In The News
October 15, 2024
Macabre Daily sat down with Director Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian along with cast members Kia Dorsey, Zaen Hadir, and Michael C. Williams to learn more about what it was like making “Ghost Game” and how they would react to internet trendsetters hiding out in their homes!
October 15, 2024
Jill Gevargizian's Ghost Game will enjoy a limited theatrical run on October 18th, with a VOD release on October 22nd. If you'd like a little tease of what to expect, we have an exclusive clip just for Daily Dead readers that gives a preview of the internet challenge that quickly turns fatal.
Coming Soon: Ghost Game Exclusive Clip
October 10, 2024
Ghost Game will have a limited theatrical run beginning on October 18, 2024, and will be released on video-on-demand services beginning on October 22. On December 10, the film will also be released physically, with a Blu-ray version of the film available.
FANGORIA: Ghost Game Exclusive Clip
October 8, 2024
Director Jill Gevargizian's got a new take on the haunted house movie.
1428 Elm: Interview with Ghost Game Director and stars
October 10, 2024
Ghost Game, directed by Jill Gevarizian (The Stylist), takes familiar home invasion tropes and flips them. The script by horror novelist Adam Cesare, which focuses on two separate stories that ultimately collide, is a clever one that constantly thwarts a viewer's expectations.
Bloody Disgusting: Ghost Game Trailer
September 25, 2024
Jill Gevargizian’s New Movie Takes Part in a Spooky Internet Challenge
ScreenRant: Ghost Game Trailer
September 25, 2024
Screen Rant presents the official trailer for Jill Gevargizian's new horror film, Ghost Game, starring Kia Dorsey, Zaen Haidar, Michael C. Williams, Emily Bennett, Sam Lukowski, and Vienna Maas.
STARBURST Magazine: Ghost Game Review
Jill Gevargizian’s sophomore directorial effort proves her chops behind the camera with a mix of hidden camera footage and possible haunted house hijinks.
The Horror Sanctum Podcast: Jill Gevargizian Interview
September 16, 2024
"Today on the horror sanctum, we welcome the director of the 2020 horror thriller, The Stylist and the upcoming film, Ghost Game."
Horror Valentines: "Character is More Important than Story" an Interview with Jill Gevargizian
September 3, 2024
"To celebrate Ghost Game's London premiere, I spoke to Jill about the challenges and excitements the horror genre brings with itself in the realm of filmmaking."
RichPieces: FrightFest Interview with Jill Gevargizian
September 3, 2024
"Having just had its International Premiere at FrightFest London, Jill Gevargizian’s Ghost Game delivers an intrusive little horror that taps into a number of 21st-century anxieties."
The Hollywood news: Jill Gevargizian and Kia Dorsey discuss 'Ghost Game'
August 30, 2024
"Joined by her leading actor, Kia Dorsey, the pair took to the media wall to discuss the phenomenon of ‘frogging’, how the film came together, and whether or not they are now more cautious about the spaces they inhabit."
NYX UK: Interview with Jill Gevargizian
August 23, 2024
"Jill Gevargizian burst onto the scene a few years ago with the superb shocker The Stylist and now she's back and this time its all paranormal in Ghost Game."
NightTide: Interview with Jill Gevargizian and Adam Cesare
August 19, 2024
"I sat down with writer Adam Cesare and director Jill Gevargizian on how they created the madness of Ghost Game in this spoiler-free interview."
FANGORIA: FrightFest 2024 Line up
July 11, 2024
"In the main screen we have... haunted house thriller GHOST GAME, the latest from Jill Gevargizian, director of The Stylist.."
What Culture: 10 Most Anticipated Horror Movies Still to Come in 2024
May 28, 2024
"For anyone who's kept on eye on the career of Jill Gevargizian, aka Jill Sixx, you'll be well aware of just how promising the Kansas City filmmaker is..."
Panic Fest Announces Audience Choice Award Winners
April 15, 2024
"Best Director: Jill Gevargizian, Ghost Game
Best Actor: Michael C. Williams, Ghost Game."
Horror Fuel: 'Ghost Game' Review
April 12, 2024
"Director Jill Gevargizian’s sophomore feature Ghost Game is an effective offering that uses home invasion in a unique way and serves up some intriguing surprises."
Bloody Disgusting: 'Ghost Game' Review
April 8, 2024
"Ghost Game benefits from exceptional direction and timely commentary about the dangers of trusting everyone you meet online. Ultimately, Ghost Game is an effectively spooky haunted house movie which warns that it might not be the things that go bump in the night we should be afraid of; sometimes people are much scarier."
The Pitch: 'Ghost Game' Review
April 8, 2024
"Gevargizian, buoyed by Cesare’s nasty script, also goes extra hard in the film’s final moments, committing to a twist that yanks the rug out from under the characters, and relishing in the cracking sound of their heads hitting the floor."
Horror Movies Uncut: 'Ghost Game' Review
April 6, 2024
"(Kia) Dorsey's portrayal offers a rare depiction of vulnerability in a black female lead, portraying a character unafraid to fight for her desires, no matter how unconventional or perilous they may seem."
The Hollywood News: 'Ghost Game' Review
April 6, 2024
"Whereas The Stylist is an astute slow-burn, Ghost Game is a wild haunted house experience that is set to become staple Halloween viewing."
The Pitch: Jill "Sixx" Gevargizian on the Sounds of Her New Film 'Ghost Game'
April 5, 2024
"We reached out to director Gevargizian to get the inside scoop on how all these bands came to be part of Ghost Game and her relationship to music."
Dread Central: Jill Gevargizian's New Film to Premiere at Panic Fest
March 20, 2024
"Coming to a film festival near you is Dread (a sister company to Dread Central) and Jill Gevargizian‘s latest film Ghost Game! Set to have its world premiere at Panic Fest on April 6, 2024, the film then heads to Chattanooga Film Festival in June."
Specter Cinema Podcast: A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT with Jill Gevargizian
March 19, 2024
"We're staying in vampire western territory as we discuss A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night apart of our Women in Horror celebration. Director Jill Gevargizian (The Stylist, Ghost Game) joins the boys in discussing a fairy tale of morality, the iconography of The Girl, the hyper specific geopolitical themes, and once again preaching that style is substance. Grab your skateboards & CDs, we got some creepin to do!"
Without You Head Podcast: Interview with Jill Gevargizian of Ghost Game
March 14, 2024
"Jill Gevargizian talking her new film Ghost Game premiering at Panic Fest! Importance of festivals, "Black Mold" and more!"
FANGORIA: Chattanooga Film Festival's First Wave Lineup Takes Things Up To 11
March 13, 2024
"New features screening include an eclectic mix of Irish folk horror, sadistic child killers and a supernatural VCR, as well as Jason Yu’s South Korean psychological horror Sleep and the latest from The Stylist‘s Jill Gevargizian, Ghost Game!"
FANGORIA: Panic Fest 2024 Unleashes First Wave of Programming
February 23, 2024
"Other highlights for this year’s programming include the world premieres of Kiah Roache-Turner’s Sting, Jill Gevargizian’s Ghost Game, and Justin Denton’s Curse of the Sin Eater."
Bloody Disgusting: "Black Mold" Award Winning Indie Debuts on Tubi
December 4, 2023
"Billed as a “hallucinogenic urban exploring horror movie,” John Pata’s Black Mold won Best Indie Feature at this year’s Panic Fest in the US, and it’s coming to Tubi Thursday, December 7.
Certified Forgotten: Intimate Fears of the Service Industry in "The Stylist"
November 30, 2023
"The Stylist really cuts to the core of fears shared by industry workers and their relationships with others: am I actually a cool, interesting person, or am I just really good at my job?"
FEATURE FILM DEBUTS, OUT TO CONQUER SITGES 2020
September 15, 2020
...or the peculiar The Stylist, directed by Jill Gevargizian, who brings her own experience as a hairdresser to the big screen, based on her multi-award winning short film of the same name.
Demons Invade the Knoxville Horror Film Festival Drive-In Experience
September 14, 2020
Friday night’s triple feature presentation will be rounded out by the Southeastern US Premiere of The Stylist, the debut feature from KHFF alum and collaborator Jill Gevargizian, who will be in attendance for the weekend. Heavy on both psychology and gore, The Stylistfollows a disturbed hairdresser (Najarra Townsend, reprising her role from the award-winning 2016 short) as a gruesome secret life threatens her budding friendship with a client played by After Midnight’s Brea Grant.
Virtual Celebration of Fantastic Fest Announced, Featuring Jill Gevargizian’s THE STYLIST, Brandon Cronenberg’s POSSESSOR, and More!
September 10, 2020
Fantastic Fest will continue to celebrate cinema this fall with a virtual edition that includes the world premiere of Jill Gevargizian's The Stylist(based on her renowned 2016 short film of the same name), the Texas premiere of Brandon Cronenberg's Possessor, an Evil Dead 2 remote escape room, and much more:
Fantastic Fest Returns to Celebrate Itself
September 10, 2020
Fantastic Fest may be taking a year off due to the coronavirus lockdown, but that's just the in-person gathering. The local celebration of oddball, innovative, and international cinema has just announced a week-long streaming extravaganza, all for free, including multiple world premieres, running Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.
Jill Gevargizian’s THE STYLIST to Screen at 53rd Sitges Film Festival
January 01, 2020
In some great news for horror hounds, Jill Gevargizian’s feature-length take on The Stylist will receive its international premiere at this year’s Sitges Film Festival.
Jill Gevargizian’s ‘The Stylist’ Slashing Its Way into Sitges! [First Look]
August 31, 2020
Celebrated at many film festivals over the years was Jill Gevargizian‘s exceptional indie horror “The Stylist”, which featured the wonderful Najarra Townsend (Contracted) as a hairstylist-turned-slasher.
SITGES 2020 Announces Lineup
August 31, 2020
The Stylist, directed by Jill Gevargizian, introduces a very special hairdresser. Many people visit her chair and sometimes, her scissors cut something other than hair, allowing her to take home a unique souvenir to add to her exclusive collection.
Watch Trailer for Etheria's Anthology Horror and Sci-Fi Series
August 12, 2020
The line-up of directors includes Jill Gevargizian, Gigi Saul Guerrero, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress Amber Benson while the list of onscreen talent features Elizabeth Debicki, James Hong, and Samantha Bond. The series is produced by Etheria Film Festival founders Heidi Honeycutt and Stacy Pippi Hammon.
Nightmare Junkhead: THE EVIL DEAD (2013)
August 01, 2020
Greg and Jenius close out their month of remakes as they welcome Adam Roberts and Eric Havens (cowriter of The Stylist) from the Nightmare Hour podcast to talk 2013's The Evil Dead!
"1000 WOMEN IN HORROR" Book Release
July 22, 2020
Blowing a kiss back through time and space from Aaliyah to Jill Rae Zurborg, 1000 Women in Horror, 1895-2018 is a love letter to both the stars and the often-invisible women who have made the genre what it is today. From Classical Hollywood to alt-Nollywood, mumblegore to J-horror, this book offers a tiny global snapshot of the vast number of women who have worked in the creation of dark and spooky movies for well over a century, both behind and in front of the camera, and in films both widely known and comparatively obscure.
