Horror film festival relocates to Downey

DOWNEY - A three-day horror film festival featuring independent films created by filmmakers from across the country is coming to Downey next month, the first of its kind ever hosted in the city. Now in its fourth year, the Late Night Horror Film Festival got its start in Uptown Whittier in 2008. Its founder, Tony Lucero, relocated the festival to Downey after getting wind of Downey's emerging arts scene.

Lucero also worked at the Krikorian Theatres in Downey as an usher and projectionist while he pursued his film degree.

"There, I learned about scheduling show times, operating and maintaining 35mm projectors and building film reels. It was a real craft," Lucero said. "Plus, Downey has a growing community of talented artists, filmmakers and even has motion picture history.

"The Downey Arts Coalition and Movie Club have been so supportive of my efforts to bring this Fest to the city. All I want is to bring a little bit of Halloween and Hollywood to the residents of Downey."

The festival kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., with six film screenings at the Krikorian. The films include "Dead Kansas" by Aaron K. Carter, "Windmill" by Polaris Castillo (a Downey resident), "Why Papa?" by Alcon Galermo, "32" by James Neff and Joseph Dean Martinez, "The Man in the Dark Glasses" by Mario R. Coello and "Candy for Kali" by Don Burnett and Adam Pfleghaar.

The festival continues the next day with a screening of "Fondue" by Torn Langen and other films at the Epic Lounge.

The film festival concludes Saturday, Oct. 5, with the films "Hell's Belles" by Christian Ackerman and "Blood Slaughter Massacre" by Manny Rodriguez.

It will be followed by an awards ceremony and after-party, featuring performances by local progressive rock band A Horror of Shades, Black Sabbath tribute band Masters of Reality and DJ Kos, who will present a horror film video mix show set to electronic and dance music.

Tickets to opening night at the Krikorian are $8 general admission or $15 for VIP passes.

Admission to screenings at the Epic Lounge, the after-party and awards ceremony are free, but donations are encouraged. Epic Lounge events are restricted to ages 21 and older.

For more information, including a complete schedule of events, or to purchase tickets, go to LateNightHorrorFilmFest.com.