To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Ring (aka Ringu), Hideo Nakata's film has been fully restored and will have a limited run in over 100 theaters in the UK. Continue reading for a full list of theaters. Also in today's Horror Highlights: details on The Final Girls' short film showcase We Are the Weirdos, Dee Wallace and Courtney Gains join the cast of Await the Dawn, and Blu-ray and DVD release details for Piercing.
Ring (aka Ringu) 20th Anniversary UK Screenings: "To celebrate the 20th anniversary of RING, a special restoration of the film will be showing at 100+ cinemas across the UK including the Prince Charles Cinema (21st Feb), and Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and Showcase Cinemas from 1st March 2019.
For a full list of showtimes, check out the official RING website: http://ringfilm.co.uk/showtimes
Synopsis: A group of teenage friends is found dead, their bodies grotesquely contorted, their faces twisted in terror. Reiko (Nanako Matsushima, When Marnie Was There), a journalist and the aunt of one of the victims, set out to investigate the shocking phenomenon, and in the process uncovers a creepy urban legend about a supposedly cursed videotape, the contents of which causes anyone who views it to die within a week – unless they can persuade someone else to watch it, and, in so doing, pass on the curse….
Key Talent:
Directed by Hideo Nakata (Dark Water, Ring 2)
Composer: Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell)
Based on the novel by Koji Suzuki (Dark Water)
Nanako Matsushima (Ring 2, When Marnie Was There)
Miki Nakatani (Memories of Matsuko, The World of Kanako)
Yūko Takeuchi (Miss Sherlock, Creepy)
Hiroyuki Sanada (The Wolverine, The Twilight Samurai)
Rie Inō (Ring 2)
We Like It Because:
Before the sequels, remakes, and crossovers, audiences were first introduced to a future horror icon amidst an era of ultra-violent slashers from the ‘80s and ‘90s, where its more somber march towards terror taught audiences and filmmakers alike that the dread of the unknown can be more frightening than the horrors we know.
Ring, initially released to worldwide acclaim, sparking a global genre renaissance and a western love-affair with “J-Horror” that endures to this day. Now, the twisted visage of Sadako is one of horror’s most recognizable icons, alongside the likes of Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees. The hushed gossiping of the tape’s ghastly legend resonated with those who spent their playground years sharing stories of Bloody Mary andCandy Man, offering us an insight into Japan’s yūrei-driven folklore, and a new story to share!
There’s no better way to relive this influential horror, or experience it for the first time, with this big screen celebration! Persuading someone else to watch is the only way to escape Sadako’s curse, so why not enjoy a horror-filled night out in good company?
Over the years, there have been many re-imaginations and imitators, but none can compare to Hideo Nakata’s original, slow-burning nightmare. With a brand new restoration and a wealth of bonus content, the film’s debut on UK Blu-ray is more than worth the wait, making it a staple for any horror fan’s collection!
RING will also release on Digital, DVD, Blu-ray, Limited Edition Steelbook, and Limited Edition Collection featuring Ring, Ring 2, Ring 0 and Spiral 18th March 2019."
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The Final Girls Present We Are The Weirdos 2019: "This February feminist film collective The Final Girls proudly returns to present a new edition of our a showcase of short films from a selection of the most exciting new female voices in genre cinema from around the world.
Featuring some of the greatest new and emerging female talent in the genre space, these films delve deep into the darkest human desires from a uniquely female perspective. These are films that delve deep into the darkest corners of the human experience, bringing an unforgettable array of monsters to the screen and offering a fresh and perverse perspective on horror.
The programme will launch it’s tour in Leeds on February 16th, with a London premiere at the Prince Charles Cinema the 20th, a special screening at the Glasgow Film Fest on the 27th, and much more! Full schedule of screening engagements listed below, with more exciting dates being added!
“We are thrilled to return to UK cinemas with the second edition of We Are The Weirdos” says The Final Girls co-director Olivia Howe. “Building upon the success of our 2017 pilot, this year's programme that not only celebrates the breadth and diversity of genre cinema, but champions what we believe are nine of the most exciting voices emerging in genre filmmaking. From animation, to slashers, to dark comedy, these films represent what horror cinema is capable of.”
“We Are The Weirdos is at the core of what we want The Final Girls to be about: a platform which can nurture, champion and spotlight female talent at the centre of the horror genre.” adds co-director Anna Bogutskaya. “The programme is distributed by The Final Girls and it is our intention to make this an annual event at cinemas worldwide.”
The full programme of shorts are detailed below:
CATCALLS (Dir. Kate Dolan)
UK
A man cruises around late at night looking for something. He pulls in to ask two young girls for directions - only to flash them to get a cheap thrill. Unfortunately, he has picked the wrong girls. They are also out hunting tonight and they will stop at nothing to get their kill.
