University News Last updated 06 November 2019
Hundreds of cult film lovers will descend on Birmingham next week for an array of exclusive screenings and talks from renowned directors, as an international film festival returns to the second city.
Birmingham City University will play host to the 13th Cine-Excess conference and film festival from November 7 – 9, which will feature a host of activities including special screenings of the new film Rabid presented by its Canadian directors, horror aficionados the Soska sisters.
The packed schedule will put horror at centre stage, with guests coming in from across the globe to access the unique screenings, as well as to attend special talks assessing the social, cultural and political impact of cult cinema.
Among the key film screenings will be the newly released remake of the David Cronenberg body horror classic Rabid, directed by award-winning filmmaking twins, Jen and Sylvia Soska. Acclaimed director Norman J Warren will also be in the city to present his well-loved 1977 movie Prey.
The screening schedule for the festival can be viewed at www.cine-excess.co.uk.
Xavier Mendik, Professor of Cult Cinema at Birmingham City University and Director of Cine-Excess, said: “Cult cinema has a unique role in presenting some really complex social and historical issues, and has broken ground in these areas over many decades.
“From Romero’s original Night of the Living Dead to the recently released remake of Rabid, the way these stories have taken on some really challenging issues and presented them in a way which appeals to our own fears and senses It is the subversive nature of cult cinema and its creators that we celebrate with this festival.
“Bringing Cine-Excess to Birmingham has been a real positive for us all, and having such renowned filmmakers in the city continues to support the direction it is going in. The success of Peaky Blinders has created a new cultural landmark here, and Steven Knight’s plans for a film studio will only contribute to this development as a place which is, and should be, internationally recognised.
“Our guests of honour this year will be the Soska sisters, who have received international acclaim for their filmmaking. The fact that the pair are two leading pioneers in this genre, helps show how cult cinema can subvert gender norms and make a real impact on society.”
During Cine-Excess, the Soska sisters will be presented with a special award marking their contribution as women working in the world of horror. Fans are also being asked to design their own reimagined poster of the next Cronenberg classic the duo should remake, with the winners being given the chance to get their creation signed by the directors.
Norman J Warren will also be presented with a lifetime achievement award, recognising the major impact he has had in the cult cinema arena.
Also taking place during Cine-Excess, will be talks and critical assessments of the impact cult cinema has had around the globe.
Topics being discussed will include, new Canadian female pioneers of horror, the influence of French horror directors at home and abroad and latina monsters and the politics of migration.
Find out more about Cine-Excess or book tickets to attend at www.cine-excess.co.uk.