SF IndieFest’s Another Hole in the Head Film Fest celebrates its 16th year with two weeks of a “cinematic excursion into the realms of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other assorted genres . . . [pulling] together a diverse collection of films representing all varieties and budgetary considerations,” according to the film’s website. The fest takes place from December 1st –15th at New People Cinema in San Francisco’s Japantown. The festival states, “From your buddy Keith’s skateboarding footage in an enchanted forest to Burt Reynolds in Space, to tomorrow’s cult classic destined for Lionsgate, Another Hole in the Head provides a unique vehicle for independent cinema.”
With a mind-blowing lineup of feature films and short films from around the planet — many making their world, U.S., or regional debuts — Another Hole in the Head has a wide array of selections to get excited about. Following are four of the features that yours truly is especially looking forward to, with official descriptions from the festival’s website. For more information, including the festival’s full schedule and ticket information, visit https://www.ahith.com/.
8
8 is a 2019 South African horror feature film written and directed by Harold Holscher. Bankruptcy forces William Ziel (Garth Breytenbach) to return to the farm he inherited from his estranged father in an attempt to start a new life with his young, fragmented family. The Man Makes a Picture Productions movie stars Inge Beckmann, Garth Breytenbach, Tshamano Sebe, and Chris April.
Black Circle
Two sisters discover a hypnotherapy record from the 1970s that has a dramatic effect on their lives. After falling asleep listening to it for only a few nights, they are more focused, productive, and successful than they have ever been before. But something frightening is happening to them — they are losing pieces of themselves as the record amplifies their positive qualities. Trippy and bewitching, Black Circle tells a supernatural story of identity that is part early Cronenberg and part ‘70s mondo VHS you found in an attic. Written and directed by Adrián García Bogliano (Late Phases; Here Comes the Devil), Black Circle is a co-production from Mexico and Sweden that marks the return to the big screen for legendary ‘70s cult model-turned-actress Christina Lindberg (Thriller; Maid in Sweden).
Beneath the Black Veil
When Aaron and Genna learn that the charges against the Amazon delivery driver who ran over their son have been dropped, they decide to take justice into their own hands. But the way they see it, God is also to blame for their loss and breaking each of the Ten Commandments seems like the perfect vehicle for vengeance. Beneath the Black Veil is a Twin Peaks-esque melodrama sprinkled with Cronenberg body horror, sewn together by indie horror SFX master turned writer/director Jason Koch (WNUF Halloween Special, Call Girl of Cthulhu, Pig Pen).
Do Not Reply
Chelsea, a high school introvert, is abducted through a social media app and is forced to look like other girls Brad holds captive. Chelsea desperately attempts to persuade them to escape before they all become victims in his virtual reality filmed murders. Directed by Daniel Woltosz and Walter Woltosz.
