Hey dudes, SWIFF is here! I’m keen to share my picks with you as always, and to sift out the fellow horror freaks in the audience. It’s not all horror though, promise!
See you at SWIFF,
-Giordan Pakes
TELEVISION EVENT
I think I love films about films more than actual films, and this pop doc about a nuclear war film that captured the attention of every American, including then-president Reagan is a prime example of why. The doco itself is hilarious, the pace is cracking and director Jeff Daniels will be at the screening for a Q&A afterwards, all fantastic reasons to see this film (drink every time I use the word “film”).
BLOODY ORANGES
Not only is this in my top picks, it just might be my overall pick of the festival. It’s hilarious, quick, absurd, and dark. I don’t want to say anymore for fear of spoiling this film, but do yourself a favour and get a ticket to Bloody Oranges.
APPLES
This sweetly deadpan dramady about a man caught up in an amnesia pandemic in Athens absolutely enthralled me when I saw it at SFF. The director Christos Nikous has worked with Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos in the past, and that influence certainly shines in Apples.
SPACEBALLS - 35TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING
I had this film on repeat as a kid. I can probably recite every line on cue (please don’t ask me to) and I’m beyond excited that Katey had the idea to celebrate May the 4th with this sci fi parody gem. Bring the kids, and come to sci-fi trivia too!
ALL MY FRIENDS HATE ME
This is an absolute masterclass of anxiety cinema, and I loved every cringe inducing minute of it. You’re on the edge of your seat through this entire reunion, waiting for the other shoe to drop. But does it? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out. Amazing.
THE SADNESS
Haha, you thought I’d get through these picks without including the most hardcore film in the program? Not likely.
Oh man, this is GNARLY. I have a big love for extreme horror, especially when the effects are mostly practical, but this Taiwanese zombie gore fest will test even the most seasoned horror nerd. It’s such a treat, but go in with an empty stomach. Hope you’ve got a good gag reflex! Bad gag reflex? I don’t know, whichever one means you won’t puke easily.