’s Tony E. Valenzuela, and Aaron Lewis are Executive Producers; Revolver Picture Company’s Rodney Frazier, Nick Phillips, and Kelly Martin Wagner are Co-Executive Producers.

My Review Of “The Bible Belt Slasher: The Holy Terror”

“The Bible Belt Slasher: The Holy Terror” is the feature film follow-up to 2010’s slasher short written and directed by Bradley Creanzo. It is a low budget, retro flick set in the 80’s, and it is so bad that it is almost good. It stars Creanzo, Taylor Raftree, Keri Korner, Greg Huneke, Stella DiFabio, Dan Del Ben, Travis Raftree, Andy Salmon, Siddharth Gupta, Genoveva Rossi, Nicolina Hemingway, Robert J. Huntley, Missy Heather Byron and Larry Baumer as Jason Fry. A lot of the cast you may recognize from another low budget horror franchise- “Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead”. This is pretty much dime-store, hot-mess movie making its best.

So much about “The Bible Belt Slasher: The Holy Terror” doesn’t work, I will get to that in a minute, one thing that does work here is the story its self. It is a great slasher set-up with a truly psychotic killer. I didn’t recognize any mess-ups in the story arc, the base tale and the back story of the killer seemed cohesive, and the continuity is definitely there. Most of the hot mess comes from over-stated scenes with over exaggerated line delivery. That being said, what should have been acting that should have made me turned this off, actually became entertaining. Almost as if Creanzo was aiming for a tongue-in-cheek, spoof-like quality. I am not sure, but for some reason what doesn’t work with the acting and character development is part of what makes “The Bible Belt Slasher II” so bad it is almost so good.

Now the special effects and 80’s “staging” of this film is a hodgepodge of hit and miss. When Creanzo has an obvious control of the environment, “The Bible Belt Slasher II” looks and feels totally 80’s, but outdoor scenes and moments when scenes are at the mercy of its enviornment the 80’s become blended with the now. However, once again, as with the acting, instead of turning me off of this film, it becomes entertaining. Like a game to spot what doesn’t belong-and trust there is a lot in here that is not even close to the 80’s. Still the mash-up of decades feels like some sitcom parents flashback to their teen days.

The film has a couple of things that demand respect, the full on use of practical gore effects and blood without pulling away from the death scene is commendable-and it works. There is a lot of splatterfest happening in “The Bible Belt Slasher II” that will please any fan of low budget / homegrown/ SOV horror fans. Plus the cast and Bradley Creanzo seem to be on the same page as far as vision and passion for making this movie happen. The things that most horror fans will hate about this one, like the silly one-liners and hilarious character portrayals, are the things that I found entertaining. A few scenes are worthy of a good laugh, sometimes intended, sometimes not.

Overall, “The Bible Belt Slasher II: The Holy Terror” is not gonna go over well, but for many this is gonna be one of those bad movies that make its way to cult status. Oh and it happens during the Christmas holiday season so that is a nice additive.  The music and soundtrack is the other element of this movie that works. The music screams 80’s hard rock which pulled me back to my youth, and the instrumental is classic slasher/giallo sweetness that creates both the mood and atmosphere needed to put this thing in retro status. “The Bible Belt Slasher II” is a cheap, fun, slasher that really can be entertaining if you don’t take it serious.

U.S. Trailer For “It Follows” Released

The U.S. official trailer for upcoming horror “It Follows” has been released. The film is directed by David Robert Mitchell and due out in 2015. “It Follows” stars Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, Olivia Luccardi, and Lili Sepe.

For 19-year-old Jay, fall should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind.

Release Details For “Desecrated”

Rob Garcia directed “Desecrated” has announced a release date of January 6th on DVD and VOD. The film stars Haylie Duff, Wilmer Calderon, Michael Ironside, Paul James and Heather Sossaman. The film comes courtesy of Uncork’d Entertainment.

After finding his family murdered by vagrant squatters, an ex-military operative and survivalist is hired by the man who bought his land to watch over the acreage and protect it from invaders. When the new landowner's daughter arrives for a weekend getaway with her friends, the trip turns deadly when they discover the caretaker's dark secret - rather than driving off trespassers, he's hunting them in cold blood.

My Review Of “Hell Fire”

Marc Fratto’s “Hell Fire” is a action horror filled with quick witted dialog, and edgy hyperbole. The film stars J. Scott Green, Katelyn Marie Marshall, Selene Beretta, Jennice Carter. Kasey Williams, and Shashone Lambert. The plot centers on four prostitutes who kidnap the Anti-Christ and hide out at a cabin in the woods in hopes of a big pay day. “Hell Fire” is a fast paced, thrill ride of psychotica and damnation.