That's Not Current: 20 Terrific Horrors Directed by Woman
September 30, 2019
Throughout September the film community has been celebrating Woman Director Awareness Month, so it’s been the perfect time for me to rewatch some of my favourite horror films, catch up on some classics I’ve missed, and discover some new gems that also have the honour of being directed by women.
POP HORROR: Jill Gevargizian’s ‘The Stylist’ Collecting Funds To Be Made Into A Full-length Feature
September 16, 2019
Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian (read our interview with her here) has been a long time favorite filmmaker of ours here at PopHorror. She has been turning heads and dropping jaws with her stellar work, ever since storming out of the gates with her incredible short film, Call Girl, back in 2014. Not many directors can claim to have worked with the likes of Tristan Risk (read our interview with her here) and Laurence Harvey on their debut project, a true testament to Jill’s extraordinary talent from day one. But she has proven time and time again that it was no fluke, creating magic every time she gets behind the camera.
Nightmare Junkhead EP 196: The Stylist Producers
September 13, 2019
Greg and Jenius welcome royalty back on the show as they talk the kickstarter campaign for Jill Gevargizian's The Stylist! Jill is joined by Robert Stern and Sarah Sharp who are all part of the film and of course, the episode was fueled by Rap Snacks!
Dread Central Interview: Najarra Townsend on Kickstarter for Feature Film THE STYLIST and Getting Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
September 12, 2019
Actress and producer Najarra Townsend is well-known and admired in the independent horror film community. She’s starred in films like Contracted (2013), Contracted: Phase II(2015), Wolf Mother (2016), and the short films The Stylistand 42 Counts, both from one of the most innovative and hardworking women filmmakers in horror, director Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian.
THE DAILY GRINDHOUSE INTERVIEW: JILL SIXX TALKS “THE STYLIST”
September 10, 2019
Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian made a big splash in the horror scene with her short film “Call Girl” in 2014, a two-hander that happened to star two very unique actors: Laurence R. Harvey (THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE II) and Tristan Risk (AMERICAN MARY, THE EDITOR). Since then she’s directed a number of shorts and music videos, but most horror fans who recognize her name probably associate her with her stylish, gruesome 2016 short “The Stylist” starring Najarra Townsend (CONTRACTED, MERCURY IN RETROGRADE).
F This Movie! 24 Hours of Movies: Female-Directed Horror!
September 09, 2019
There has been a long-overdue focus on women in the genre in recent years, spurred on by events like February’s Women in Horror Month and projects like the anthologies XX (appearing in this lineup) or the more recent Shevenge. With #ScaryMovieMonth just a few weeks away, it's a good time to put a spotlight on some horror movies directed by women in the hopes that we can all program a few this October. What better way to do that than with a 24 hour marathon? Thanks to Rosalie Lewis' "Ladies Behind the Lens" column and Amanda Stanke on our Facebook page for suggesting the idea.
Without Your Head Radio: Jill Gevargizian
September 07, 2019
Jill Gevargizian returned to talk about her new short "One Last Meal" which premiered at FrightFest last week and her campaign to get her first feature film "The Stylist" made!
Cult of Monster: Jill Gevargizian’s Award-Winning Short THE STYLIST Moves to Feature!
September 06, 2019
Filmmaker Jill Gevargizian has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to take her Monster Fest award-winning short THE STYLIST to feature and with twenty-one days remaining the project is nearing the halfway mark of its funding goal.
Daily Dead Salutes Your Shorts: THE STYLIST, THE WOLF WHO CAME TO DINNER, and TRUNK SPACE
September 06, 2019
First up is The Stylist from Jill Gevargizian, who is currently crowdfunding her first feature film based on this short (you can find out more details about that HERE), and without a doubt, she’s a filmmaker who has continued to show great promise as a visual storyteller over the last several years.
Geeks of Doom: Kickstarter Spotlight: Feature Adaptation Of Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian’s Horror Short ‘The Stylist’
September 03, 2019
A few years back a short horror film titled The Stylist was released. The short was directed by Jill Gevargizian, who is also known as Jill Sixx, and starred Najarra Townsend (Contracted, Me and You and Everyone We Know).
Color Positive Movies: The Stylist (A Short Horror Film) Review
January 01, 2020
The Stylist is a shot horror film written, produced, and directed by Jill Gervagizian. It tells the story of a hair stylist named Claire (Najarra Townsend) who provides her clients with a special kind of hair cut.
Horror News Network: "The Stylist’ Feature Film Launches Kickstarter Campaign
September 03, 2019
If you were at the Connecticut Cult Classics double feature of Black Christmas and Silent Night, Deadly Night in December of 2017, you were lucky enough to catch our screening of Jill ‘Sixx’ Gevargizian’s beautiful short film The Stylist.
HorrorHappens Radio: We sit down with Jill Sixx & Najarra Townsend talking 'The Stylist'
September 02, 2019
Ep. 345: We sit down with Jill Sixx & Najarra Townsend talking the 'The Stylist' Kickstarter at Frightfest.
Daily Dead: Jill Gevargizian Launches Kickstarter Campaign for Feature-Length Adaptation of Her Short Film THE STYLIST
August 29, 2019
As readers of Daily Dead may know, we've been longtime fans of filmmaker Jill Gevargizian, with Heather Wixson and Patrick Bromley discussing her work on a previous episode of Corpse Club, in addition to sharing her uniquely haunting short films over the years. We're thrilled that Gevargizian is now looking to adapt one of her most popular short films, The Stylist, into a feature-length movie, and she's launched a Kickstarter campaign to help bring this Leatherface-inspired tale to life in the feature-length format!
Flick Connection: "The Stylist" Special Event
August 24, 2019
Listen to director Jill Gevargizian and actress Najarra Townsend talk about their upcoming feature film THE STYLIST.
Strong Language & Violent Scenes Podcast: Episode 67: A Look At... Anacondas: The Hunt For The Blood Orchid (w/ Jill Sixx)
August 23, 2019
Greetings from Frightfest! Well, Mitch is there. Andy is home editing. Our guest is ALSO there.
And she is a returning guest. You may remember her from Episode 39 of this show where she joined us to take a look at Anaconda and now, she's back to take a look at the first of the sequelsssss.
She is the director of the short films Call Girl, The Stylist, 42 Counts and the Frightfest 2019 short selection One Last Meal... It's Jill Gevargizian!
Dread Central: Interview: Director Jill Gevargizian on Kickstarter for THE STYLIST feature film and How Leatherface Has Inspired Her
August 23, 2019
I first saw The Stylist short film a couple of years ago and thought it would make a great feature film. Written and directed by the enormously talented Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian, The Stylist is a more glamorous take on Maniac or even The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The film tells the story of a lonely hairstylist named Claire, played by Najarra Townsend (Contracted), in a chilling performance.
Rue Morgue: CUT SHORT INTERVIEW WITH JILL GEVARGIZIAN
August 22, 2019
For this month’s Cut Short interview, I’m very excited to get to talk to Jill Gevargizian, whose short film One Last Meal is a nasty piece of work that also manages to sneak in some mean-spirited humor. Read on for some bite-size information on where the story came from, ominous shooting locations, and maybe the best answer I’ve heard so far to the “What scares you most” question.akes it interesting? Write a catchy description to grab your audience's attention...
YAY! LA: “The Stylist”: Watch Jill Gevargizian’s Shocking Short Film and Help Get A Full-Length Feature Made
August 22, 2019
As a regular attendee of the annual Etheria Film Night sci-fi/horror shorts festival I get exposed to a lot of up-and-coming genre filmmakers that pique my interest. One such talent was writer-director Jill Gervagazian (also known under the moniker Jill Sixx), whose horror-thriller “The Stylist” nabbed both the Jury and Audience Awards at the 2016 showcase.
ScreenAnarchy: Crowdfund This: It's Time to Give THE STYLIST a Feature-Length Makeover
January 01, 2020
Director Jill Gevargizian is preparing to make her feature-film debut and she is going back to one of her earlier, award-winning short films The Stylist to do it. The Stylist had a very successful festival circuit run and recently completed a two year streaming residency over at Shudder. You can now watch The Stylist below.
Bloody Disgusting: Kickstarter Launched for ‘The Stylist’ Feature-Film
August 22, 2019
The team behind the outrageously successful short film The Stylist has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the feature-length adaptation. The campaign runs now through September 26th. This will be director Jill Gevargizian’s feature-film debut.
Flick Connection: Best Movies to Stream This Week!
August 20, 2019
Short of the Week: The Stylist
Director Jill Sixx Launching Kickstarter for Feature Debut THE STYLIST
August 15, 2019
Having won a whole host of plaudits for her work helming short films and music videos, Jill is soon to launch the Kickstarter campaign for a feature-length version of her 2016 short The Stylist.
Clout Communications: FILM NEWS (UK): ARROW VIDEO FRIGHTFEST ANNOUNCES 2019 SHORT FILM PROGRAMME
August 09, 2019
SHORT FILM SHOWCASE 3
MONDAY 26 AUG – PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA DISCOVERY SCREEN 2 from 13:00
One Last Meal (European Premiere)
Director: Jill Gevargizian. Cast: Matt Mercer, Jake Martin, Tim Marks. USA 2019. 11 min.
A prison guard is forced to fulfil an unusual request from a violent criminal on death row.
Rue Morgue: Short Cuts: The Short Horror Review Roundup for July
July 22, 2019
It takes some finesse to tackle a topic as touchy as the death penalty (and even more so to do it in the context of a black comedy) but Jill Gevargizian does just that in her short film about the lengths a warden will go to in order to uphold the traditions we put in place to make ourselves feel more humane. Make no mistake, the guy due for his last meal is not a good fella and Gevargizian doesn’t try to make him sympathetic. But she also doesn’t do any favors for the guy itching to pull the switch if he can just get by that pesky last meal request. It’s a twisted tale told with an evil smile.
Nightmare Junkhead EP 184: Candyman
June 07, 2019
Greg and Jenius kick off two months worth of slasher movies as they start a Summer of Slasher series and kick things off by talking the 1992 classic Candyman with Jill Gevargizian! They talk her upcoming short One Last Meal which is premiering at Cinepocalypse on June 15th!
Nightmare Junkhead: EP 174: 2009 Scream/Hateful
March 29, 2019
Greg and Jenius delve Into the Mouth of March Madness for the last time as they welcome Jill Gevargizian and Tyler Unsell to talk the surviving horror classics from the 2009 bracket! The following films will be discussed: The Loved Ones, House of the Devil, Friday the 13th remake, and Zombieland. Which film goes to the round of the Frightful Four? Tune in to find out!
Jill Gevargizian: 00:00-01:03:00
Subscript: Picks from the 2018 Ax Wound Film Festival
February 21, 2019
Jill Gevargizian’s gloriously distressing horror-drama follows as Ava (Andrea Dover) and Alicia (Najarra Townsend) attempt to uncover a dark secret during a girls’ night watching horror films and talking about their love lives. Based on a true story, this slickly simple yet effective indie short tackles the darker side of human nature while remaining firmly rooted in reality.
42 Counts demonstrates that true evil can be found in the most unexpected places and that it would surprise the best of us just how many of those we know have a twisted voyeuristic streak in them. The dramatic outcome is both shocking and terrifying, haunting viewers with a sickening sense of dread long after its 8-minute runtime.
