The Etheria Film Festival has just released the lineup and dates for its 10th anniversary event. Part of the news is that actress/director Brinke Stevens (“The Slumber Party Massacre”) will be receiving the 2023 Etheria Inspiration Award.
Etheria is one of the most respected showcase of new horror, comedy, science fiction, fantasy, action, and thriller films made by emerging women directors. The event will kick off at the Screenland Armour Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, July 1st, 2023. But for those who can’t make the trek to Missouri, fear not! The festival will once again be partnering with horror streamer Shudder to show the official festival lineup from July 2nd through July 31st, 2023.
“These films are so good your eyes will melt out of your brain,” Heidi Honeycutt, Etheria’s Director of Programming, said. “This is our fourth year airing on Shudder, so I hope all their viewers’ eyes melt, too!” As long as we aren’t talking a full on “Raiders of The Lost Ark” situation, we’re down!
But all joking aside, this is a pretty big statement considering the talent behind some of the festival’s past entries. Including films from directors like Axelle Carolyn (“The Mayfair Witches”), Natalie Erika James (“Relic”), Anna Biller (“The Love Witch”), Prano Bailey-Bond (“Censor”), Jill Gevargizian (“The Stylist”), Gigi Saul Guerrero (“Culture Shock” for Blumhouse’s “Into the Dark” series). But sharing good films from female filmmakers is really what this event set out to do over the past 10 years.
That is why they will also be launching a 50 / 50 Travel Scholarship campaign. This scholarship is attempting to raise enough money to give fifty $1,000 travel awards to female genre filmmakers, that are accepted into festivals but need assistance with travel costs. A common issue with indie filmmakers on the festival circuit. If you’d like to donate to this cause you can do so, here
“We are thrilled at the increase in women-directed festival selections over the last ten years,” says Stacy Pippi Hammon, Director of The Etheria Festival. “Now that they are invited to a seat at the table, we want to help get them there to enjoy the benefits of in-person attendance at these events. We are excited to announce that KC’s own Panic Fest is the first contributor to this fund and look forward to new supporters joining us in this cause.”
This years lineup includes:
No Overnight Parking
This 8-minute American horror short is directed by Meg Swertlow. About a woman fleeing her abusive husband who gets locked in an underground parking garage with a masked killer.
Sucker
An 8-minute horror short film from the UK by Alix Austin. About Sam, who unfortunately discovers her sister Caitlin has been infested by a monstrous leech creature. A creature that is slowly sucking her life force dry.
The Erl King
An American 16-minute fantasy horror short directed by Genevieve Kertesz. It tells the story of Leora, who runs away from her strict, religious, village into the arms of an ancient woodland god called the Erl King. But Leora starts to realize that he’s had sinister plans for her all along.
Incomplete
This 10-munute American short is made by Zoey Martinson. It’s about Evan, who is on house arrest in a haunted house. Or so he thinks?
Border
A 5-minute horror short from Korea/Japan directed by Mai Nakashimi. All about a young woman who turns on the tv to watch her favorite Korean romantic drama. That is until she realizes, that she may be the one being watched.
Sleep Study
This 10 min American horror short is created by Natalie Metzger. About a restless new mother who confronts a dangerous terror whenever she tries to sleep.
Angels
Is an American Science Fiction Horror short that runs 7 minutes directed by Samantha Aldana. Telling the tale of Beulah who has almost given up all hope of her mother recovering from a deadly illness. Well, that is until a meteor containing a mysterious being falls from the sky and lands in their fields.
Go to bed Raymond
This 7-minute American horror short directed by Nikki Taylor-Roberts should sereve as a reminder; to listen when your kid tells you someone is in their room.
Make the Call
An American 15-minute horror short created by Chelsea Gonzalez. About Two former best friends that reunite in a changed world, finally confronting the demons that ripped them apart.
Autopilot
This is a 16-minute American Science Fiction Thriller short directed by Jennifer Zhang. Telling the story of a lone pilot on a homebound space vessel. When she finds herself trapped in a waking nightmare when her holographic “virtual companion” begins to defy his programming.
You can learn more about the Etheria Film Festival here.
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