The story is a strong, well written onslaught of witty humor spat out by comparable indie actors. The characters are, individually,  creative personas that come together in perfect insanity. The cast and director of “Hell Fire” were definitely in sync and really feeling this story because everything came together to create a wild, entertaining moment of escapism. Fratto’s creativity and ability to tell a story is stellar, as exciting as John Waters with Trash Cinema, and intense as Tarantino with his postmodern crime-thrillers.

The special effects are pretty tight in “Hell Fire” with some very gritty, realistic horror elements that will please any horror/gore fan. I was impressed, mostly because it is obvious that this is a low budget film so I was shocked at the higher quality practical effects used here. The over all effect of the scenes often felt too real. Kudos. There are a few moments when CGI is chosen, but never enough to kill the mood or sap the Hellishly fun energy out of the film. 

The only suck of “Hell Fire” is the very noticeable moments of poor sound quality during dialog scenes. Not always but it does keep the film from reaching 100% of its "awesomeness" potential. Now the soundtrack and music were both doing their thing to really create the right atmosphere Fratto was going for. The music pulled from classic, b-movie nostalgia and contemporary mood enhancement. Yeah, other than the wonky sound quality in several of the dialog scenes, things are on point in “Hell Fire” – in my opinion.

Overall “Hell Fire” is a killer action-packed, bloodbath of supernatural insanity, with an atmosphere of gutter trash avant garde. I loved this movie and Marc Fratto knows how to tell a great, original story. The characters are affective and at times likeable. Even as bad, and unsavory as they are portrayed, I couldn’t help but connect with them. These are not people engaging or talking table talk by any means, this back alley, trashy, real stuff that goes down after dark in red light districts. Which makes the fact that this is a supernatural battle between good and evil fought by hookers, pimps, druggies and the Anti-Christ that much more special. “Hell Fire” is definitely worth the watch. Any fan of horror, gore or exploitation.will really enjoy this film.

My Review Of “Sick: Survive The Night”

“Sick: Survive The Night” is a post zombie outbreak film directed by Ryan M.Andrews. The film stars Christina Anne Aceto, Richard Roy Sutton, Robert Nolan, Jennifer Polansky and Debbie Rochon. The story deals with a scientific exploration in curing the virus that causes zombies which leads a young scientist to face the undead and groups of opportunists/scavengers. The official plot  follows Dr. Leigh Rozetta is a young, maverick scientist, who's been living in a secret underground Government facility since the outbreak began. After constant failed attempts to find a cure, Leigh sneaks away to return to her parent's house.

The story is a somber, monotone one that relies on a lot of dialog. Most of the story is about the human experience and toll the zombie apocalypse has on one psychologically as we battle for a “cure”. It is reminiscent of  Romero’s “Day Of The Dead” in pace and stripped down style. The acting is mediocre, with a lot of the characters feeling contrived. It is a clunky drama that does more peacocking of personalities than the material, or cast can actually account for. There are moments when the story almost becomes thrilling, and a few of the cast really get into their character. It is just not enough to save “Sick: Survive The Night” from being a bit dull.

The special effects, for the most part, keep within practical-low budget grade effects that work. I preferred the stripped down zombies that go back to the beginning of this genre. The creature effects are cool enough, however the zombies don’t dominate the film with enough force or energy to really kick “Sick: Survive The Night” into thrilling gear. The soundtrack and sound effects are decent enough to give the film atmosphere, some moments do feel creepy and chilling, it just never seems consistent through the whole film.

Overall, I found myself wondering why? What was the story that this film was wanting to tell? Most of the components are redundant aspects found in zombie horror. I did appreciate the added mix of these scavenger crews roaming around raping and pillaging. However the story doesn’t give enough time for that element to really take off. Most interesting things take place in flashbacks while the main meat of the tale is left to melodrama and mild zombie attacks. “Sick: Survive The Night” isn’t a film that you will kick yourself if you miss it. Mostly it is just a boring movie where people talk too much.

DVD Details For “Alien Rising”

Press Release:
Breaking Glass Pictures and Pathfinder Films are partnering for the release of Dana Schroeder’s sci-fi thriller Alien Rising starring Lance Henriksen (The Terminator, Aliens), Brian Krause (Charmed, Another World) and John Savage (The Deer Hunter, Hair). Alien Rising is the story of a savvy ex-homeland security agent and martial arts expert is forced to a remote island to help the military unlock the secrets of an extraterrestrial technology. Alien Rising will be released on VOD (iTunes, Cable VOD, Amazon Instant) on December 2, 2014 and DVD January 20, 2015.

