[Editorial] 10 Films & Events to Catch at Soho Horror Film Fest 2023

Soho Horror Fest may be one of the newer genre film festivals in the UK, but it has established a firm following. I first encountered it when the world was entering its second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the UK was despairing of lockdown: Mitch Harrod joyfully brought escapism and catharsis into our homes, and I discovered that fellow horror fans could be a horror family. Continuing ever since with up to three festivals each year (including a Pride edition in June, and maintaining the virtual offerings too), Soho’s reputation and reach grows and grows, while maintaining “the principle of three I’s”: independent, intimate and inclusive.

Now it’s time for Soho’s main 2023 event, which is presented over two weekends: a live film festival at the Whirled Cinema in Brixton, London, and an online festival a week later. Both have very rich and varied programmes (with no overlap this year), with something for every horror fan. I asked my fellow Ghouls for their help in recommending a few and here’s what we came up with:

1. Cannibal Mukbang (Aimee Kuge, USA), screening at the Whirled Cinema, Brixton on 25 November at 20:40

To be honest, this is the one that called to me due to the combination of romance, gore and a niche setting (that of mukbang, big-style eating for streamed entertainment); so much so that an interview with Kuge was the first coverage I sought out for this festival. Amber also wants to see Cannibal Mukbang: “female director and lots of practical gore is a win in my eyes .”

2. Satan Wants You (Sean Horlor & Steve J Adams, USA), screening at the Whirled Cinema, Brixton on 26 November at 11:00

A documentary about the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, opening Soho Horror Fest's Satanic Panic gala thread. We often see films based on real cults and conspiracies, so I’m intrigued to see the real history behind this modern witch hunt. Caitlyn tells us it’s “an excellent documentary;” hope it works for you too.

3. The Coffee Table (Caye Casas, Spain), screening at the Whirled Cinema, Brixton on 26 November at 13:20

This is the film that raised the most intense discussion amongst us Ghouls recently, because although we all have great respect for it, it’s just so… well, as Becci put it, “You won't see another film like it. It is mean and revels in it, pushing the boundaries of horror and dark comedy. But, it isn't for the faint hearted.”

I have to agree: it must be a tough decision to programme this film, and it certainly takes nerve to watch it. Go on, I dare you.

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4. Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism (Nick Kozakis, Australia), screening at the Whirled Cinema, Brixton on 26 November at 15:30

You can rarely go wrong with Austrialian horror films, in my experience, and this one looks intense. Amber has seen it, and tells me it is a “very emotionally harrowing take on traditional exorcism tropes and the misogynistic history behind many real life cases.” Just in case you don’t feel the need for a breather after The Coffee Table…

5. Frogman (Anthony Cousins, USA), screening at the Whirled Cinema, Brixton on 26 November at 18:30

I’m always drawn to found footage, but I get the impression this one doesn’t want to be taken seriously. Ariel tells me it’s hilarious, and adds “it’s not predictable, takes some wacky turns, does a good show showing obsession.”

6. Ghoulsbumps, available online as part of Sohome Horror Fest

This one isn’t a film, but a Special Short Film Showcase curated and presented by Ghouls Magazine. How could I not recommend it? Specially crafted by Liz Bishop, Melissa Cox, Iona Smith, Ygraine Hackett-Cantabrana and Zoë Rose Smith.

7. Abruptio (Evan Marlowe, USA), available online as part of Sohome Horror Fest

Puppets always impress me (see also Frank and Zed and Benny Loves You), and this one just looks damned sinister in its surreal realism.

8. The Weird Kidz (Zach Passero, USA), available online as part of Sohome Horror Fest

An animated creature feature starring Lucky Mckee, Angela Bettis! Here’s my credit card!

9. Hell Hath No Fury (Zachary Burns, USA), available online as part of Sohome Horror Fest

A Christmas film about mutual marital murder. I figure I’ll be nodding along all throughout this one.

10. Drunken Horror Podcast live, available online as part of Sohome Horror Fest

Some of our very good friends over at Drunken Horror Podcast will be celebrating 25 years of teen horror film Disturbing Behaviour, with a live podcast episode featuring special guest Kat Hughes!

There are more films, of course, including two (yes, two) from Alice Maio Mackay, and every feature comes with at least one (sometimes two) carefully chosen short films. There are still a few tickets left; and it wouldn’t surprise me if the short entitled The Girl With the Haunted Vagina is worth the price of a weekend pass on its own.

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