Whether you’re a Film fanatic or just like to dabble in the art of cinema, the annual Sitges Film Festival is one event you just can’t miss. Boasting the title of ‘the world’s number one fantasy film festival’, the Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya, to give it its full name, is held in the quiet (usually) and picturesque coastal town of Sitges, just outside Barcelona. Attracting audiences of all ages with its eclectic selection of presentations, exhibitions and screenings focusing on all things frightening and fantastic, the festival shows off the best in up-coming Spanish and International movies from the horror and fantasy genre.

WHEN: Friday, October 7^th to Sunday, October 16^th 2015

WHERE: Various locations in Sitges, get there by Renfe Train or Bus

What’s New For 2016?

This year the Sitges Pitch Box will not just offer screenwriters, directors and producers the chance to present their films to production and distribution companies, but also the opportunity to win up to 6000€. Pitching this year will begin on Friday the 14^th October.

Sitges 16’  Festival falls on the 50^th anniversary of the Star Trek saga’s release and will form the focal point of this year’s theme. Two exhibitions showcasing the series will be on display along with the screening of related films like the documentary ‘For the Love of Spock’ and the movie ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’. A Star Trek Walk will be taking place on the 12^th  October and a Time Machine Award will be picked up by Walter Koenig (who played the role of Chekov). Continuing this space theme, Soviet sci-fi movies from the 50s -70s will also be taking centre stage.

Horror will also be making a big appearance this year with the opening film ‘Inside’, directed by Miguel Ángel Vivas kicking things off. Since the original film breezed through Sitges 17 years ago, ‘The Blair Witch’, tale returns with Adam Wingard at the director’s seat.

Famous Faces

The Sitges Film Festival is not only the place to be for those looking to catch the latest in fantasy and horror cinema, but it is also a great event for those who wouldn’t mind rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. Over the years the festival has been known to entertain the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, George A. Romero, Cameron Diaz, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Robert Pattinson and John Cusack and John Landis, just to name a few.

Movies Not to Miss

‘Inside’ will be the opening film of the festival, being shown at 09:00 on the 7^th of October. Here are some other films on at the festival you shouldn’t miss:

• ‘Planeta Blur’ by Pavel Klushantzev: 11/10 at 14:00
• ‘Blair Witch’ by Adam Wingard: 10,11 & 12/10 at 13:00, 21:00 & 23:15
• ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition’ by Robert Wise: 12/10 at 10:00
• ‘The Void’ by Steven Kostanski, Jeremy Gillespie: 7,8 & 9/10 at 22:45, 16:45 & 01:45
• ‘The Limehouse Golem’ by Juan Carlos Medina: 15/10 at 08:45 & 20:15

You can find the whole list of films at the festival here.

Awards all Round

There are many movies to be shown across the 10 day event, as screenings are divided into 13 diverse fantasy-horror categories which include science fiction, comedies, animations and documentaries, so you’re sure to find something of interest to you. What’s more, awards will be dished out to those newcomers showing signs of hot talent. Acclaimed actors such as Christopher Walken among others will also be receiving awards for their contribution to the film industry.

Walking Among the Dead

There are various parallel activities that run during the Sitges Film Festival, and one of the most popular is the Zombie Walk. This year, the crazy yet memorable opportunity of dressing like the living dead and shuffling down the streets of Sitges can be taken up on Saturday October 8^th. It’s totally free, and there is even a make-up zone to help you look a little less… alive. If it’s not really your thing, but you still want to experience all the zombie action, head to the beach on the night of the walk and hit the free party on the sands.

Trailer

With the main focus on Star Trek and Space, here’s the advert for the Sitges Film Festival 2016:

For more information on tickets and a full schedule of events, visit the Sitges Film Festival Website.