Lisa Morgan (Hathaway) is an ex-homeland security agent and highly competent martial artist who gets drawn into the nefarious plans of the egomaniacal Colonel Cencula (Henriksen). He runs a top-secret research facility, buried in an extinct volcano on an uncharted tropical island. Cencula plans to use alien technology to build an army of drone soldiers. Morgan becomes an unwitting accomplice to the rogue Colonel’s plans until she discovers the true nature of the research. She must stop him from succeeding at all cost.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Festival Of Epona

Epona to the Gauls this ancient horse goddess is one of the most well-known of all the Celtic gods and goddesses. Epona translates as “divine mare” or “mare goddess”. She is the protector of horses, stables, and horse owners. She is the guardian of agriculture and transportation. In addition, Epona has been associated with birds. Her birds were said to have the ability to put the living to sleep and to rouse the dead. She has also been pictured with cornucopias and baskets filled with fruits, especially apples and thus she has been linked to fertility.

The Festival of Epona is on December 18th. The festival is a Roman celebration, the only celebration by the Romans that honored a Celtic deity. Perceptions of native Celtic goddesses had changed under Roman hegemony: only the names remained the same. As Gaul was Romanized under the early Empire, Epona’s sovereign role evolved into a protector of cavalry.

-Prayer to Epona-
by arisaema

Lady of the fields bless the beasts
that go on hoofed turned paths
brown and white, dun and grey sides
dappled and brindled, spotted and splashed liquid eyed and sweet grass
breath
keep them from the bone breaking death
roses I give thee, like the Romans of old
no more than dust now, no matter how bold You who can sing the living
to sleep
and make the dead breathe
I ask you to keep
the mare and the foal,
the cow and her calf
from all that would harm
or hinder their path

Arisaema is an artist in Southern California.

Trailer Released For “Alien Outpost”

Check out the official trailer for “Alien Outpost”. The film is directed by Jabbar Raisani and expected to be released in select theaters beginning January 30. “Alien Outpost” stars Adrian Paul, Rick Ravanello, Reiley McClendon, Douglas Tait, Joe Reegan and Matthew Holmes. The sci-fi action flick is being released by IFC Midnight.

“Alien Outpost” follows two documentary cameramen embedded in an army unit in the most hostile place on earth, an outpost surrounded by the last remaining alien fighters (Heavies) of an invading attack force. The world may have forgotten about the Outposts, but the Heavies are planning the second invasion of Earth and the soldiers are the only ones who can stop it.

“Jaws” Movie Collection Coming In March

The “Jaws” movie collection is coming to DVD on March 3rd, 2015.  The films include “Jaws 2” , “Jaws 3” and “Jaws: The Revenge”. Starring Roy Scheider, Dennis Quaid, Lorraine Gary, Bess Armstrong, Michael Caine.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the waterall 3 sequels from one of the most successful blockbusters of all time are featured in the Jaws 3 Movie Collection. Years after being terrorized by a great white shark, the vacationers on Amity Island begin disappearing again in an all-too-familiar fashion and seek the help of Police Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) in Jaws 2. In Jaws 3, tourists marvel at the new Undersea Kingdom, a maze of underwater glass tunnels that allow visitors to get up closer to marine life than ever before, until they get an unexpected visit from a very angry shark. Finally, in Jaws: The Revenge, Brodys wife seeks refuge in the Bahamas only to find herself reliving the horrors of her past and decides to take matters into her own hands. This time, its personal!

Release Details For “Aeon: The Last Vampire On Earth”

The DVD release date has been set for March 10th, 2015 for “Aeon: The Last Vampire On Earth”. The sci-fi, philosophical flick is directed by Daniel Falicki and stars April Basile, Daniel Falicki, Chris Eddy, Joseph Charles McIntosh in what is a surprisingly suspenseful and intense film. You can read my review of “Aeon: The Last Vampire On Earth” here.

Fleeing a cataclysm of unimaginable origin, Catherine Murnau finds herself trapped in a nightmare while holed up in a crumbling warehouse where a crypto-classified ''human predator'' has been accidentally set free. Catherine soon realizes that she is in fact not alone - coming face to face with the last Vampyre who is starving from being imprisoned in a weakened state for decades. Catherine begins to fear that she may have stumbled into her own tomb, but reaches within her to engage with the creature and learning more about human history than the world outside would dare to face; a truth so alarming and illusion-shattering that it could only be told by the last Vampyre on Earth.

Blu-ray Release Of Dwight H. Little’s “The Phantom Of The Opera”

Press Release:
Get ready, Freddy. Scream Factory is going to the opera! A Blu-ray release of The Phantom of the Opera, including several bonus features, has been announced for release on February 17, 2015.

Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Galaxy of Terror, Freddy vs. Jason) assumes the classic role of The Phantom in this shocking, nerve-jangling retelling of Gaston Leroux’s timeless tale of music, madness and murder.

An aspiring opera singer finds herself transported back to Victorian-era London – and into the arms of a reclusive, disfigured maestro determined to make her a star. The silver-throated Christine (Jill Schoelen, The Stepfather) enjoys success through the arrangements of her new lover (Englund)… until she realizes that he has been committing unspeakably grisly murders in her honor and won’t stop until he’s completed his masterpiece… in blood!

