Grimmfest returns on 3rd October 2019 for four days of horror, cult and fantastic films at the Odeon Great Northern, Manchester, UK. As full festival passes go ON SALE, Grimmfest is delighted to announce their first movie premiere and special guest.

DARLIN’,  the much anticipated follow up to Lucky McKee’s modern horror classic, THE WOMAN, will receive its Northern Premiere at Grimmfest. The festival team is honoured to welcome the film’s writer, director and star, Pollyanna McIntosh (Jadis from THE WALKING DEAD) to present the screening, talk to festival attendees and complete a limited number of exclusive signings.

DARLIN’ sees Pollyanna returning to one of her most iconic onscreen roles and marks an auspicious debut for her as writer and director. Building on the themes of McKee’s earlier film and the novels of Jack Ketchum that inspired it, but with a slyly satiric edge and strongly feminist message all its own; DARLIN’ sees the implacable feral woman confronted once again with the hypocrisies and far more refined savageries and cruelties of the supposedly civilised world, as she strives to rescue her child from those who would claim to offer salvation.

Festival Director Simeon Halligan said, “we are currently tracking down the very best of the latest genre feature films to complete our line-up of premieres for the festival in early October, but we were so excited to secure DARLIN’ and Pollyanna that we couldn’t wait to share the news.”

They have also announced their new awards jury for 2019. Actress, producer, horror movie icon and 2018 Lifetime Achievement award-winner Barbara Crampton (RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND and YOU’RE NEXT) will be chairing this year’s awards jury.

The other jurors for this year are Jennifer Handorf (film producer with credits including PREVENGE, THE CHAMBER, THE BORDERLANDS, THE FORGOTTEN & THE DEVIL’S BUSINESS), Amanda Presmyk (film producer for FANGORIA and CINESTATE, with credits including DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE, PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH & SATANIC PANIC), Anton Bitel (film critic for publications including SIGHT & SOUND, LITTLE WHITE LIES & SCIFINOW), Nikki Baughan (film critic for publications including SCREEN INTERNATIONAL, SIGHT & SOUND & THE LIST) and James Fler (sales agent for RAVEN BANNER ENTERTAINMENT, whose titles include TIGERS ARE NOT AFRAID, LIFECHANGER, TRENCH 11).

The 11th edition of Grimmfest takes place from 3 – 6th October 2019 at Odeon Manchester Great Northern. Full festival passes, allowing access to all screenings and events over the course of the festival, are on sale now, along with tickets to DARLIN’ and an exclusive signing with Pollyanna McIntosh. 

DARLIN’ will play on Friday 4 October at 7.00pm. Pollyanna McIntosh will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening, immediately followed by a signing session for a limited number of attendees. Keep your eyes on Grimmfest.com and Film Daddy for any further information.