Dis/Member: [Review] Obsessions – Short Film Programs from Final Girl Berlin
February 20, 2019
42 Counts feature two friends who discover hidden cameras all over one of the friends’ apartment. They follow the clues that lead them to something they couldn’t imagine. I enjoyed 42 Counts while thoroughly being creeped the fuck out by it. It’s hard not to imagine this happening because it happens daily. After watching this, I immediately looked up at my smoke detector, unhooked it and looked inside.
42 Counts doesn’t have blood and guts but tells the story of something very real. Every step that these two friends make to discover who is doing this and the source feels like a bomb waiting to explode. The tension as well is felt throughout the film, especially as the girls hide and the peeping tom is in the same room. You’ll realize once the credits have rolled that you’ve held your breath the entire time. 42 CountsNEEDS to be seen. It’s an expertly crafted film that shouts even though it’s short.
Dis/Member: Midnight Movies – Short Film Programs from Final Girl Berlin
February 15, 2019
Call Girl stars Laurence R. Harvey from Human Centipede 2 and Tristan Rick from American Mary. The short film tells the story of a man who turns on his camera for his many viewers and invites a woman into his home for some “fun.” Call Girl from jump gives the voyeurism aspect in such an unsettling way. The film has some interesting and cool camera lags which, if you’ve ever experienced the internet, is a bit of a hassle when it comes to video. With those lags, you feel like you’re about to watch something intimate and private between two people. As it jumps, you don’t know what you’re about to see, and when you do, you jump along with it as something instantly comes or jumps into the frame. This short also has TWO great twist-endings that are very clever AND justifiable.
Strong Language & Violent Scenes Podcast: In Defence of Anaconda with Jill Gevargizian
February 08, 2019
Ophidiophobes beware! Episode 39 sees Andy and Mitch joined by the co-director of Slaughter Movie House, the director of short films Call Girl, The Stylist, 42 Counts and the upcoming One Last Meal (starring former guest Matt Mercer), it's Jill Gevargizian!
Her chosen film? ANACONDA!
Emerging from a time when big monster movies were all the rage (see Lake Placid, Godzilla etc), Luis Llosa's 1997 jungle thriller is a scaly delight. With a cast that features Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Owen Wilson and a truly "has to be seen to be believed" performance from Jon Voight as Cajun priest turned poacher Paul Serone, Anaconda is a film well worth your time. Sssssss-eek it out!
Nightmarish Conjurings: Final Girls Berlin Film Festival Review: MIDNIGHT MOVIES Short Film Block
February 04, 2019
Directed by Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian, CALL GIRL stars a familiar face among horror fans. The premise is simple: a man is seemingly recording an encounter between himself and what we assume to be a call girl. She comes over, pleasantries are exchanged, but the audience knows better than to think this will just be any normal encounter. Although the film is short, I really enjoyed the twist and I’ll admit I didn’t really see it coming.
Cinema Crazed: Call Girl (2014) [Final Girls Berlin Film Festival]
February 04, 2019
Director Jill Gevargizian’s short “Call Girl” watches like a short interlude you’d probably see in a digital horror anthology similar to “V/H/S/.” And I mean that as a compliment. As a short but sweet little horror tale writer Eric Havens’ script has all the classic tropes of the genre. There’s the vile enemy, the victim, the set up, the twist, and the juicy comeuppance.
Laurence Harvey of “Human Centipede” fame plays a nameless man who is preparing to meet up with a call girl in his house. There he’s set up a web camera for an unseen friend with who he’s made the spectator for the meeting. When the beautiful call girl shows up, the John greets her with some reluctance, and of course a crowbar to the head, viciously murdering her. Of course, nothing is ever as it seems, and events unfold in “Call Girl” with a nice bit of karmic justice.
Pophorror: Review of the Long In Tooth Short Block – FGBFF 2019
February 04, 2019
Grammy is a tiny little short – just over a minute – but it packs a real punch to the gut. Directed by 42 Counts’ Jill Gevargizian (read our interview with her here), this short follows a sweet little girl (Hala Finley: Man With A Plan TV series) who wakes up in the morning at her Grammy’s house and, naturally, begins to call for her. Grammy (Marilyn Hall: Wytch 2016) answers that she’ll be right down, as soon as she puts her face on. After watching this short, you’ll never think of that expression the same way again. The FX were amazing in this short! I think I might have seen a little robotics involved? A great play on words and bloody besides.
Morbidly Beautiful: Final Girls Berlin: Long in Tooth, Flesh & Blood
February 04, 2019
At just over a minute, this short from the very talented Jill Gevargizian is a bloody good time — an incredibly fun film that reflects a pure love of horror. In it, an adorable young girl wakes up at Grammy’s mouse. When she calls out for her, Grammy responds that she will be right down….just as soon as she puts on her face. But the girl is impatient and decides to barge in on Grammy before her face is ready. The result is a gory reveal, featuring some pretty impressive special effects and the introduction to a future scream queen in the making.
You can watch this short in full right here.
Morbidly Beautiful: Final Girls Berlin Day 3: Midnight Movies (Horror Shorts)
February 03, 2019
On the third day of the Final Girls Berlin Film Festival celebrating the diverse contributions of women working in the genre, attendees were treated to the ever popular Midnight Movies short horror block. Notoriously dark, bloody, and boundary-pushing, these shorts deliver the best and most gleefully gruesome content of the fest.
Call Girl is a clever and suspenseful film that proves that one can achieve a quality product with simple, limited material. The film is produced from an unmoving camera that continues rolling even as the actors leave the frame, as if one was watching on a live web cam. The villain’s seemingly innocent and pathetic personality is stripped away as he steps in front of the webcam, his appearance changing from ordinary to frightening and disturbing. Surprisingly, this is not done with make-up or special effects but by using only clever positioning and the blue glow of the screen.
The villain’s true intentions come with an additional shocking twist, the call girl in question taking back her strength and serving the consequences of her client’s actions. Both main characters, the call girl and the villain, represent a ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ message — surprising each other with hidden motives and capabilities. You can watch the full short here.
Pop Horror: FGBFF 2019: ‘Obsessions’ Shorts Block Review
February 03, 2019
Obsession, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is a persistent, disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling. Obsessions can be dangerous. They can cause us to act impulsively or irrationally, to do things completely against our nature or character. So naturally, such fixation can make for some powerfully compelling horror. Such is the premise of the Obsessions Shorts Block for the 2019 Final Girls Berlin Film Festival, an annual film festival devoted to showcasing horror cinema directed, written, or produced by women. The Obsessions Shorts Block screens the evening of Friday, February 1st at 7:30 local time. I had the esteemed pleasure of getting to review some of the films from this block ahead of the event. Are they worthy of your infatuation?
Morbidly Beautiful: Final Girls Berlin Day 2: Midnight Movies (Horror Shorts)
February 02, 2019
We continue our coverage of the incredible Final Girls Berlin Film Festival with another impressive block of short horror programming from female filmmakers around the world.
42 Counts relays the true story of a case of Voyeurism in Kanas City, 2014. The realism of the film and the main crime within it adds more to the characters’ violation and trauma, relaying the importance of validating Voyeurism and treating it as seriously as any other sex crime.
The film begins in a seemingly normal setting with two women lounging about their apartment until one of the friends discovers a connected system of hidden cameras that have been littered around their entire flat.
An impressive aspect of the film laid within its clever production as it eases the audience into the growing danger and darkness of the scenes. For example, the stylish and neat living room presented at the start of the film makes way for grungy bathrooms, tattered bedrooms and dark basements by the time the women discover the perpetrator – the climax of such leaves the audience with but a glimpse into the trauma that victims of sex offenses face.
Nightmare Junkhead EP 162: Etheria Film Night
February 01, 2019
Greg and Jenius kick off their month long celebration of Women in Horror month and they’re joined by Etheria Film Night festival director and co-founder Staci Pippi and filmmaker Jill Gevargizian. Much is discussed including Women in Horror month, Etheria Film Night, 42 Counts, and so much more! Brought to you unofficially by Rap Snacks!
Ink KC: Why Kansas City Is a Top 10 Small City for Making Movies
January 23, 2019
Kansas City is one of the best places for a filmmaker, according to an analysis by Moviemaker.com.
“It feels so undiscovered,” actor and filmmaker David Dastmalchian, a Shawnee Mission South grad, told the industry magazine in its February issue.
It also doesn’t hurt that the city has a film development office that offers a financial incentive for films shot locally.
The Pitch: Be afraid: Panic Fest kicks off this Friday at Screenland Armour
January 22, 2019
Panic Fest just keeps expanding.
Now in its seventh year, Kansas City’s premier genre film festival returns to Screenland Armour this Friday, January 25, and runs through next Thursday the 31st. In all, the fest includes 21 feature films, 18 shorts, three live podcast tapings, and one tongue-in-cheek live script reading. The rest of the country is starting to notice, too. MovieMaker recently named Panic Fest one of the 30 Bloody Best Genre Fests in 2019.
Movie Maker: The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker 2019: Small Cities and Towns
January 17, 2019
“Wild kindness” is what Kansas City moviemaker Jill Gevargizian says one can expect when shooting indie film in KC. “It’s become tradition for my crew and me to have meetings and wrap parties at a dive bar that serves the best pizza, and they know us well now and have offered to cater our next shoot for free,” she says. “I’ve directed over a dozen projects and I’ve only had to pay for a couple of locations; most owners are eager to help. I’m also a hairstylist and my clients constantly offer their homes, businesses, everything to be used in my films—KC people think moviemaking is rad and they want to help.” Gevargizian is to direct the feature film Permanent Address, starring Brea Grant, and hopes to shoot in Kansas City in 2019.
13th Floor: That's a Wrap - David's 2018 Year-End Review
January 12, 2019
BFF Girls - Live action anime insanity that had me snickering from beginning to end. It’s no secret how much I adored this one.
Nightmarish Conjurings: Final Girls Berlin Film Festival Announces 2019 Films
January 10, 2019
The 4th edition of Final Girls Berlin Film Festival will take place in Berlin, Germany from January 31st to February 3rd 2019. FGBFF showcases horror films that were directed, written, and/or produced by women and non-binary filmmakers from across the globe.
Diabolique Magazine: The Diabolique 2018 Round Up
December 25, 2018
It is that time again for end-of-year thoughts and reflections, brought to you by many but not all of Diabolique’s contributors. Some opinions from our core writers are missing in this list, but there are more than enough picks in this massive look back at what 2018 brought us. Of the over thirty titles here, we find blockbusters to indies, theatrical releases to streaming content, and even a few repertory re-releases from home video distribution companies. The three top titles of the year are Mandy, BlackKklansman, and Hereditary, with enough nods toward each too close to pick a “best” film of the year. And without further ado:
Flick Connection Podcast: #30 w/ Najarra Townsend (Contracted, Wolf Mother, The Stylist)
December 18, 2018
Najarra Townsend is an actress most known for her roles in Contracted, Contracted: Phase 2, and Wolf Mother but she's been acting since she was a child and has almost 100 IMDb acting credits under her belt making her the most experienced guest I've had on the podcast to date.
