The sixth Cine Excess cult film festival and conference will open this Thursday in London's Covent Garden. With special guests Sergio Martino and Enzo G Castellari (creator of the film that inspired Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds), the event looks set to thrill fans and boasts a great line-up of films and events.
Hosting the UK premieres of Shiver and Closed Circuit Extreme, Cine Excess VI will also be screening underrated fan favourites like The Mutations and the marvellously titled Your Vice Is A Locked Door And Only I Have The Key. Discussion topics will range from the use of historical evildoers in horror films to the influence of comics and pop art, and the relevance of sexuality and ethnicity to cult work. This year there's a particular focus on nationality and influence of French and Italian cinematic traditions.
Although it's also open to ordinary film fans, Cine Excess is known for bringing together filmmakers, academics and exhibitors, and it's an important place for industry professionals to network. A script-to-screen competition will provide an opportunity for those trying to break into the industry.
We'll be taking an inside look at Cine Excess this year, right here at Eye for Film, so watch this space.