Blood in the Snow Film Fest: DIY Dread From Canada's Creepshow Up-and-Comers
Welcome to the Blood in the Snow Film Festival, the ultimate celebration of all things spooky and strange! The cool kids call it BITS.
BITS is a haven for horror and genre film enthusiasts, spotlighting low-budget movies made through the magic of collaborative filmmaking, and the generosity of friends and family.
Steven Ogg takes toilet cleaning to a new level in Scared Shitless.
Leading the charge is Festival Director Kelly Michael Stewart and his spirited crew of programmers. They've developed a knack for picking out the weirdest and most wonderful films that speak to the heart of their enthusiastic, slightly rowdy audience. These film lovers know how to appreciate a movie made with passion and ingenuity, no matter the budget.
Take as an example, director Larry Kent’s, She Who Must Burn. This chilling horror film is also a bold statement on the anti-choice movement. Sure, it might only get a 4.9 rating on IMDb, but within the cozy confines of the Isabel Bader Theatre, it's a gripping tale that resonates deeply with its viewers. No one gets it like a BITS audience member.
And let's not forget the surprises! Last year's Late Night with the Devil was a hidden gem that wowed the crowd and had legs on the festival circuit. These are the kind of films made with a lot of love by dedicated filmmakers who often are forced to think outside the box to get the shot they need.
One of the coolest things about the Blood in the Snow Film Festival is its commitment to showcasing homegrown talent. Every film here is proudly Canadian, highlighting the country's rich and diverse film scene. This year, the festival is packed with an exciting mix of shorts and feature films.
A stand-out for me this year is Pins and Needles, directed by James Villeneuve. Villeneuve is one of two screenwriters on the hilarious previous BITS horror comedy Vicious Fun.
Villeneuve is back as director with another winner. While Pins and Needles isn't as comedic, it delivers a nail-biting survival/revenge story. It follows a diabetic young woman (Chelsea Clark) up against some nasty organ harvesters, kicking off with a scene that leaves you wondering—is that red paint or blood being scrubbed off the floor?
Despite one frustrating scene of character inaction (a scene quickly remedied), Pins and Needles is an immensely satisfying thriller for reasons best discovered on your own.
The same goes for Vivieno Caldinelli’s Scared Shitless, a scatological horror comedy - nominated for BITS best picture - about a plumber (Steven Ogg) and his germophobe son who chase a genetically-created monster through the plumbing system of a terrorized apartment building. Let’s just say this Blood in the Snow attraction features plenty of blood in the water.
The Blood in the Snow Film Festival is more than just a film fest; it's a celebration of creativity and perseverance. It's where a community of film fans gathers to enjoy the thrill of horror and the charm of genre films made with heart and soul.
Blood in the Snow is currently on, running to November 23. All films are screened at The Isabel Bader Theatre 93 Charles Street West. CLICK HERE for ticket and schedule information.