13th Floor: BFF Girls Review
December 17, 2018
I've never felt more trepidation with writing a review than I have with BFF Girls, for two reasons. First, I just don’t think I'm well equipped—as a father of three sons—to adequately comment on the storytelling components of the short which deal with menstruation. Though I fully understand what's happening on a physiological level (I have sisters, I hear things), there's certainly some layered humor pertaining to the onset of the menstrual cycle that's likely flying over my head. And for that, I am deeply sorry. And double-deeply-sorry to anyone I offend reading on past this admission of inexcusable ignorance as well.
Horror Buzz: BFF Girls Is a Campy Candy-Colored Perversion
December 16, 2018
Look out! Fabuloso Doom is on the rampage again and only the BFF Girls can stop him!
Yes, filmmaker Brian Lonano (Gwilliam, Crow Hand) is back. This time he sets his sights on Super Sentai-style shows. Here a group of dorky white girls Lily (Jessica Shipp), Rose (Allison Maier) and Violet (Sydney Allison Thomas) sit chatting when one of them mentions she might be starting her period. GASP! Far away in a phallic tower, Fabuloso Doom (Lawrence Sykkmon) is spying on them and hatches a plan. The BFF Girlswill soon become BFF women. Doom wants, not kidding, their period blood in order to gain their power.
Horror Fuel: Short Film Review: BFF Girls (2018)
December 14, 2018
A gaggle of anime otaku femmes (played by Allison Maier, Jessica Shipp, and Syndey Thomas respectively) discuss periods and fend off the pervy advances of their talking cat, Neko Sensei (voiced by Laurence R. Harvey from The Human Centipede sequels). Meanwhile on a planet far away from our own, super pervert Fabuloso Doom (Lawrence Sykkmon) consults with his evil magic mirror (voiced by Dana Snyder) about how he can conquer our comely, though decidedly off-limits legally, heroines and stay eternally young and beautiful…which of course he interprets as a need to consume period blood (as anyone would). To that need he unleashes his evil monster Anti-Flow (Lea Enslin) which triggers our heroines transformation into the BFF (Beautiful Fantasy Flower ) Girls (played by Marilyn Chung, Jessica Nam, Carolann Utley) and a bloody good battle ensues!
The Fan Carpet: B@t$h!t Crazy Short Film BFF GIRLS Available NOW on Vimeo
December 13, 2018
Magical transformations! A flamboyant warlock! And a tampon monster!?
All this and more are featured in BFF Girls; the new short from Brian Lonano, director of CROW HAND!!! and Gwilliam.
After screening at film festivals across eight countries, BFF Girls is available to rent and purchase through Vimeo on Demand!
BFF Girls (which stands for Beautiful Fantasy Flower Girls) focuses on three dorky American girls (Allison Maier, Jessica Shipp & Syndey Thomas) who magically transform into beautiful Japanese superheroes (Marilyn Chung, Jessica Nam & Carolann Utley) and battle a tampon monster called Anti-Flow (The Strangers: Prey at Night’s Lea Enslin) as they begin their journey into womanhood. The film also stars Lawrence Sykkmon as Fabuloso Doom, the BFF Girls’ dramatic and demented arch nemesis and featuring the voice talents of Dana Snyder (Aqua Teen Hunger Force), Laurence R. Harvey (Human Centipede 2) and Michael St. Michaels (The Greasy Strangler).
The Farsighted: Festival Darling Short BFF GIRLS is Out Now for Everyone to See
December 11, 2018
I feel like I have been talking about this movie for years now and I am happy to announce that you will be able to finally see Brian Lonano’s BFF Girls! My initial review stated that this would likely be my favorite short of 2018 and I still stand by that statement.
Blumhouse.com: Shock Waves Episode 123: Live from the Knoxville Horror Film Fest!
November 23, 2018
Live from the Knoxville Horror Film Festival Elric hosts a roundtable with filmmakers (and festival judges) Jill Gevargizian (Dir. The stylist, 42 Counts) Brian Lonano (Dir Crow Hand, Gwilliam, BFF Girls) , Jay Kay "Horror Happens Radio Show” as they delve into their “Handshake Horrors” picking 5 horror films each that made them the horror fans / filmmakers they are today.
Read more at http://podcast.blumhouse.com/episode-123#lGRasaJMSRpdU0YV.99
Horror Society: Ithaca Fantastik Wraps 7th Edition, Announces Award Winners
November 09, 2018
Last Sunday, The Ithaca Fantastik film festival wrapped up another successful edition of genre programming, documentaries, events and guests in gorgeous Upstate New York. The 7th edition of the festival opened on October 26th at our long time main festival venue, Cinemapolis with Cristina Gallego and Ciro Guerra’s critically acclaimed drug crime thriller BIRDS OF PASSAGE and closed on Sunday, November 4th with Victor Danell’s Crazy Pictures feature, the Swedish disaster action drama THE UNTHINKABLE.
KCTV5: Meet a Local Horror Film Director
October 31, 2018
Do you enjoy a good horror movie? Well, we found someone in town who makes them! Director Jill Gevargizian joins Better Kansas City.
Thorocast: Episode 97: "Jill Sixx."
October 29, 2018
Jill Sixx joins the Thorocast to talk about life and death, the film making process, and why evil is better. Prepare to be offended.
The A.V. Club: We rounded up 10 female horror directors for Jason Blum, who seems to have trouble finding them
October 17, 2018
With the release of Blumhouse’s rebooted Halloween just a couple of days away, studio head Jason Blum has been doing his usual round of interviews touting the studio’s success. But rather than letting Blum rest on the laurels of Get Out and Halloween, Matt Patches of Polygon asked Blum about a less flattering aspect of Blumhouse’s famous production model: Why, in the past 11 years of its existence, has Blumhouse never released a horror film directed by a woman?
The Black List Blog: 100+ Horror Films Directed by Women You Should Be Watching This October
October 17, 2018
As a part of my ongoing series on Feminist Horror, I wanted to answer the question I get asked constantly around this time of year: “What are some great horror films made by women I should be watching?” So…here are 100+ features and shorts you can check out before Halloween — happy haunting, ghouls!
Central Comics: Cinema: MOTELx 2018 – Curtas Internacionais (Parte I)
October 02, 2018
Repleto de trocadilhos apropriados para a situação, mas ao mesmo tempo sendo mais educativo que muitas séries de animação no ar, BFF Girls substitui as dores menstruais por risos e gelado.
Nightmare Junkhead: EP 145: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Commentary
September 27, 2018
Greg and Jenius take a road trip down to Texas and pick up Jill Gevargizian as they provide a commentary track for Tobe Hooper's classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre! Who survives and what will be left of them? Tune in for a true love fest for Mr. Hooper!
Pop Horror: Tenth Annual Knoxville Horror Film Fest to Hit East Tennessee
September 14, 2018
Founded in 2009 by horror enthusiasts William Mahaffey and Nick Huinker, Knoxville Horror Film Festbegan as a small one-night program. This epic festival has grown into a weekend long, multi-venue event, which has showcased hundreds of short films by up and coming filmmakers since its conception. Joining this year’s festival board is Filmmaker Jill Gevargizian (42 Counts) and Film Critic Elric Kane from the Shock Waves Podcast. In addition to this year’s expansion, horror fiends will also be given theatrical screenings of current and classic genre films as well as other countless surprises to feed their horror hunger.
Boom/Howdy: Nightmare Junkhead EP 142: Jill Sixx and Rap Snacks
September 07, 2018
Greg and Jenius welcome back everyone’s favorite Goth Gangsta Princess, Jill Gevargizian! They talk the recent Tobe Hooper memorial put on by Patrick Bromley, her recent experience at Frontiers, and of course talk their love of Rap Snacks! Did we mention the rap snacks?
Dread Central: BHFF 2018: Second Wave Revealed and We’re Bringing DRINKING WITH THE DREAD to the Show!
September 05, 2018
Three weeks ago, the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival revealed the first wave for their 2018 event. Including films such as Luz, Tower. A Bright Day, and The Cannibal Club, it was already one helluva lineup that would stand very easily with some of the best genre fests out there. But they weren’t content with what they’ve announced. Oh no, they’ve got far more up their wicked sleeves and their second wave announcement comes now!
Birth. Movies. Death.: Brooklyn Horror Film Festival Drops A Hell Of A Second Wave
September 05, 2018
The third annual Brooklyn Horror Film Festival is set to descend upon its namesake city next month, and today's second-wave announcement adds a host of impressive new titles to an already-strong lineup. Exploring multiple facets of the genre we know and love, it's packed with features, shorts, retrospectives, talks, and events that should make for a highly entertaining week. I'll be attending the festival, bringing reviews of the best things I see there; feel free to say hello!
Collider: North Bend Film Festival Recap: Put This New Genre Fest on Your To-Do List
September 05, 2018
Love the film festival experience but looking for something stranger? Look no further than the North Bend Film Festival, the newly launched genre fest that took over the small town of North Bend, Washington at the end of August for a weekend of bold film programming, immersive VR, and a celebration the Lynchian bizarre in the very spot where the Twin Peaks exteriors were filmed.
Nightmarish Conjurings: North Bend Film Festival Review - Something Strange Short Film Block
September 04, 2018
With the North Bend Film Festival kicking off last week, a slew of shorts were unleashed unto the world during their Something Strange block, showcasing different shorts from different directors. Having gotten to see them all, I can easily say I was impressed and enjoyed the chosen selections, with each one different (yet similar) than the last. It was great to experience current works by familiar and new directors alike, allowing each one to flex their filmmaking abilities and show the world what they’ve got.
The Film Era: North Bend Film Festival - Closing Thoughts...
August 31, 2018
North Bend’s a sleepy little town off the highway. It has a mixed feeling of the being at the edge of the rural class: far enough outside Bellevue’s east-side that the picture of a country life begins to emerge, close enough that it is a strip mall stop-off. Commercialization cannot take its inherent beauty, pouring forth from the local Snoqualmie Falls. An artist does not have to look very far for inspiration. That is why it’s famously drawn as a shooting locale for Twin Peaks. Yes, that Northwest flavor of American town, steeped in counterculture values, lives on in North Bend.
Circle of Cinema: Short Scares At The 2018 Arrow Video Frightfest Film Festival
August 28, 2018
The second socially aware short, 42 Counts derives most of its trepidation from fears of the real world. In this case, the invasion of privacy is effortlessly made as frightening as any monster. Using only a minimum of budget and locations to great effect, director Jill Gevargizian shows us just how terrifying it is to have our faith violated by those we thought we could trust.
Hollywood Digest: Horror Writer Patrick Bromley to Host a Live Video Tribute to Tobe Hooper
August 22, 2018
On August 26th, join host Patrick Bromley (Bloody Disgusting, Daily Dead, F This Movie!) for an all-day LIVE tribute to Tobe Hooper to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his passing. With a lineup of guests that includes horror icon Caroline Williams (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2), and director Mick Garris (Post Mortem, the upcoming Nightmare Cinema), this very special live broadcast will celebrate Hooper’s life and work through the eyes of his friends, his fans, his collaborators, and those he continues to inspire every day. Other featured guests include screenwriter Jared Rivet (Jackals), filmmaker Jill Gevargizian (42 Counts, The Stylist), horror journalist Heather Wixson (Daily Dead), Pure Cinema Podcast hosts Brian Saur and Elric Kane, and many more.
