 Happening this weekend on the 29th at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood is Etheria Film Night, a showcase of short genre films, all of them directed by up and coming female voices in the industry. Attending the all day festival isn’t just a chance to support women in film, it’s also an opportunity to see some incredible movies… …Hosted by American Cinematheque and managed by director of programming, Heidi Honeycutt (listen to me chat with Heidi about the festival and The Howling on Episode 14 of Killer Horror Critic) and festival director, Stacy Pippi Hammon, Etheria has been around for some years now, and this time offers a diverse group of filmmakers with unique voices. With eight shorts in total, this is a collection of all sorts of genre films, from horror comedy to sci-fi fantasy to straight up terror, there is a little something for everyone in this year’s Etheria Film Night. Etheria 2019 will also have the pleasure of presenting an advanced screening of the upcoming Blumhouse Into the Dark episode, Culture Shock, directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero and premiering on Hulu July 4th (you can read my review here). In short, Culture Shock tells the story of a pregnant woman attempting to cross the border from Mexico into America in search of a better life, only to find that what waits for her at the border is worse than any of the horrors she faces in Mexico. Culture Shock is a timely, important, utterly shocking window into the horror that immigrants face, and is something which I hope every American takes the time to see, whether at Etheria or not.  And as if you didn’t need any more reasons to attend, Etheria will also host an event where horror legend producer/director Roger Corman (Galaxy of Terror, Piranha) will be presenting an “Inspiration Award” to producer extraordinaire, Gale Anne Hurd (Terminator 2, Aliens)! Roger was one of those who helped Gale early on in her career, and so this should be a wonderful moment that I personally can’t wait to see, and yes, I will be in attendance as well! Below you’ll find a list of the shorts and what to expect from each. I had a great time with all of these films, so don’t miss the chance to see them for yourselves and show your support for women in film by getting your tickets here.  Hair Wolf Directed by Mariama Diallo Synopsis: In a black hair salon in gentrifying Brooklyn, the local residents fend off a strange new monster: white women intent on sucking the lifeblood from black culture. A stylish, vibrant flick with hairstyles as big as the film’s personality, Hair Wolf is a laugh out loud commentary with a sense of humor to die for. (You can hear me chat with Mariama about the eerie classic, Don't Look Now, on Episode 18 of Killer Horror Critic!)  HANA Directed by Mai Nakanishi Synopsis: A college student goes for a part-time job interview and hired on short notice by a single working mother to be a babysitter for her four-year-old daughter Hana. But when she is left alone with Hana, strange things start to happen. By far the creepiest of the shorts at this year’s festival, Hana is an uncomfortable hide and go boo flick made all the more uneasy by an all-white color pallet that elicits a ticklish dread that continues to build throughout.  Bitten Directed by Sarah K. Reimers Synopsis: A mysterious and violent encounter sends a dog on a night of adventure and possibility. A daring horror comedy that’s more sweet than scary, Bitten is a charming portrayal of the unbreakable bond between pet and owner, with an unbelievable performance from its doggy star, who has sadly passed since the making of this film. R.I.P. Iggy the Dog. (You can hear me chat with Sarah about the South Korean horror flick, A Tale of Two Sisters, on episode 17 of Killer Horror Critic!)  End of the Line Directed by Jessica Sanders Synopsis: A lonely man goes to the pet store and buys a tiny man in a cage. A quirky film with a touch of Coen brother humor, End of the Line is a moving piece with some phenomenal performances that will touch hearts big and small.  Lucy’s Tale Directed by Chelsea Lupkin Synopsis: Between mean girls, her first romance, and budding hormones, Lucy begins to realize that she’s not quite like the other teenagers in her class. Disturbing and deeply depressing, Lucy’s Tale is a dark depiction of the teenage world that blends together films like Carrie and Ginger Snaps for a concoction that’s bitter yet satisfying. (You can hear me chat with Chelsea about the popular Canadian horror flick, Ginger Snaps, on Episode 15 of Killer Horror Critic!)  Atomic Spot Directed by Stephanie Cabdevila Synopsis: Cotis is the last survivor of a small, amphibious community of mutants living in the ruins of a nuclear reactor and is crushed by loneliness. Until a group of dumb surfers visit his beach. A gorgeous fantasy with a creature that reminds me of the cover for R.L. Stine’s Deep In the Jungle of Doom, Atomic Spot is a twisted romance with breathtaking visuals and effects that will blow you out of the water.  Cupid’s Paradise Directed by Ivy Liao Synopsis: Jenn lives in a world in which everyone is rated on superficial factors such as looks and skin color. Jenn is desperate to find a match before she becomes Cupid's slave.. Playing like a condensed Black Mirror episode, Cupid’s Paradise is a stunning vision of a dystopian world that feels too close for comfort.  GOOD MORNING Directed by Elaine Mongeon Synopsis: A young woman and her father adapt to terrifying changes they never expected. A film that’s full of surprises, Good Morning is a personal exploration of how the world continues to move on despite the horrors of your life, with a kickass ending that will leave you cheering for more.  By Matt Konopka
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