Also starring Bill Nighy (I Frankenstein, Shaun of the Dead, Underworld), Alex Hyde-White (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), Terence Harvey (From Hell), and Molly Shannon (SNL, Superstar), directed by Dwight H. Little (Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, Marked for Death, Rapid Fire), and featuring make-up effects by Kevin Yagher (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, Face/Off), this “darker spin on… The Phantom of the Opera is the one to watch.” (HorrorCultFilms.co.uk)!

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary with Director Dwight H. Little and Actor Robert Englund
• Behind the Mask: The Making of “The Phantom of the Opera,” featuring new interviews with Director Dwight H. Little;
• Actors Robert Englund, Jill Schoelen, and Alex Hyde-White; Screenwriter Duke Sandefur; Special Make-Up Designer
• Kevin Yagher; Special Make-Up Effects Artists John Carl Buechler, Everett Burrell and John Vulich; and Composer Misha Segal
• Theatrical Trailer

New Terrifying ‘Owlman’ Prank

Check out the new terrifying prank video featuring the ‘Owlman’. The latest scare tactic takes place at the abandoned St. Kilda's Hospital morgue. ‘Owlman’ is the chimeric creature featured in Lawrie Brewster’s “Lord Of Tears” film. You can read my review of “Lord Of Tears” here.

“Lord Of Tears” stars David Schofield, Euan Douglas, Lexy Hulme, Jamie Jack Gordon,  Alan Ireby and James Findlay, a school teacher plagued by recurring nightmares of a mysterious and unsettling entity. Suspecting that his visions are linked to a dark incident in his past, James returns to his childhood home, a notorious mansion in the Scottish Highlands, where he uncovers the disturbing truth behind his dreams, and must fight to survive the brutal consequences of his curiosity.

Crowd Funding Launched For “Asylum Nights”

The crowd funding campaign has launched for upcoming horror film “Asylum Nights”. The film is the newest nightmare of Dean C. Jones, Film director and Emmy award winning makeup artist. Bill Oberst Jr. has officially signed on to star in the film. The campaign is taking place over on Indiegogo. Check out the teaser clip below then head over to the campaign page to check out the rewards for support.

Andy Roberts becomes head physician of the night shift at Evergreen Asylum after his predecessor is found dead in the main hall. What seems like a great opportunity for Andy, quickly turns tragic as one of the night guards unleashes a wave of violence against the helpless patients. When Andy's only friend, a night-shift nurse, is slain by the maniac guard, he turns to Leon, a large, gentle giant for help. Together they set out to put a stop to the violence but Leon has his own reasons for being in the asylum and these reasons are just as bloody!  

Official Trailer For “Shark Killer”

The official trailer has been released for Sheldon Wilson directed “Shark Killer” has been released. The film has Paul Du Toit (Blast, Semi-Soet) attached to star in the flick. Based on the trailer and the hotness of the fully naked ginger in the clip, my interest is peaked.

The services of shark killer Ace Hunter have been engaged by his brother Jake, the head of a West Coast crime ring. The gig: kill the black-finned shark that swallowed a valuable diamond during a gang transaction. Enlisted to keep an eye on Ace is Jake's girlfriend, Jasmine. But Ace and Jasmine's relationship deepens with the threats from a rival crime boss: bring the diamond to him or die. Soon, loyalties will shift, and Ace will learn that trusting in blood is for suckers. Now, it's crime boss against crime boss, brother against brother, and man against nature, as Ace strives to rescue Jasmine, save his own life, and track down the great black-finned shark that will be the greatest challenge of his career.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Saturnalia Begins

December 17th begins Saturnalia. A festival where roles are reversed. Sound familiar? On Christmas in the UK the same thing happed in Medieval times where the poor and commoner was allowed into the homes of the wealthy and treated to a feast. To this day it is why the people will often adorn the paper crown hats during the Christmas dinner celebration. Now to Saturnalia.  Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honor of the deity, Saturn , held on December 17 of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through December 23.

Saturnalia is a festival of light leading to the winter solstice, with the abundant presence of candles symbolizing the quest for knowledge and truth. The renewal of light and the coming of the new year was celebrated in the later Roman Empire at the Dies Natalis of Sol Invictus, the "Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun," on December 25. Saturnalian license also permitted slaves to enjoy a pretense of disrespect for their masters, and exempted them from punishment. It was a time for free speech. The Sigillaria on December 23 was a day of gift-giving. Because gifts of value would mark social status contrary to the spirit of the season, these were often the pottery or wax figurines called sigillaria made specially for the day, candles, or "gag gifts". A lot of these elements where merged in with the Catholic’s Christmas in order to bring Pagans to Christianity.