The Pitch: Director Jill Gevargizian's latest, 42 Counts, is inspired by the real-life horror story of a Kansas City tattoo shop
August 16, 2018
Over the last few years, Jill Gevargizian — aka Jill Sixx — has become the go-to director for short-form horror films in Kansas City. Beginning withCall Girl in 2014, continuing with 2016's The Stylist, and with her latest, 42 Counts, Gevargizian has shown an ability to maximize frights and freak-outs in less time than your standard sitcom episode.
Daily Dead: Daily Dead Salutes Your Shorts: TEDDY BEARS ARE FOR LOVERS, CALL GiRL, IT BEGAN WITHOUT WARNING, and HOME EDUCATION
August 03, 2018
Happy Friday, readers! Welcome back for another installment of Daily Dead Salutes Your Shorts, our bi-monthly column that turns the spotlight on several horror and sci-fi themed short films in an effort to show this storytelling format a little more love.
For this installment, we have an assortment of excellent shorts, including Jill Gevargizian's early effort CALL GiRL, the horror comedy Teddy Bears Are For Lovers (which looks to be on its way to becoming a feature film very soon), It Began Without Warning from Santiago C. Tapia and Jessica Curtwright, and the family-oriented fright fest Home Education by filmmaker Andrea Niada.
Starburst Magazine: Short Films Announced for Arrow Video FrightFest
August 02, 2018
The short film line-up for Arrow Video FrightFest has been announced, which includes a fantastic mix of well-known faces and unknown talent and weird and wonderful films from around the world.
Of particular interest to us at STARBURST are European Premieres for Jill Gevargizian’s 42 Counts, Izzy Lee’s My Monsters, and Brian Lonano’s BFF Girls. Filmmakers and shorts we’ve championed from their inception.
Clout Communications: Arrow Video FrightFest Announces 2018 Short Film Programme
August 02, 2018
Arrow Video FrightFest 2018 showcases the best in short film from the UK and around the world, with ten countries representing five continents. From otherworldly ghosts to terrifying monsters, from the creepy to the baffling, from this dimension to those still unknown, this year’s selection unleashes the latest from upcoming and established filmmakers.
42 COUNTS (European Premiere)
Director: Jill Gevargizian. Cast: Andrea Dover, Najarrra Townsend. USA 2018. 8 min.
Two friends spend their night off watching scary movies until they uncover something much more sinister than what they're watching on screen.
Screen Anarchy: Arrow Video FrightFest 2018 Unveils Killer Short Film Programme
August 02, 2018
It is just three short weeks until Arrow Video FrightFest 2018 kicks-off, and they are still unveiling their incredible line-up. Today proves no exception, with the announcement of this year's Short Film Programme - a veritable smorgasbord of enticing talent from upcoming filmmakers and established talent from around the world.
42 COUNTS (European Premiere)
Director: Jill Gevargizian. Cast: Andrea Dover, Najarrra Townsend. USA 2018. 8 min.
Two friends spend their night off watching scary movies until they uncover something much more sinister than what they're watching on screen.
Shock Ya!: Mondo Cult Variety Film Showcase Announces First Edition Lineup (Exclusive)
July 30, 2018
Genre film fans are being encouraged to break the rules again with the new Mondo Cult Variety Film Showcase. With the monthly screening series set to launch on Friday, August 17 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, the California-based programs will feature best new underground, surreal, experimental, obscene, absurd and outlaw movies from around the world. With the first edition of the showcase set to debut next month, Shockya is exclusively announcing the lineup of films that will be shown.
Screen Anarchy: Frontières@Fantasia 2018: Five Standouts From Official Selection Pitch Session
July 26, 2018
The fifth selection for our own spotlight comes from filmmaker Jill Gevargizian (Jill Sixx) who is looking to make her first feature after several shorts that have been quite successful on the festival circuit.
The new project, Permanent Address, is the story of a woman attempting to rebound from failed ventures in both business and romance by moving out on her own to a new town. She finds an apartment in Kansas City, but quickly discovers that even though she lives by herself now, she's not really alone. Angry spirits a sharing a space with her and intent on making her life a living hell.
Collider: North Bend Film Festival - Full Lineup Includes ‘Anna and the Apocalypse’, Netflix Doc ‘Shirkers’
July 10, 2018
The the inaugural edition of the North Bend Film Festival is just around the corner and today brings the second wave of titles for the full festival lineup. The event will set up shop in North Bend, Washington from August 23rd to the 26th — best known as the original shooting location for David Lynch‘s Twin Peaks — where the fest will spotlight unique storytelling through feature films, shorts, immersive VR experiences and more!
Anatomy of a Scream: Five Fantastic Female-Directed Films at Fantasia
July 08, 2018
Canadian summer may be haunted by the horrors of the extreme humidex, but it also ushers in the wonder, terror, and fancy of the Fantasia International Film Festival, North America’s largest genre showcase. Nestled in beautiful Montreal, the festival attracts swarms of fans and industry professionals alike. This year’s festival, the 22nd installment, runs from July 12th until August 2nd. While the enormous program may be daunting, there are always a number of gems to be found within it. Here are five female-directed films that I’m especially eager to check out at this year’s Fantasia Festival!
Daily Dead: Full Lineup of Short Films Announced for Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival 2018
July 02, 2018
With their full feature-length programming announced (including Mandy as a closing night movie), Montreal's Fantasia Film Festival has revealed their short film lineup that's packed with a wide range of genres, intriguing characters, and memorable visuals:
Screen Anarchy: Fantasia 2018: All The Short Film Programs at This Year's Festival
June 29, 2018
Hot on the heels of the announcement of the final wave of feature length films at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival came the lineup of this year's short film lineup.
Hardly ever ones to let short films just pass us by, a few of the Screen Anarchy family have made their own short films over the years, you can never just gloss over a short film program at Fantasia. There are many jewels to the genre crown to be found in these programs.
Ginger Nuts of Horror: Film Gutter Reviews - The Stylist (2016) Dir. Jill Gevargizian
June 21, 2018
I've long been a fan of short films, and have had the pleasure of watching and reviewing some absolute beauties in my time reviewing at Film Gutter. Like short fiction, there's often a great deal you can say within a very limited scope of time and the truncated form can often pack quite an emotional punch. Which leads us to today's short entry, The Stylist.
Dan's Movie Report: BFF Girls (2018) Movie Review
June 19, 2018
Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers haha, ok this film literally came out of left field, far of left field! To be quite honest, had it not been for my friend Jessica Nam who plays Superhero Lilly, I never would have heard of it! From writer/director Brian Lonano and writer Victoria Cook comes a tale of menstruation, and yeah it is what it sounds like dirty, silly and downright gross, yet beautiful.
Nightmarish Conjurings: Toronto True Crime Film Festival Review: 42 Counts (2018)
June 14, 2018
42 COUNTS is the latest short film from director Jill Gevargizian, which screened this past weekend at the Toronto True Crime Film Festival. The film reunites Gevargizian with actress Najarra Townsend, who starred in Gevargizian's award-winning short The Stylist. 42 COUNTS also stars Sam Williamson (American Honey) and Andrea Dover (AIR: The Musical).
That's Not Current: Toronto True Crime Film Festival Reviews: “Abducted in Plain Sight,” “The Stranger,” “Hostages,” and “42 Counts”
June 12, 2018
The inhumanity of people toward each other was on full display at the first Toronto True Crime Film Festival, but so was the power of surviving unthinkable ordeals. The festival was held June 8–9, 2018 at The Royal Cinema and Monarch Tavern in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the inaugural lineup included five film screenings and three symposium events. Following are reviews of three of the features and one of the shorts screened at the fest.
Cinema Crazed: A Selection of the Short Film of Toronto True Crime Film Festival
June 11, 2018
In the visually strongest short film of this ground, writer/director Jill Gevargizian teams back up with her The Stylist star Najarra Townsend to create another film that is chilling in a whole different way. In this true story inspired short, two friends played by Townsend and Andrea Dover discover hidden cameras in the latter’s apartment, leading them to finding out a peeping tom who has been watching them. This case is but one of the 42 counts this peeping tom has been charged with following his arrest, something that is both crazy because of sheer number and spine tingling in the worst way possible in how easily he was able to pull these, so many of these, off.
Bloody Disgusting: Taking a Look at the First Annual Toronto True Crime Film Festival
June 11, 2018
We dig into Toronto’s first film festival that’s dedicated entirely to true crime and highlight many of the triumphs from the encouraging fest.
True crime is an area that has always maintained some sort of fascination within the public consciousness. The topic is inherently interesting because these stories aren’t the murderers and boogeyman that are invented for fiction, but rather these are the monsters that lurk about in real life. This stuff actually happened and there’s obviously appeal in attempting to understand why. Even though true crime has always resonated with the public on some level, the area has exploded over the past few years. True crime has turned into one of the most popular categories for podcasts.
Sean Kelly on Movies: Toronto True Crime Film Festival: Short Films
June 10, 2018
Two girls discover a shocking secret about the apartment they are renting from their boss. 42 Counts a short thriller inspired by a 2014 case in Kansas City. The film is quite well produced and is quite successful at building suspense. However, the film doesn’t really feel complete, with the plot just ending at one point and the conclusion to the story being given through postscript.
Fear Forever: Film Review - 42 Counts (Toronto True Crime Film Festival)
June 08, 2018
Screening this weekend at the TORONTO TRUE CRIME FILM FESTIVAL is the short film 42 COUNTS. Written, edited and directed by Jill Gevargizian, the film is based on real events with the title of the film referring to the number of charges laid against the perpetrator in one arrest.
In The Seats: TTCFF 2018: A Glance aat the Shorts
June 07, 2018
Jill Gervargizian’s thriller 42 Counts plays like a horror movie, with the scariest thing being that it is based on a true story. The story unfolds rather quickly as two women, Alicia (Najarra Townsend) and Ava (Andrea Dover), are sitting in an apartment talking about the men in their lives when one notices something is not quite right about the smoke detector.
MS EN Scene: Women Take The Lead In Toronto True Crime Film Festival’s Stunning Shorts
June 05, 2018
Home invasion thrillers have become such a popular formula for movies, it’s hard to imagine a real-life scenario. This first fictionalised short is based on true events, showing that some monsters from the screen exist in reality too.
Bloody Disgusting: Listen to the Original Soundtrack for Award Winning Short ‘The Stylist’
June 01, 2018
The original soundtrack to the award-winning short film The Stylist is now available for streaming and download at composer Nicholas Elert’s bandcamp page.
The Stylist, directed by Jill Gevargizian and written by Eric Havens and Gevargizian, originally premiered in 2016 and has garnered numerous awards including Best Original Score at HorrorHaus Film Festival, Best Actress at Fantastic Fest, and the Jury Award and Audience Choice at Etheria Film Night. The film was produced by Sixx Tape and The Line Film Co. and is available to watch on Shudder and on Blu-ray at SixxTape.com.
F This Movie!: Horror Shorts - MY MONSTER and 42 COUNTS
May 22, 2018
Two of my favorite Women in Horror have new short films making the festival rounds, and you should seek them out. I've written a number of times on this site about Izzy Lee and Jill Gevargizian, two filmmakers whose work is consistently exciting and who I want to be directing features as soon as possible.
