STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- For Chris Marciante, Halloween goes way beyond the month of October.
The Staten Islander long ago started planning for the annual Vault of Horror Film Festival, an event he’s been running on the borough for five years. This year, Marciante is partnering up with producers Christian Caputo, Jessica DuBois and Purcival Fairweather to make the two-day festival happen at Amendment 18 in Stapleton Oct. 18 and Oct. 19.
“The most rewarding part of this whole experience is seeing everyone having a good time,” Marciante said, adding that it is the first time the festival is running for two days. “This is the biggest scale we’ve ever done and Staten Island doesn’t really have a festival like this.”
In the promotion video for the festival, organizers stressed the importance of highlighting local talent and providing a unique, creative outlet for horror fans. Halloween enthusiasts can expect 20 indie and sci-fi horror films on tap at the festival, along with a spooky party, costume contests, a “zombie, Scream Queen" fashion show, sideshow performances (including a snake charmer and “Bloody Bed of Nails”) and a special screening of “Night of the Living Dead.”
Carnival games, vendors and merchandise booths will be set up along the event space. The festival will have a bar, serving horror-themed drinks.
SCARY-TALENTED GUESTS SLATED TO ATTEND
To bring it back to local filmmakers and creatives, the Vault of Horror Film Festival will host panels with emerging artists and Q&A’s with featured talent.
Actors, known as legends in the horror movie world, will make appearances at the festival, signing autographs, taking photographs and participating in Q&A’s. Tamara Glynn (“Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers”) will hold “meet and greets,” along with special panel appearances during both days of the festival. Terry Alexander (“Day of the Dead”) will make an appearance at the festival on Friday, Oct. 18 only.
Local bands are set to take the Amendment 18 stage during this event, as well. Bleeps Sweeps Creeps, Naked Jedeye and the Flesh Junkies are set to perform Friday, Oct. 18 followed by Gamma Ghouls, Jigsaw Youth and The Enablers on Saturday, Oct. 19.
HOW TO ATTEND
Tickets are available on Eventbrite, priced at $15 for a one-day pass and $20 for two days. Organizers say they will increase the price after Tuesday, Oct. 1, making the prices $20 for a one-day pass, $30 for two days.
Amendment 18 is located at 691 Bay Street. For updates and announcements, follow The Vault of Horror Film Festival on Facebook.