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The Etheria Film Festival lineup is available on Shudder until August 15, 2024! If you’re not familiar with Etheria Film Fest, I’m going to copy-paste exactly what etheriafilmnight.com says (it’s what we did last year too!):
“Etheria Film Night is the world’s most respected showcase for horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action, thriller and dark comedy films directed by women, including producers, managers, showrunners, distributors and fans of the genre. Etheria puts female directors who want to make genre films and television to hire in front of the crowd.
“Etheria is hosted by American Cinematheque, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting film in all forms at historic Los Angeles theaters, Screenland Armor Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, and AMC/Shudder, the world’s most popular horror streaming service.
Last year we both had a chance to see and review the entire lineup, but due to time constraints, this time it’s just me. Let’s see how it goes!
a tooth
Directed by Gillian Corsier
“Teeth abuse” is one of those things that always annoys me, and this takes it to a whole new level. I could probably go the rest of my life without ever seeing those gills again, and that’s just another testament to the fact that this was a really well done piece. The animation and effects were too good to hate, but oh man, it was nasty!
Warming up
Directed by SARAH WISNER and SEAN TEMPLE
Considering our Addams Family night is only a month and a half away, it was exciting to have Toby Poser appear in one of these segments!
“The Thaw” is a good slow burn with great world building and fantastic acting from all the little actors. Emily Bennett stars as the daughter who helps her family get through the winter and she charms.
1 in the ward
Directed by ANNIE GIRARD and DIANA WRIGHT
The “women can’t have a family and a career” trope is played out a bit, but Ward 1 still manages to give it a new perspective. Yara Martinez and Mary Elizabeth Ellis are hilarious as two killers trying to kill each other in a baby-proof room. I especially liked the use of props; There were enough items to complete an entire baby shower registry and they were all used creatively.
Ten of swords
Directed by FAYE JACKSON
The short film “Ten of Swords” has as many different meanings as the tarot card of the same name. The card can represent someone’s lowest point and a very painful end, represented in the parts of the story that deal with betrayal and revenge. But it can also mean an end to conflict and the ability to deal with difficult changes.
At the end there is a quick literal interpretation of the meaning that can be appreciated even without knowledge of tarot.
RIDE BABY RIDE
Directed by SOFIE SOMOROFF
As much as I’d like to call it a modern remake of Stephen King’s Christine, Ride Baby Ride is as horrifying as a funny film about a jealous Plymouth Fury ever was.
make me pizza
Directed by Talia Shea Levine
I had some awkward arousal, but this one takes the cake.
Shadow Fighter
Directed by GRACE REX
The rewatch factor is high for “The Shadow Wrangler.” What starts out as a comedy turns into a deeper layered story with a much sadder ending than you might expect. I’ve watched it three times so far and I’m sure there will be more until Shudder takes it off.
Someone who writes, directs and stars in their own movie can be a recipe for big failure, but Grace Rex really pulled it off.
inky
Directed by KELSEY BOLLIG
oh man “Ink” scratched the itch of horrors. Because things bother me at night, strong hallucinations and body horror, it all got under my skin. (Understood.)
MLM
Directed by BREA GRANT
Near the end of the lineup I started to worry about how hard it was going to be to pick a favorite this year since they were all so stellar, but then “MLM” closed it out and won it for me. As a 2007 high school graduate, at this point in my life, if I get a friend request from an old classmate, it’s almost guaranteed that they’re not looking for an advance, but to sell me leggings, jewelry, skin care, essential oils.
Final Thoughts: I’m so glad JD introduced me to etheria. Not only is it good to see an hour and a half of solid content, but it’s even better that some of these smaller creators get the recognition and funding they need for bigger projects. There are many names on this list to watch out for in the future!