Many of the decorations involved greenery - swathes, garlands, wreaths, etc - being hung over doorways and windows, and ornamenting stairs. Ornaments in the trees included sun symbols, stars, and faces of the God Janus. Trees were not brought indoors (the Germans started that tradition), but decorated where they grew.

Food was also a primary decoration - gilded cakes in a variety of shapes were quite popular, and children and birds vied for the privilege of denuding the trees of their treats. The commonest shapes were fertility symbols, suns and moons and stars, baby shapes, and herd animal shapes (although, to be honest, it's hard to tell if some of those ancient cookie cutters are supposed to be goats or deer). I would imagine coins were also a popular decoration/gift.

People were just as likely to be ornamented as the trees. Wearing greenery and jewelry of a sacred nature was apparently common, based on descriptions, drawings, and the like from the era. Although the emphasis was on Saturn, Sol Invictus got a fair share of the revelry as well.

Gold, because the sun is yellow, is always a sure choice for a good Saturnalia decoration. For modern Saturnalia, those golden glass ball ornaments are ideal, as are gold sun faces, gold stars, and gilded anythings. Gilding nuts and pine cones and nestling them among the swags and wreaths of greenery would be a lovely way of acknowledging the ancient roots of this ceremony.

Indoor trees are not ancient Roman, but if you have plants growing indoors, decorating them would certainly be in the spirit of the holidays. If you just have to have the now-traditional indoor tree, try decorating it in gold ornaments with a solar theme. Swathe it in bright red or purple ribbons (2 colors quite in favor with the Romans, and looks great with the gold ornaments). Top the tree with a sun, rather than a star, for after all, this is a solar celebration.

The biggest part of Saturnalia was attitude more than decoration. Feasting, drunkenness, merrymaking, hopefully the conception of more children (or at least enjoying those activities which led to conception!), pranks, gift giving, role reversals (not true ones, only symbolic ones - slaves weren't really free to make a freedman's decisions and anything they did or decreed would reverse at the end of Saturnalia, children weren't really adults and could not enter into any binding contracts or make business deals, etc.) and so forth.

The role reversals seemed to be more for minor privileges - slaves and children got to be waited on for meals, and to lead the rituals, and to participate in the revelry as if they were their parents/masters. The parents/masters jokingly played the part of slaves and children by waiting on them and making rude and bawdy jokes at their expense. Sometimes, it descended into cruelty.

Biblioteca Arcana's suggestions are for celebrating the religious aspects of the Saturnalia and its two adjoining holidays, the Opalia for Saturn's wife, Ops, goddess of plenty, and the Consualia for Consus, "god of the storage bin." The site provides a complete ritual with an equipment list, information on preparation, location, timing, the banquet, and the conclusion.

Chants for Saturnalia:
Save the seed corn for the sowing;
Plant the seed to start it growing.
_______________________________
Bring the light to wake the seed;
Let the shoot from earth be freed.
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Io Saturnalia!
Io Saturnalia!
Io Saturnalia!
For the entire Saturnalia/Winter Solstice Ritual Click The Image Below.

Teaser And Poster For “When Your Flesh Screams”

Check out the teaser trailer and poster for Argentinian revenge horror “When Your Flesh Screams/ Cuando tu carne grite Basta”. The film is directed by Guillermo Martínez and stars Victoria Witemburg, Oscar Molinari, Javier Batic y Ricardo Marchioni. Also check out the movie stills also released for the film below the trailer.

The story revolves around Martina, a biology student, who after moving from her hometown to complete her studies decides to undertake an excursion to the outskirts of the city in search of rare and exotic specimens for research. Not finding the specimen after a long search, she decides to rest by the roadside. At that time, her new psychotic neighbors propose to take her to the woods where they claim is the specimen that she seeks. Martina accepts the crossing naturally, but on the way the thugs kidnap her, determined to cause all sorts of sinister and gruesome acts, both physical and psychological. The story takes an unexpected turn when Martina decides to release her pent- up anger.

John Carpenter Announces Deluxe ‘Lost Themes’ Album

Horror legend, Director John Carpenter has announced a ‘Lost Themes’ a deluxe digital edition of his upcoming album. ‘Lost Themes’ will feature several remixes of his tracks. In addition to the original nine tracks, there will be six remixes from artists like ohGr, Silent Servant, Bill Kouligas, and more.


Lost Themes comes out February 3rd, 2015 via Sacred Bones Records. The deluxe edition can be pre-ordered via iTunes. Anyone in the New York area can see John Carpenter at BAM! on Thursday, February 5th where he will discuss his career, film, and music. NPR’s Brooke Gladstone, host of On The Media will also be appearing at the event. Go here for ticket info: Bam.