Pop Horror: Horror Short ’42 Counts’ (2018) Is An Intense Burst of Suspense
May 18, 2018
One sign of a successful short film is when it has the ability to make the audience feel something in a limited runtime. Jill Gevargizian’s short horror film, 42 Counts, does just this in merely 8 minutes. With an outstanding soundtrack, well-shot scenes and great performances, 42 Counts is a thrill ride from start to finish.
The Gargyle: BFF Girls - Brian Lonano, Jessica Shipp, & William Mahaffey
May 16, 2018
This is what you wanted...an episode of The Gargyle Podcast with special guests Brian Lonano (writer/director of short films, such as BFF Girls, Gwilliam, and Crow Hand), Jessica Shipp (who plays Lily in BFF Girls), and William Mahaffey (director of the Knoxville Horror Film Festival)!! Tonight's episode focuses on BFF Girls (Brian's latest short film), which is a wonderfully off-kilter action comedy of three best friends fighting a tampon monster and facing off against the evil Fabuloso Doom!
Pop Horror: Interview With Jill Gevargizian: Cutting Hair, Shooting Films and Taking Names
May 14, 2018
Ever since her short horror film, The Stylist (read our review here), became a smash hit on the film festival circuit in 2016, winning 7 awards and garnering 5 nominations, independent filmmaker Jill “Sixx” Gevarigizian has been on a roll. This ambitious director, writer, producer and hair stylist recently returned from Chattanooga Film Festival where two more of her short films, BFF Girls (read our review here) and 42 Counts, were shown. PopHorror was lucky enough to catch up with Jill soon after this experience to discuss her passion for indie film, her time at Chattanooga and some exciting news that was just announced!
Rue Morgue: First Wave of International Genre Projects Announced for Fantasia 2018’S Frontieres Market
May 11, 2018
A wide range of genre features from all over the world will be vying for backing at the 2018 Frontières International Co-Production Market, part of the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal this summer. Read on for all the info!
Screen Daily: Frontieres Market at Fantasia announces first wave of projects
May 11, 2018
Nate Estabrooks’ Aztec Honeymoon from Canada and Robert San Sebastian’s Bedtime from Spain will be among the projects at the 10th Frontieres co-production market when the Fantasia International Film Festival runs in Montreal from July 19-22.
Half of the features in the line-up are directed by women and this year marks Frontieres’ first project from Ukraine. The complete roster will be announced in June.
Screen Anarchy: Frontières at Fantasia 2018: Celebrates Ten Years With First Wave of Projects Announced
May 11, 2018
This weekend our friends from the Frontières co-production market, one of the best and most successful co-pros for the genre community, are readying themselves for the second edition of the Frontières Platform at the Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes.
Somewhere between preparing for this weekend's events and hosting they have found time to unveil the first wave of titles for the original Frontières co-pro at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal this Summer.
Film Pulse: Toronto True Crime Film Festival Announces Inaugural Lineup
May 09, 2018
The inaugural edition of the Toronto True Crime Film Festival has revealed its lineup, featuring five true tales of mystery and intrigue. The festival will take place June 8th and 9th at The Royal Cinema and Monarch Tavern in Toronto.
Film Threat: BFF Girls Review by Bobby LePire
May 05, 2018
Japanese animation, commonly referred to as anime, is a force unto itself. There are entire conventions dedicated to anime and its ilk, such as manga (Japanese comic books). There is even a word that means “someone who is obsessed with anime,” otaku. Because it’s a style, not a genre, it covers a wide range from sci-fi to dramas to romantic comedies to action-adventure to fantasy and everything in-between. However, there is one genre that seems to be the exclusive domain of anime- the magical girl series!
Bigger Show Interview: Jill Sixx (CFF 2018)
April 18, 2018
On today’s season premiere episode of Bigger Show, Mike sits down with filmmaker Jill Sixx (Aka Jill Gevargizian) as they discuss her hauntingly beautiful film The Stylist as well as her new film 42 Counts. Jill is an incredible talent and this was a great way to kick off the Chattanooga Film Festival 2018!
The Farsighted Blog: Brian Lonano’s BFF GIRLS is a Bizarro Bloody Mess
April 14, 2018
There is a type of film that I am looking for when I am watching a block of short films. I want a strange experience that manages to tell a story or convey a vibe in 25 minutes or less. The stranger the better! I love it when short films do things that could never be replicated in a feature. I get bored by all of these shorts that are just warm up films that are clearly just a calling card for a feature. These types of films try so hard and ultimately feel desperate. In the midst of all of those “pitch films”, a highly ambitious and unique movie stood head-and-shoulders above the rest. That short film’s name is BFF Girls and I cant say that I have ever seen anything like it.
Horror Geek Life: ’42 Counts’ is Terrifying and True: Short Film Review
April 11, 2018
Finding out that a horror movie is based on a true story gives me an immediate feeling of dread, because nothing is scarier than knowing that “monsters” can be real. The new short film, 42 Counts, from writer/director Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian (The Stylist, Call Girl), is based on a true story that deals with the dark side of human nature and for me, that makes it even more terrifying. Produced by Sixx Tape Productions and Method Media, 42 Counts had its world premiere at Chattanooga Film Festival on April 6th.
Without Your Head: 42 Counts & Tiny Clones! (PODCAST)
March 30, 2018
Jill Gevargizian, Chris Knitter and Jordon Rioux the gang behind 42 Counts opened the show! Come and see it debut at the Chattanooga Film Festival!
World Premieres at the Chattanooga Film Festival Not Limited To Feature Films
March 29, 2018
Three significant short films will be shown for the first time at the Chattanooga Film Festival (CFF). VIP Badges for CFF’s full weekend are now, along with daily wristbands and individual tickets to films.
42 COUNTS from filmmaker Jill Gevargizan, HAJJI from from filmmaker R.H. Norman, and THE AFTER PARTY from filmmaker Colin Costello will all make their world premiere debut at CFF 2018. Following is the full list of short films, organized by the block they will be presented in.
Nightmarish Conjurings: BOSTON UNDERGROUND SHORT FILM REVIEW: BFF GIRLS
March 28, 2018
A zany combination of live action anime, the awkwardness of puberty, and girl power, BFF GIRLSis the new short film from director Brian Lonano, who is known for his horror short films Gwilliam(2015) and Crow Hand (2014). The film is produced by Sixx Tape Productions (The Stylist) and features a cameo by producer Jill Gevargizian.
PopHorror.com: BUFF 2018: ‘BFF Girls’ – Short Film Review
March 27, 2018
I’ve watched a lot of awesome features and shorts thus far for the 2018 Boston Underground Film Festival. However, one I couldn’t wait to check out was BFF Girls. It’s one that’s been receiving a lot of hype and it’s definitely unique compared to some of the other shorts circulating right now.
Did it deliver the bloody goods? Find out…
Without Your Head: Cast of BFF Girls! (PODCAST)
March 23, 2018
The cast of BFF Girls Allison Maier - Rose, Jessica Shipp - Lily, Jessica Nam - Superhero Lily, Sydney Thomas - Violet, Carolann Utley - Superhero Violet, Lawrence Sykkmon - Fabuloso Doom, Laurence Harvey - Neko Sensei and Michael St. Michaels - Narrator! BFF Girls debuts March 24th at The Boston Underground Film Festival!
Spoiler Free Movie Sleuth: Short Films: Comedy? Maybe! Short Film Program - Reviewed
March 25, 2018
This film perfectly embodies the genre of anime and the live-action Power Rangers shows, presenting a trio of girls who transform into Japanese superheroes to battle Fabuloso Doom and his menstrual monster Anti-Flow.
Without Your Head: BFF Girls (PODCAST)
March 16, 2018
The makers of BFF Girls Brian Lonano, Jill Gevargizian, Blake Myers and Victoria Cook! BFF Girls debuts March 24th at The Boston Underground Film Festival!
PopHorror.com: Interview With the Stunning Najarra Townsend, Star of ‘Contracted’
February 28, 2018
This February was an amazing Women in Horror Month! We got to honor and showcase so many talented women in the industry. Although it’s technically over, I can’t help keeping the celebration going by sharing my interview with the awesomely talented Najarra Townsend. I loved her in Contracted (2013) and this year’s Rock Paper Dead. Check out what this Scream Queen had to say!
Horror Geek Life: ’42 Counts’ Announces World Premier and Poster
February 28, 2018
Women in Horror Month isn’t over yet! Sixx Tape and Method Media have just released the poster for writer/director Jill Gevargizian’s upcoming short horror film 42 Counts, starring Najarra Townsend (Contracted, The Stylist) and Andrea Dover (The Iron Detective: Bitter Heart). The poster was designed by Elijah LaFollette with photography by Hana Smith.
Downright Creepy: Jill Gevargizian’s ’42 Counts’ World Premiere Announced & Poster Released
February 26, 2018
As we near the end of Women In Horror Month, Sixx Tape and Method Media release the poster from writer/director Jill Gevargizian’s upcoming short film 42 COUNTS, starring Najarra Townsend and Andrea Dover. It was designed by Elijah LaFollette,photography by Hana Smith.
Nightmarish Conjurings: Women in Horrow Month Interview: Director Jill "Sixx" Gevargizian
February 23, 2018
For Women in Horror Month I wanted to shine the spotlight on someone who I think is a total badass, an inspiration to women everywhere and someone I really admire. So I chose Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian because she does everything and she does it all very well. She’s been a hairstylist for over a decade and also produces music videos and writes and directs horror movies. She created Slaughter Movie House in 2012 in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri and the independent horror film showcase is still going strong today.
Screen Anarchy: BFF GIRLS Teaser: Fighting the Tampon Monster!
February 21, 2018
When I heard that two rising stars of genre filmmaking, Jill Gevargizian (Call Girl, The Stylist) and Brian Lonano (Crow Hand!!!, Gwilliam) were teaming up to make a new short, I knew it was going to be special. And judging by this teaser released yesterday, it will be. Cool girls with superpowers? An evil adversary? Tampons!? Yes, these are all together in what should be a crazy awesome film.
Horror Movies Uncut: Fantasy flick ‘BFF Girls’ gets a trailer and premiere date
February 20, 2018
From producers of THE STYLIST and GWILLIAM comes the new fantasy comedy short BFF GIRLS. Directed by Brian Lonano the short follows a group of American girls that transform to Japanese superheroes. The short will make its world premiere at the Boston Underground Film Festival next month followed by a few more screenings after. All the details are listed ahead including the trailer. Enjoy and look for more on BFF GIRLS in the near future.
Daily Dead's Podcast: Episode 39: Horrigins – Modern Female Filmmakers in Horror
February 16, 2018
In episode 39 of Daily Dead's podcast, co-hosts Patrick Bromley and Heather Wixson continue the Women in Horror Month celebration with a special Horrigins episode focused on some of the most notable women in horror filmmaking. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Heather and Patrick's insightful and entertaining discussions about inspiring, innovative, and exciting women in horror.
Downright Creepy: Nightmare Junkhead EP 110: Monster
February 16, 2018
Greg and Jenius continue their celebration of Women in Horror month and are joined by filmmaker Jill Gevargizian and they talk Patty Jenkin’s classic, Monster! Jill brings everyone up to date with her current projects and beyond Monster they talk some of their favorite serial killer cinema!
