In the sun soaked citadel of Transylvania’s Sighisoara, a short carriage ride from the Carpathian mountains, something sinister is stirring. Thankfully it’s not the undead Count prepping for a local blood forage. Arrangements are underway for the third International Vampire Film and Arts Festival (also known as VampFest). The event is “an intense four day programme of film screenings, performance art, book readings, product launches, Q&As, seminars, workshops, networking events and lots of parties”, all based within the actual birthplace of Vlad Tepes (AKA the Impaler).
New films from all over the world will be screening, including Ghost Dog Films’ Crucible of the Vampire (with writers and producer in attendance), Denise Castro’s Dracula and Rose of Blood. Several short films will also be screened, all about the blood-sucking undead! And what better a location to watch a crypt full of vamp flicks than in the ancient Sighisoara citadel (which is sure to get scary when the sun goes down) and in the company of ardent vampire/film fans.
Alongside Vampfest, the prestigious Vampire Academic Conference will also take place. This year’s key note speaker has been confirmed as Buffy The Vampire Slayer writer Christopher Golden. Other writers attending include: the Bram Stoker award winning Michael Arnzen, Katie Ruth Davies (Blood Omen saga) and Tim Lebbon (30 Days of Night) and many more.
For those planning to travel to the festival, Sighisoara is in the heart of Transylvania (a day trip to Bran’s castle is a must) and accessible via train and coach from Bucharest. Fingers crossed for a coach driver who will “go no further!”, a shotgun wielding monk and taking refuge in a pub where the revellers deny the castle’s existence. The festival administrators are also arranging travel packages, details of which can be found on the site along with a programme of films showing so far and scheduled events.
VampFest looks to be a fangtastic (sorry), skin crawling, throat lacerating and flesh gnawing four days for film fans and horror lovers! It runs from 7th to 10th June. Tickets and further details can be found on the website here: http://ivfaf.com