New Clip Released Ahead Of “The Guest” UK Release

Check out the exclusive outtake clip for “The Guest”, released ahead of the December 29th UK release. A mysterious stranger befriends a grieving family, but his hidden past soon puts them all in danger in the edgy, suspense film The Guest, coming to Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with DVD and Digital HD with Ultraviolet™ on January 6, 2015, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

From director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett, the masterminds behind the award-winning modern horror tale You’re Next, The Guest earned a “Certified Fresh” seal on Rotten Tomatoes with a remarkable score of 92% and stars Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey,” A Walk Among the Tombstones), who transforms himself from Edwardian gentleman to ripped modern warrior, and a talented cast including Maika Monroe (Labor Day, The Bling Ring), Sheila Kelley (“Lost,” “Gossip Girl”), Leland Orser (Taken, “24”), and Lance Reddick (John Wick, “Fringe”).

Filled with dark humor and explosive violence that critics are calling “all kinds of awesome” (Sara Michelle Fetters, MovieFreak) and “impossibly cool” (Samuel Zimmerman, Fangoria), The Guest Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes behind-the-scenes bonus features that unravel the secrets of this intense and unpredictable thrill ride.

Recently discharged from the military, David Collins (Dan Stevens) unexpectedly shows up at the Peterson family’s doorstep, claiming to be their late son’s Army buddy. Welcomed into their home, the well-mannered stranger becomes part of the family until a shocking wave of violence raises daughter Anna’s (Maika Monroe) suspicions that the mysterious ex-soldier is not quite what he seems.
Special Features:

• Deleted Scenes
• Q & A with Dan Stevens
• Feature Commentary with Director Adam Wingard and Writer Simon Barrett

Justin M. Seaman’s “The Barn” Enters Post-Production

Justin M. Seaman has entered post-production on horror film “The Barn”, starring Mitchell Musolino , Will Stout, Lexi Dripps, Cortland Woodard, Nikki Darling, Nickolaus Joshua, David Hampton, Rik Billock, James Weldon, Ryan Nodgy. The film is aiming for an October 2015 release. According to Horror Society, “The Barn” has already won “Best Original Score” at Underground Monster Carnival Film Festival.


Its Halloween 1989, best friends Sam and Josh are trying to enjoy what’s left of their final Devil’s Night before graduating high school. But trouble arises when the two pals and a group of friends take a detour on their way to a rock concert, finding an old abandoned barn and awakening the evil inside. Now it’s up to Sam and Josh to find a way to protect their friends and defeat the creatures that lurk within “The Barn”.

Official Poster Released For “Army Of Frankensteins”

Check out the official poster for mash-up, action horror “Army Of Frankensteins”. The film is directed by Ryan Bellgardt and stars John Ferguson, Jordan Farris, Christian Bellgardt, Lucas Ross, Rett Terrell, Raychelle McDonald. No word on when the film will be released.


After a failed attempt to propose to his girfriend, Alan Jones is beaten to within an inch of his life by a street gang and taken to a mysterious lab where Dr. Tanner Finski and his kid genius assistant perform horrible experiments on him hoping to re-animate a Frankenstein. The experiments lead to a hole being ripped in space and time, manifesting an Army of Frankensteins from hundreds of parallel universes and sending them all back to the 19th century, directly into the heart of a bloody battle between the North and South.

Pre-Production Of “It Came From The Desert” Begins

Legendary game developer Cinemaware is proud to announce that it has entered a partnership agreement with Roger! Pictures for the development of a motion picture based on the company’s cult-classic game “It Came From the Desert!”!

It Came From the Desert is an action-adventure game developed by Cinemaware and released in 1989 for the Amiga and later ported to various other platforms. Set in June of 1951, the game follows Greg Bradley, a geologist living in the remote town of Lizard Breath in the United States.

After a meteorite falls in the outskirts of town, a large army of mutant-ants begins appearing across town and the player is the only one who can stop it. The game’s incredible success among gamers has created a cult following that continues to this day, 25 years after the original release.

Dr. Wells, spokesperson for Cinemaware, had this to say: 

“After cleaning Lizard Breath of ants many years ago, it’s great to see that a film inspired by the events transpired in our little town will tell our story to the wide world out there. Maybe this film will ensure our government pays more attention to what goes on here.”

“We grew up in the 80s playing videogames like It Came From the Desert. Cinemaware’s story-driven titles have a lot of potential to be expanded into film and other media. Through this partnership with Cinemaware, we can bring this fascinating story up to date and present a thrilling and enjoyable cinematic experience featuring the giant ants to both new and old Desert fans!”

Teemu Virta, spokesperson for Roger! Pictures, commented

The motion picture adaptation of “It Came From the Desert” is currently in pre-production, with a release date set to be announced in the future. Additional information and production details will be revealed soon, starting January 16^th, 2015! For more information, join us at www.facebook.com/itcame !  (source: GamersFTW)

Distribution And Animated Series Deal For “Chainsaw Sally”

From the Press Release:
Bloody Bombshell Entertainment and Fatality Films have partnered with Some Folks Entertainment to secure a distribution deal with Black Wolf Media for a double-feature release of the films Chainsaw Sally: The Movie and The Good Sisters. Both films were written and directed by cult horror icon Jimmyo Burril.

