The Georgia Straight proudly sponsors Phrike FilmFest 72 Hour Film Competition

During the first annual Phrike FilmFest 72 Hour Film Competition, novice and professional filmmakers of all ages will be challenged to bring their own unique horror-themed short films from script to screen in less than three days. From October 11 to 13, they will be competing for a $5,000 cash prize, the Grand Goblin Award, and more.

The 13 qualifying films will be premiered for the public and judged at the inaugural Vancouver Halloween Parade & Expo on October 18 and 19 at downtown Vancouver's Sheraton Wall Centre.

Registration for the competition is open now until October 7. The filmmaking challenge begins October 11 when secret packages handed out at New Image College will reveal assigned elements such as dialogue lines, scene shots, and props which participants must incorporate into their 13-minute-or-less horror flicks. 

“Vancouver has so much talent, right across the board,” says John Craig, vice president of New Image College, “from actors to writers to makeup artists to students who want to work in this industry. We’re really looking forward to rewarding them for their hard work and creativity by offering cash prizes and scholarships, as well as screening their horror films to the public at the Vancouver Halloween Parade & Expo. It’s a Halloween tradition we hope to continue.”

Phrike FilmFest 72 Hour Film Competition judges will include actor Doug Jones (Hellboy, Falling Skies), creature and effects designer Tom Woodruff Jr. (Aliens, Terminator), actor Tyler Labine (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), actor Lochlyn Munro (Scary Movie), executive producer Rob LaBelle (Motive, Watchmen), film critic Thor Diakow (Breakfast Television), and veteran talent agent Murray Gibson. The public will also get a chance to vote online for their favourite scary short film.

For information on how to participate and register for the Phrike FilmFest 72 Hour Film Competition, please visit PhrikeFilmFest.com.