Terror Fi festival Q&A - James Partridge

Terror Fi festival Q&A - James Partridge

The Terror-Fi festival is now live in Wellington and coming to Auckland and Christchurch.
Director of the festival James Partridge took some time out of being scared silly to talk about this year's festival and his hopes for the future ones.

You've expanded out the festival this year - did you figure it was time the rest of the country got a good scare as well?
After last year, I had a lot of people ask if I could bring it to Auckland and Christchurch. How could I say No? I always planned to expand the fest but didn’t realise it would be so soon. And that’s thanks to people loving the films and supporting the fest.
I think people want to good scare… and a laugh and come edge of your seat excitement. Terror-Fi has something for everyone – horror, thriller, sci-fi, comedy, action…

What's the state of horror films like at the moment?
I think it’s great. There are some really innovative, smart horror films coming out – it’s not just all jump scares and CGI. THE LODGE in Terror-Fi is a great example, following on from the likes of GET OUT, HEREDITARY etc

Some great premieres lined up in this year's festival, what are you keen for?

That’s a tough choice. This is the best line-up yet. Aside from the blockbusters like READY OR NOT, COLOR OUT OF SPACE and THE LODGE, there are some real gems in there. DANIEL ISN’T REAL (from the producers of MANDY) is a brilliant film. THE MUTE, FREAKS and EXTRA ORDINARY are awesome too. And if you like your comedies a little kooky, you can’t go past GREENER GRASS.

Which have already been the big hitters with the public?
It’s no surprise the new Nic Cage film, COLOR OUT OF SPACE is selling well. READY OR NOT is also really popular. And we just announced a late addition to the fest, DOCTOR SLEEP – another blockbuster that’s already proving popular.

What's your preferred horror film and why?
Smart and creepy. One of my favourite horrors growing up was CANDYMAN.

Leon and Nightmare Before Christmas are great blasts from the past - what makes them stand up after all this time?
LEON is one of my all time favourite films. It has everything – great tension and action, matched with great character development and performances. NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is such a unique film – the wonder and magic holds up every time you see it.

Give us a hint about the Secret Screening - you know you want to.
Don’t tell anyone but it’s….

What's the one film you absolutely shouldn't miss this year?
Again, a tough ask. Of the lesser-known ones, I’d have to say DANIEL ISN’T REAL. I saw it at a festival in the US in September. Went in not knowing much about it (or expecting much) but came out desperate to get it for Terror-Fi.

What are your plans for 2020 for the Terror Fi Film Fest?
A bigger line-up and more fan experiences. We have a themed opening night, custom food & drink menus and also a VR experience this year. Really want to expand that out and make the fest an even more awesome experience both on and off the screen.

Get more info about the Terror-Fi Film Fest at their site - http://www.terrorfifest.com/
The festival runs now in Wellington until Nov 3, Nov7-10 in Auckland at the Hollywood and 20-24 Nov in Christchurch