Chainsaw Sally: The Movie stars April Burril as Sally and was originally released in 2004.

Traumatized after witnessing the murder of her parents as a young girl, the film follows an older Sally as she grows up to be a serial killer. The Good Sisters, also starring April Burril alongside legendary scream queen Debbie Rochon, features the duo as practicing witches who hide their discretion from their neighbors, until a new neighbor threatens their practice with his own secret life.

Release dates will be announced in 2015.

This news comes ahead of a second announcement that Bloody Bombshell Entertainment and Fatality Films will be moving into the second phase of pre-production on Chainsaw Sally: The Animated Series this winter. Based on the original Chainsaw Sally film and television series, Jimmyo Burril returns as the creative force, and April Burril will be reprising her role of Sally. Rochon joins the cast as Blondie. The cast has already announced the voice talents of Christopher Judge ("Stargate SG-1?), Nicholas Brendon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), and Tristan Risk (American Mary). The series begins animation in early 2015 and will premiere later in the year.

Gregory Blair Announces New Comedy/Horror Offering “Garden Party Massacre”

DEADLY REVISIONS creator Gregory Blair announces his next project: the outrageous comedy/horror GARDEN PARTY MASSACRE.

Gregory Blair is not a man to rest. With his psychological thriller DEADLY REVISIONS signed by SGL Entertainment for North American distribution, Blair is ready to get started on his next project.   This time, he’s adding comedy into the mix with a story about a gathering that goes awry when an unexpected guest arrives.  With a pickax.  And an attitude.

“I wanted to do something totally different from DEADLY REVISIONS”, Blair said.  “That film is a brooding, moody, slow-burn mystery and I wanted to do something kinetic, wild and crazy.  I had this idea and it made me laugh, so I started writing it out.  I had a reading with some actor and writer friends when it was about half done and they all loved it.  So I finished it and I’m ready to bring it to life.  I even want to be in it!”

GARDEN PARTY MASSACRE is a fast-paced, hilarious romp in the vein of Shaun of the Dead andTucker and Dale vs. Evil.  A longtime fan of horror comedy, Blair was eager to make his own contribution.  “I think horror easily lends itself to comedy because the emotions are so high and the situations are often outrageous.  I love films that successfully walk that line between horror and comedy, whether it’s witty and referential like the Scream or giddy low camp like Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness.”

ARDEN PARTY MASSACRE is set to begin preproduction early next year through Blair’s production company, PIX/SEE Productions.  Having snagged the L.A. Movie Award for “Best Narrative Feature” as well as the Claw Award for “Best Feature Film Screenplay” (both for DEADLY REVISIONS), Blair has proven himself a writer who knows how to tell a good tale.  And GARDEN PARTY MASSACRE looks to be another winner.

Full Trailer For “Love In The Time Of Monsters”

The full length trailer has been released for creature feature “Love In The Time Of Monsters”. The film is directed by Matt Jackson, written by Michael Skvarla and stars Doug Jones, Kane Hodder, Michael McShane, Shawn Weatherly. “LITTOM” is screening in limited theatrical setting December 2014 through January 2015 with a February 17th VOD/DVD release planned.

Two sisters travel to a cheesy tourist trap where they battle toxic monsters dressed in bigfoot costumes in order to save the ones they love.

The First Teaser For Horror Anthology “Volumes Of Blood”

The first teaser trailer has been released for Verite Cinema’s horror anthology “Volumes Of Blood”. The compendium of vignettes brings together the talents of indie directors Jakob Bilinski, Nathan Thomas Milliner, John Kenneth Muir, P.J. Starks and Lee Vervoort. A new horror anthology from the creators of the Unscripted Film School.

Five tales of dread interwoven when a sociology student gathers several of his friends at the local library to help him create a new urban legend with deadly consequences.

Lily is in for a late night of researching and needs something to keep her going. It isn't until she's approached by a mysterious stranger that her luck may change... for the worse.

 A typical night of work for a librarian becomes a classic ghost story with a modern twist. Sometimes you can't keep a bad book down.

Sidney is allowed to stay after hours to study for a test. It's not until she suddenly awakens in the darkened library that she realizes the horrifying truth of what lurks among the stacks of books after midnight. She better pray she doesn't become the prey.

Paige faces regrets that she'd do anything to take back. When an ancient and arcane spell book literally falls into her lap, she decides to make a grave decision. Be careful what you wish for, it might just kill you.

