Brooklyn horror fest celebrates standout films and filmmakers

Festival highlights and award-winning films

The 2024 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival has announced its winners for the audience and jury awards, wrapping up a thrilling week of screenings and events held from October 17-24. This year, the festival took place at the iconic Nitehawk Cinema locations in Williamsburg and Prospect Park, making it an unforgettable experience for horror aficionados and cinephiles alike.

“Dead Talents Society” emerged as a double winner, securing both the Best Film and Best Ensemble awards from the Dark Matter Jury. Directed by John Hsu, this comedy horror film showcases a unique plot where a ghost joins a supernatural talent agency, aiming to become an urban legend. The movie stars Bo-lin Chen, Sandrine Pinna, and Gingle Wang, delivering remarkable performances that captivated the jury and audience.

Head trip jury honors innovative storytelling

Emma Benestan was awarded Best Director by the Head Trip Jury, which celebrates films that break the conventional horror mold. Her film, “Animale”, tells the story of a young bullfighter starting to experience unsettling changes following a violent incident in the ring. The film features an outstanding cast, including Oulaya Amamra, Damien Rebattel, and Vivien Rodriguez, whose performances bring depth and authenticity to this disturbing narrative.

Shorts jury celebrates distinctive voices

The Shorts Jury recognized Grace Rex for Best Screenplay with her gripping script for “The Shadow Wrangler”. This short film follows an audiobook narrator, portrayed by Mitzi Akaha, navigating eerie interruptions as she attempts to complete an erotic novel. With Michael Schantz and Rex herself in the cast, the film delivers a hauntingly creative storyline that left a lasting impression on the jurors.

Industry veteran honored with leviathan award

The prestigious Leviathan Award, dedicated to filmmakers who have significantly contributed to the horror genre, was bestowed upon Larry Fessenden. A true pillar of the New York indie horror scene, Fessenden has been a driving force behind numerous iconic films through his studio, Glass Eye Pix, for over three decades. His influence and dedication to the craft were fittingly celebrated during the festival.

Audience favorites

The audience had their say too, with “Dead Talents Society” claiming the Gold award. “Somnium”, directed by Racheal Cain, took home the Silver award, impressing viewers with its intense horror-thriller dynamics. Lastly, the Bronze award went to “Bone Lake” by Mercedes Bryce Morgan, a mystery that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Full list of winners

Leviathan award

Larry Fessenden

Audience award winners

Gold: “Dead Talents Society”
Silver: “Somnium”
Bronze: “Bone Lake”

Dark matter jury awards

Best Film: “Dead Talents Society”
Best Director: Sasha Rainbow, “Grafted”
Best Performance: Blu Hunt, “The Dead Thing”
Best Ensemble: “Dead Talents Society”
Best Screenplay: Jayro Bustamante, “Rita”

Head trip jury awards

Best Film: “Dead Mail”
Best Director: Emma Benestan, “Animale”
Best Screenplay: Ariella Mastroianni and Ryan J. Sloan, “Gazer”
Best Actor: Zachary Ray Sherman, “Who’s Watching”
Best Actress: Oulaya Amamra, “Animale”
Best Ensemble: “Dead Mail”

Shorts competition awards

Best Film: “Femme”
Best Director: Émile Lavoie, “Mean Ends”
Best Performances: Sophie Neff and Woody Coyote, “Make Me a Pizza”
Best Special FX/Makeup: Irene Uncal, “Apotemnofilia”
Best Screenplay: Grace Rex, “The Shadow Wrangler”
Best Production Design: Masha Lyass, “Lady Parts”
Best Editing: Jordan M. Hahn, “Beach Logs Kill”
Home Invasion Award: “Hammer”

Celebrating the future of horror

The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival continues to be a beacon for both emerging and established horror filmmakers, offering a platform where creative boundaries are pushed, and new narratives are explored. This year’s winners exemplify the innovative spirit of the festival, proving once again that horror is a rich, evolving genre.

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