4 Mile Circus: 10 Shorts to Stream this Women in Horror Month
February 09, 2018
This Women in Horror Month we want to highlight some short films that you can stream right onto your device of choice right now! Shorts are a great format for exploring concepts (horrific or otherwise) that don’t quite warrant a full feature, or test concepts and drum up interest in those that might. Either way, you can see some excellent filmmaker even if you have just a few minutes to spare, and we have ten blood-chilling examples of the form right here that are all directed by women.
F This Movie: Happy Women in Horror Month!
February 01, 2018
This February marks the ninth annual Women in Horror Month. To kick off what I hope is month-long coverage of WiH, here are a few dozen women in horror whose work you should know. Of course this list is not comprehensive. Of course there are names that were left off, sometimes intentionally (I don't need to tell you about Mary Shelley or Shirley Jackson), sometimes through oversight. If there there's a woman on whose work you would like to shine a light, feel free to do so in the comments.
Do816: Top Local Music Videos of 2017
December 31, 2017
We thought last year was great for music videos...this year may take the cake, though. Check out what our tastemakers and ourselves particularly gravitated towards this year, here it is, Do816's top local videos of 2017:
Biff Bam Pop!: Tim Murr Lists His Faves of 2017
December 27, 2017
Jill Gervargizian is another great director I was thrilled to learn about this year. Her stunning short The Stylist is as beautiful as it is disturbing. She also directed the cool and creepy Call Girl, starring Laurence Harvey and Tristan Risk. Like, Izzy, I think horror fans will be talking about her the way we talk about Carpenter and Romero.
Last Day Deaf: Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian, Call Girl (2014) and The Stylist (2016)
November 26, 2017
I first became a fan of Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian when I saw her debut short film “Call Girl” back in late 2015. I remember I became aware of the film because of a Facebook post by Jen & Sylvia Soska. They quite understandably loved her short film starring Tristan Risk who had starred in their own film “American Mary” a few years earlier and Laurence Harvey who starred in “The Human Centipede 2 & 3“. If I remember rightly I was lucky enough to see it because it was made available on YouTube for 48 hours over the Christmas period of 2015. I loved “Call Girl” and felt that Jill is a very talented film-maker. She clearly has some interesting ideas of what a horror film can be and wants to do something different within the horror genre.
Daily Dead: Watch Jill Gevargizian’s New Horror-Themed Music Video for Loogey’s “I’m Ready”
November 01, 2017
I have made no secret of my fandom for Kansas City-based horror filmmaker Jill Gevargizian, whose résumé of short films includes “Call Girl” (2014), “Grammy” (2015), and the award-winning “The Stylist” from 2016, which garnered awards at both Fantastic Fest and Etheria Film Night. For her latest project, Gevargizian has teamed with Kansas City recording artist Loogey for a music video that ought to make horror fans happy.
KCUR: With Local Shorts, Area Filmmakers Have A Moment At The Kansas International Film Festival
November 01, 2017
Jill Gevargizian’s "The Stylist" is a delightfully creepy horror entry so graphically gory that I canceled an upcoming haircut. Gevargizian builds tension and apprehension for most of the film’s 15-minute running time before delivering a clever, "Silence of the Lambs"-inspired finish.
Downright Creepy: Nightmare Junkhead EP 94: Jill Gevargizian - Goth Gangsta Princess
October 25, 2017
Greg and Jenius welcome back royalty as they talk with filmmaker Jill Gevargizian and she brings us up to date with her latest projects and gives us an update to The Stylist film with this bonus episode!
The Pitch: True Newman, Alicia Solo, Headlight Rivals, and more of the best local music videos
August 09, 2017
The former Beautiful Bodies frontwoman goes for the eponymous pun on her debut single EP, Solo. The lead-off track is as sunny as this video, directed by Jill Gevargizian (aka Jill Sixx), and it rocks a totally amazing synth lick that I swear comes from Kraftwerk's "Man Machine," if not the Fearless Four's "Rockin' It." It's fun, dancy music, and the bright, hazy video makes a good case for riding bikes down to the levee whenever you get done dancing in your yard.
Starburst Magazine: THE STYLIST Set For Blu-ray Release
May 16, 2017
Sixx Tape Productions is set to release The Stylist, the 2016 Etheria Film Night Jury and Audience Choice winner on Blu-ray, and the presale has begun on SixxTape.com. You can pre-order it HERE.
This ‘tale of insecurity, sorry, and envy’ from director Jill Gevargizian is both ‘singular and distinct’ (as we here at STARBURST said).
Screen Anarchy: Blu-ray Pre-Order: The Stylish and Cutting THE STYLIST Hits Home
May 15, 2017
If you're a fan of Jill Gevargizian or of horror with a heartbreaking undercurrent, you'll be happy to hear that The Stylist is available for pre-order on Blu-ray now. If you're a regular reader of this site, you'll know that I'm a huge fan of the film. I'm honestly baffled that a studio like Blumhouse or any indie producers haven't snapped Gevargizian up to direct a franchise or original film.
Horror News Network: Jill Sixx’s “The Stylist” Gets Blu-Ray Release
May 15, 2017
Sixx Tape Productions is set to release the 2016 Etheria Film Night Jury and Audience Choice-winner on Blu-ray, and the presale has begun on SixxTape.com. Preorder it HERE.
This “tale of insecurity, sorry, and envy” from director Jill Gevargizian is both “singular and distinct” (Starburst Magazine). Najarra Townsend (Contracted) stars as Claire, a manic hairstylist with an unnerving desire to escape her disappointing reality. When her final client of the day arrives with the request to look perfect, it slowly becomes clear that Claire has much darker intentions. Townsend’s captivating, emotionally driven performance has won multiple awards, including Best Actress at Fantastic Fest 2016 and Monster Fest 2016.
Horror Movies Uncut: ‘The Stylist’ Heads to Blu-ray Soon
May 15, 2017
Pre orders are now up for Jill Gevargizian’s stunning horror short THE STYLIST. Starring genre starlet Najarra Townsend and follows a lonely hair stylist with an insatiable lust for blood. THE STYLIST is still winning awards at festivals across the globe and now your opportunity to win the film has arrived. The film will be independently distributed by Sixx Tape Production and all the details on the release are listed below. Read Travis’ review on the film here.
'The Stylist' receives Rondo nomination for Best Short Film of 2016
February 26, 2017
Here is the official ballot for the (Gasp!!) FIFTEENTH ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS.
Since 2002, the Rondo’s have been fandom’s only classic horror awards — decided by fans, for fans. Every nominee below is being recognized for significant work or achievement in the year 2016. So add your voice and help make a difference.
Pop Horror: The Stylist: A Hauntingly Beautiful and Emotional Story Unlike Any Other (Review)
February 24, 2017
Women in Horror Month has been an amazing experience this year! I only wish it was longer. Why does it have to take place in the shortest month of the year when I want it to last forever? Of course, each day is a chance to support women in horror and I plan to do so. As I was wrapping things up, one horror story kept lingering in my head that I had to write about, one that everyone is talking about and that is The Stylist.
iHorror: 10 Female Directed Horror Films Now Streaming on Shudder: Part II
February 24, 2017
Though Women in Horror Month may be coming to a close, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue to celebrate and promote the talented women within the horror genre. Last week, I gave you my list of the 5 Female Directed Horror Films Streaming on Netflix and this week I present to you Part 2: 10 Female Directed Horror Films Streaming on Shudder.
Screen Anarchy: Brian Lonano Transforms the BFF Girls!
February 22, 2017
Geeky girls turned Japanese superheroes to battle an evil tampon monster? What's not to like about that, right? Particularly when it comes from the crazed mind of Crow Hand director Brian Lonano! Behold the madness of BFF Girls!
Cinema Crazed: Interview with Filmmaker Jill Sixx Gevargizian
February 22, 2017
Jill Sixx Gevargizian is a filmmaker and music video director from Kansas City with roots in hairstyling and one awesome eye for beautiful images on films. Her newest project, a short for the Soska Sisters’ Massive Blood Drive PSA just dropped and she even stars in it.
Starburst Magazine: Help the BFF Girls Reach the Screen
February 21, 2017
Magical transformations, flamboyant warlocks and tampon monsters will be the focus of the new short film by Brian Lonano, the director behind such films as CROW HAND!!! and Gwilliam.
B.F.F. Girls (which stands for Beautiful Fantasy Flower Girls) is about on three dorky American girls who magically transform into beautiful Japanese superheroes and battle a tampon monster called Anti-Flow as they begin their journey into womanhood.
Starburst Magazine: Women in Horror Month 2017 Blood Drive
February 15, 2017
Every February for the past 8 years, the independent terror community has celebrated Women in Horror Month. Not just a way of raising awareness of the abundance and importance of females behind as well as in front of the camera, thanks to the Soska Twins regular Massive Blood Drive campaign, it prompts more people to do the right thing and give blood.
This year’s public service announcement takes the form of a music video. With plenty of guest appearances and fantastic talent involved, it’s a great watch, but don’t forget - it’s in you to give!
As well as the Twisted Twins themselves, Jen and Sylvia, the video includes appearances and input from STARBURST favourites Jill Gevargizian (The Stylist, Call Girl), Maude Michaud (Dys-), Cat Davies (Connie), Jessica Messenger (Rats), Lucy Clements (The Sleeping Room), Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser), Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), and Women in Horror founder Hannah Neurotica. Other artists involved include Aleah Anseth, Aramis Sartorio, Brent Ray Fraser (the guy using a rather unique ‘brush’ to paint with), Damon Rickard, Patricia Chica, body modification legend Russ Foxx, and Tamae Garateguy.
Horror News Network: Interview with Jill "Sixx" Gevargizian
February 09, 2017
February is Women in Horror Month! As part of the Horror News Network spotlight on women this month we have talked to Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian about her experiences as a woman in the world of horror. Jill’s most recent horror short The Stylist starring Najarra Townsend (Contracted) won a slew of awards including the Jury Award and Audience Choice at the prestigious Etheria Film Night and Jill also nabbed best director of a short film at Requiem Fear Fest.
CineDump: Interview with Jill "Sixx" Gevargizian
February 04, 2017
Women in Horror Recognition Month is upon us once more, and with it comes our WiH Massive Blood Drive. It’s a worldwide, no limits event where our cause is simple. We want YOU to BLEED for us. All month long we encourage people to give back in the most selfless of ways that honor the fearless heroines and heroes from horror. By being brave and bleeding. Heck, it’s just a little prick and most likely not the biggest one we’ll even have to deal with in the day!
Video Vortex: Tribute to Filmmaker Jill Gevargizian
February 04, 2017
February is Women in Horror Month and to celebrate I want to focus on a few very talented female directors who will be mentioned as one of the best filmmakers of this and any other year. Today I want to focus on director Jill Gevargizian. She is a major talent that more people need to be aware of.
Dread Central: The Soska Sisters Out for Blood!
February 01, 2017
Women in Horror Recognition Month is upon us once more, and with it comes our WiH Massive Blood Drive. It’s a worldwide, no limits event where our cause is simple. We want YOU to BLEED for us. All month long we encourage people to give back in the most selfless of ways that honor the fearless heroines and heroes from horror. By being brave and bleeding. Heck, it’s just a little prick and most likely not the biggest one we’ll even have to deal with in the day!