Release Date Announced For “White Rabbit”

Breaking Glass Pictures has announced the release date for psychological thriller “White Rabbit”. The film directed by Tim McCann will hit VOD and select theatres on February 13th, 2015. “White Rabbit” stars Sam Trammell (“True Blood,” The Fault in our Stars), Britt Robertson (“Under the Dome,” Tomorrowland), Nick Krause (The Descendants, Boyhood) and Ryan Lee (Super 8, Goosebumps). Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, Detroit, and Miami are among the cities that will see the film play.

Nick Krause plays a troubled teen that has been tormented by visions since his alcoholic father (Trammell) forced him to kill an innocent rabbit while hunting as a boy. Now that Harlon (Krause) is a bullied high school student, his undiagnosed mental illness is getting worse. He begins to hear voices and his imagination encourages him to carry out violent acts. Things begin to look up when Julie (Robertson), a rebellious young girl, moves to town and befriends Harlon. But when she betrays him, the rabbit along with other imaginary comic book characters taunt him into committing one final act of revenge.

Image Entertainment Acquires “Roadside”

From The Press Release
Image Entertainment, an RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand, has acquired all US rights to the action thriller ROADSIDE.  Written and directed by Eric England (Madison County, Contracted), the film stars Ace Marrero (“Scorpion,” “Body of Proof”), Katie Stegeman (Madison County, Contracted), Lionel D. Carson (“The Unit”) and Jack E. Curenton (“Tim and Eric Awesome Show”).  Mark Ward, RLJ Entertainment’s Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for the Image brands, made the announcement today.  

“The suspense and timing of the scenes on this film hark back to the days of Hitchcock,” said Ward.  “These are the elements audiences are looking for in a thriller and we’re excited to be working with Eric, Daniel and Ace again.”

The deal was negotiated by Ward, and Image Entertainment Director of Business and Legal Affairs, Grace Santos Feeney.  Elias Axume, of Premiere Entertainment Group, brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers, who are also handling foreign sales.

ROADSIDE tells the story of Dan and Mindy Summers, who are on a road trip along a desolate mountain highway.  When Dan is forced to exit the SUV to remove a dead tree blocking their path, their journey takes a turn.  They suddenly find themselves held hostage on the side of the road, and trapped in their car by a mysterious gunman. They must fight for their lives in a sadistic game of cat and mouse set against a backdrop of numbing cold, pitch darkness and raw terror.  ROADSIDE drips with suspense until the very last frame.

ROADSIDE is another joint project produced by Ace Marrero of Swim with the Fish Productions, Daniel F. Dunn of Dunn-Rite Productions and Eric England of Southern Fried Films.
Upcoming Image Entertainment releases include The Cobbler with Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi and Ellen Barkin and The Rewrite starring Hugh Grant, Marisa Tomei, J.K. Simmons and Allison Janne

Release Date For “ABC’s Of Death 2” DVD/Blu-ray

“ABC’s Of Death 2” will be hitting Blu-ray & DVD this February 3, 2015. The second installment features directors Rodney Ascher, Julian Barratt, Robert Boocheck, Alejandro Brugués, Kristina Buozyte, Alexandre Bustillo, Larry Fessenden, Julian Gilbey, Spencer Hawken, Jim Hosking, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, E.L. Katz,Aharon Keshales, Steven Kostanski, Marvin Kren,  Juan Martínez Moreno,  Erik Matti, Julien Maury, Robert Morgan, Chris Nash, Vincenzo Natali, Hajime Ohata, Navot Papushado, Bill Plympton, Dennison Ramalho, Todd Rohal, Jerome Sable, Bruno Samper, Shion Sono, Jen Soska and Sylvia Soska.

Synopsis: ABC’s OF DEATH 2 is the follow-up to the most ambitious anthology film ever conceived with productions spanning from Nigeria to UK to Brazil and everywhere in between. It features segments directed by over two dozen of the world’s leading talents in contemporary genre film. The film is comprised of twenty-six individual chapters, each helmed by a different director assigned a letter of the alphabet. The directors were then given free rein in choosing a word to create a story involving death. Provocative, shocking, funny and at times confrontational, ABC’s OF DEATH 2 is another global celebration of next generation genre filmmaking.

Special Features:

• A-Z: An Offering of Behind the Scenes, “Making of”s, and Galleries
• AXS TV: A look at ABCs OF DEATH 2
• Filmmakers Commentary (29 Commentary Segments)

Trailer Released For “Invasion Of The Undead”

Check out the trailer for “Invasion Of The Undead”. The film is directed by  Torey Haas and has its world premiere set for Atlanta’s historic Plaza Theatre on February 10, 2015. “Invasion Of The Undead” stars Mark Ashworth, Candace Mabry, Marie Barker, Alan J. Sanders, Emma Greene, D. Dylan Schettina, Keyla McClure, Cat Espinoza and Caitlin McPhail.

A beautiful young woman gets more than she bargained for when she enlists the aid of two self-proclaimed paranormal exterminators to combat a monster infestation in her new home.