Indie Macuser: Top 10 Horror Short Films of 2016
January 21, 2017
2016 was an incredible year for short form filmmaking. Many filmmakers offered unique, complex, homage filled and clever projects that took the viewers at film festivals on journeys into the dark corners of horror. It was truly astonishing to witness so many levels of filmmaking from diverse storytelling to crafted cinematography to heart racing scores to old school practical FX to themes and troupes molded into twisted new visions. Take some time and witness this filmmaking magic and visit film festivals to see the next generation of filmmakers who take the challenge of short form filmmaking and turn them into some of the best moments of your year! Thanks to INDIE MAC USER for posting this list of my ten favorites!
Nightmarish Conjurings: Share Their Favorite Horror Shorts of 2016
December 27, 2016
As with full length films, horror shorts had a fantastic year. Our choice of favorite horror shorts run from simple terror to over the top gore but each one effectively impacted us in different ways. The following are some of Nightmarish Conjuring's staff pick for favorite horror shorts of 2016.
Shockstreet Horror: The Top 5 Short Horror Films of 2016
December 23, 2016
While in many ways, 2016 has been a year to forget, it has served us pretty well in terms of horror. Whether it’s been red-hot emerging talent, directors cementing themselves as bold voices in the genre, or high-class additions to huge franchises, the gems have come thick and fast, and in all shapes and sizes. With 2017 looming large, it’s time to reveal Shock Street Horror’s top five short films of the year – we’ll take a look at the big hitting feature films tomorrow.
Fromdusktilcon.com: Top 10 2016
With the year coming to a close, this week FDTC writer Adam Holtzapfel gives us a run down of his top 10 shorts and features of 2016.
SomewhatNerdy: An Interview with Jill Gevargizian
October 30, 2016
Well, tomorrow is Halloween and I could think of no better way to celebrate than to share an interview with a very talented woman in the film industry in the genres of Shock and Terror. The lady’s name is Jill Gevargizian and she is known for her terrifying short films. We have mutual friends in the industry that I have interviewed in the past and that is how this interview got it’s start. So without further hesitation, here is my interview with the one and only Jill Gevargizian.
The Final Girl: 7 Films to see at Montreal's Requiem Fear Fest
October 25, 2016
This year, Montreal is getting its very first true horror convention, the Requiem Fear Fest. Running through the weekend of October 29th and 30th at the Alt Hotel in Montreal, the Requiem Fear Fest will feature horror vendors, special guests, panels, and a horror film festival.
The Movies In Focus: Recap Of MAYHEM 2016
October 17, 2016
Mayhem 2016 was yet another impressive year for the annual genre film festival which took at Nottingham’s Broadway Cinema. Movies In Focus was once again on hand to sample the festival’s delights – and here’s the rundown of what impressed me:
Horror Society: Interview with The Stylist director Jill Gevargizian at the Telluride Horror Show
October 15, 2016
The Telluride Horror Show in Telluride, CO is in full swing this weekend and we’ll have all the coverage you’ll need to make you feel like you’re right there. One of the most talked about shorts playing this weekend is The Stylist from Call Girl director Jill Gevargizian. We had some time before the screening of the film, happening tomorrow (Sunday) at 10AM as part of the “Sunday Suspensfuls” short film block, to catch up with Jill and talk about the making of the film.
Timeout: 'The Stylist' is a must-see short at the Chicago Horror Film Festival (Review)
September 06, 2016
Guillermo del Toro once noted that the best horror tales are those where the authors are obviously in love with the monsters at their center. The general truth of this aphorism is certainly borne out by Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian’s The Stylist, a superb short that will receive its local premiere on Saturday, September 24 as part of the Chicago Horror Film Festival. This 15-minute exercise in grand guignol stars Najarra Townsend (Contracted) as Claire, a hair stylist with a peculiar idea about how to make her last client of the day, a woman getting ready for an important work event, look perfect.
Starburst Magazine: The Stylist (Review)
Following on from the hit short Call Girl, not to mention working on several big name genre features, Jill ‘Sixx’ Gevargizian returns with another work of art that shows her sublime touch with the genre and validates the praise we’ve already heaped on the rising star of modern horror.
Terror Time: Jill Gevargizian's 'The Stylist' (Review)
June 30, 2016
Fear not, horror fiends. Independent horror is alive and well, thanks in no small part to filmmaker Jill Gevargizian and her twisted film company, Sixx Tape.
Shock Street Horror: ‘The Stylist’ – a short film by Jill Gevargizian (Review)
June 26, 2016
After creating justifiable buzz with 2014’s Call Girl and more recently dialling up the grotesquerie with the unsettling micro-short Grammy, Jill Gevargizian takes another sharp creative turn with The Stylist. Her most accomplished work to date, it’s a gripping combination of carefully-honed atmosphere, jarringly visceral visuals and assured performances that shocks to the core while also seeming to have perceptive things to say about modern beauty standards and an enduring expectation of perfection.
Screen Anarchy: 'The Stylist' Cuts Deep Into the Heart of a Villain (Review)
June 22, 2016
Last month, we posted the teaser and poster art for the short film The Stylist by Jill "Sixx" Gevargizian. I recently saw the film at its world premiere during Etheria Film Night at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. As one of only nine short films screened that night --- tough odds by any means --- The Stylist stood out because of its poignancy, practical special effects, writing, acting, direction, editing, and beautiful cinematography (lensed by Robert Patrick Stern). The echoing, melodic score from Nicholas Elert elevates the film even more.
WatchPlayRead: 'Call Girl' (Review)
June 03, 2014
I interviewed both Tristan Risk and Jill Sixx Gervargizian previously for WatchPlayRead. These talented people, actor and director respectively, team up with actor Laurence Harvey in the short film Call Girl. Call Girl, as you might expect, is about a call girl who finds herself in a precarious situation.
Horror Homework: Six questions for Jill Gevargizian about her new short film, Call Girl!
May 27, 2014
Call Girl is a new short film currently making the rounds at your favorite horror festivals. Starring the charismatic Laurence Harvey and the gorgeous Tristan Risk, the film is a fun slice of modern reality horror.
Directed by first-timer Jill Sixx Gevargizian, the passion for horror and desire to contribute something unique to the genre are evident in her first film. Essentially making the viewer an accomplice to a date that goes horribly wrong, Call Girl is a very short story that has it’s heart in the right place, and is sure to satisfy any horror fan.
Beers N Fears: 'Call Girl' (Video Review)
May 24, 2014
Our second installment for our Horror Short Beer Flight Review is Jill Sixx's Call Girl, staring American Mary's Tristan Risk and Human Centipede 2 Laurence Harvey.
Horror in the Hammer: 'Call Girl' (Review)
April 21, 2014
Jill Sixx Gevargizian, who we already admire for her support of indie horror through the monthly Slaughter Movie House screening series, started a Kickstarter campaign a short while ago to fund her first short film: CALL GIRL.
Horror News Network: 'Call Girl' (Review)
April 07, 2014
The tagline for Jill VI Gevargizian’s first film, Call Girl, is “Some people like to watch…do you?”
Well, the answer to that question is yes…again and again. As a matter of fact, I watched the screener that Jill sent me four times. No, I didn’t watch it that many times because I missed a part or because I couldn’t understand something; I watched it because it’s fucking amazing and it left me wanting much, much more.
Film Deviant: 3 Deviant Filmmakers to Keep an Eye On (Review)
April 01, 2014
So, I went to the recent HorrorHound Weekend in Cincinnati expecting to meet with Jill Sixx Gevargizian for an interview regarding her new short horror film, Call Girl...and I got so much more! I met with two more incredibly talented filmmakers (not to mention all-around nice people) and was able to watch their films.
First up was the film that I came to see...Call Girl.
Pitch: Jill Sixx's Call Girl and other lookers: Screenland Armour's perfectly 'Horrifying' night (Review)
March 31, 2014
Saturday, the Screenland Armour lured the metro's most bloodthirsty out for the evening - and they all turned out to be, you know, nice.
That's the first thing you notice when you're elbow-to-elbow with your fellow supporters of Midwest horror moviemaking. These fans are a supportive bunch, and so they packed the Screenland, ready to absorb every nasty sight and sound in five featured stomach-turning shorts. The sold-out "Horrifying Night of Short Films" was co-presented by Screenland Armour and Downright Creepy.
Geekshallinheritearth blog: 'Call Girl' (2014 short film) Laurence R Harvey, Jill Sixx Gevargizian, Tristan Risk (Review)
March 31, 2014
Another short film arrived this week, once again only 6 minutes long, but eagerly awaited, and well worth a watch!
Funded via Kickstarter last year, Call Girl sees Laurence R. Harvey (The Human Centipede 2) hiring a hooker Mitzy (Tristan Risk, American Mary) for a night of fun. Only he has hooked up some friends to watch the action via a webcam link. It's fair to say, it's not the night that the professional lady had in mind.
Wendigogo Girl: 'Call Girl' (Review)
March 28, 2014
Back in December I posted a trailer for the upcoming film CALL GIRL, directed by Jill Sixx Gevargizian. Since that time it has premiered at the HorrorHound Weekend Film Festival in Cincinnati and gained quite a bit of recognition, not only from the fans of Tristan Risk (AMERICAN MARY) and Laurence R. Harvey (THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE 2, and 3) but obviously for great filmmaking as well.
Twisted Central: 'Call Girl' (Review)
March 28, 2014
I recently attended Horrorhound Weekend in Cinncinnati, Oh where they were screening movies all day for 3 days. Among one of them was a short called Call Girl. I however did not get a chance to view it (had to be in line for a Bruce Campbell photo op). The director Jill Gavargizian was gracious enough to send me the screener and let me view the short film. Having heard nothing but good things from this film I was more than excited to finally be able to view this.
Horror Movies Uncut: HHW2014 – movie review: ‘Call Girl’ (Review)
March 24, 2014
We live in a world of voyeurism more than we can ever imagine. It is almost as fair to look at Skype in the same manner as snap chat and Instagram in regards to viewing the day to day of someone we know or desire to know. So it makes sense that the horror world would turn to this type of behavior as a narrative for their films. Call Girl is one such film and to this date gives one of the more accurate portrayals of the online lifestyle.
Bloodguts UK Horror: 'Call Girl' (Review)
From the outset, ‘Call Girl’ is a thing of beauty. From the décor to Laurence Harvey’s rugged elegance, there’s something that makes you fall instantly in love with this 5 minutes of film.
A late night online chat sees Harvey indulge in some conspicuous activity all while nervously awaiting a call girl (Tristan Risk). Soon after her arrival and discovering the web cam is still switched on, Harvey’s intentions are a little more brutal than the call girl could have first imagined. Luckily she can stand up for herself and doesn’t take things lightly as he boasts about his latest actions.
More Horror: 'Call Girl' horror short film (Review)
Call Girl, a five minute short directed by Jill Sixx Gevargizian, stands out due to a clever premise, high production values, and an all star cast.
It is very difficult to review short films, because it is almost impossible to do so without giving away too much about the plot. Call Girl follows what has become the classic formula for horror shorts, with a strong setup followed by a surprise twist ending. Call Girl follows this formula perfectly, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser at horror festivals all across the country.
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