Hair Wolf (Dir. Mariama Diallo)
USA
The staff of a black hair salon fend off a strange new monster: white women intent on sucking the lifeblood from black culture.
Puppet Master (Dir. Hanna Bergholm)
Finland
A lonely woman allows a man to transform her into a puppet.
Inseyed (Dir. Jessica Hudak)
USA
A girl hears mysterious noises and investigates, but the source isn't an easy answer.
The Lady from 406 (Dir. Lee Kyoung)
South Korea
The woman in the upper floor is getting crazy because of the cigarette smoke coming up from the under floor. She finally visits the house below, but the man there says something unexpected.
#EATPRETTY (Dir. Rebecca Culversome)
UK
Anna is a successful product photographer, striving for a life filled with perfect moments, inspired by a constant stream of social media feeds, sponsored blogs and fairytales playing on her computer.
Blood Runs Down (Dir. Zandashé Brown)
USA
When a woman undergoes a frightening transition, her vigilant five year old daughter must decide between saving her or protecting herself in this haunting tale of inheritance, daughterhood, and demons.
Cerulia (Dir. Sofia Carillo)
Mexico
Cerulia returns to her childhood home to find that it is haunted by her memories.
Goodnight (Dir. Diane Michelle)
USA
BILLY is the MAN who LIVES UNDER MY BED....
Confirmed screenings and events include:
16th February - Hyde Park PH, Leeds
19th February - Cube, Bristol
20th February - Prince Charles Cinema, London
23rd February - BFI Southbank, London
24th February - Rio Cinema, London
27th February - Film Theatre, Glasgow - screening at Glasgow Film Fest
27th February - Tyneside, Newcastle
28th February - Genesis, London
28th February - Plaza Stockport, Manchester - Grimmfest monthly screenings
28th February - Broadway, Nottingham
For all coverage questions and requests please reach out to the media contact listed below. Private screening links and interview opportunities available, as well as select press spots at screenings.
For booking inquiries please reach out to the Final Girls contact listed below.
About The Final Girls
The Final Girls is a UK-based film collective focused on exploring feminist themes in horror cinema and highlighting the representation and work of women in horror both in front and behind the camera. The Final Girls is run by Olivia Howe and Anna Bogutskaya. The collective launched in early 2016 with a sold-out screening of Claire Denis' Trouble Every Day. Other events have included: a 40th Anniversary celebration of Brian De Palma’s Carrie, a double-bill of feminist slasher franchise The Slumber Party Massacre, a nationwide preview tour of Anna Biller’s The Love Witch and a nationwide one-night-only screening of all-female horror anthology XX. The Final Girls launched their self-distributed shorts programme, We Are The Weirdos, in 2017. The programme premiered at the 50th edition of Sitges International Film Festival.
The Final Girls are leading a conversation around the representation of women in horror, creating a both a community of women working in genre cinema and highlighting female talent both on screen and behind the scenes.
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Dee Wallace and Courtney Gains Join the Cast of Await the Dawn: "Written and Directed by Pablo Macho Maysonet IV. The team is led by Executive Producers Gerri Rothschild and Gregg Christie with Matt O’Neill and Pablo Macho Maysonet IV Producing.
The intensely paced horror film, AWAIT THE DAWN follows “A family in turmoil, traveling cross county in their RV to seek professional treatment for Jamie, the youngest child’s drug addiction. Their plans are quickly derailed as Howard, a desperate man with a terrible secret, ambushes them at gunpoint. With little to no reason given, he instructs them to transport him as far south as possible. However, they are quickly cut off by a mysterious pre-teen girl named Maggie. She may seem like a sweet all American girl, but deep inside, she harbors an immense otherworldly evil. The troubled family must now put their trust in their captor, as they try to survive the night...and Await the Dawn.”
With a firm stance in “old school” horror filmmaking, the production will follow strict practical effects only approach to achieve the many, sure to be remembered, special effects sequences throughout the film.
“There’s always something missing when productions rely more on CGI than practical effects. Today’s audiences are not dumb. I think it’s only fair to give them something with a bit more authenticity” says Pablo Macho Maysonet IV.
Leading the cast on their ride through hell are: Josh Server (Nickelodeon’s All That), Gregg Christie (This is the Year), Caitlyn Fletcher (The Red Suit), Mia Talerico (Good Luck Charlie) with Courtney Gains (Children of the Corn) and Dee Wallace (Cujo).
Supporting the cast are also: Vernon Wells (The Road Warrior) and Bruce Davison (Insidious: The Last Key)
Based on an original screenplay by Pablo Macho Maysonet IV, Await the Dawn heads into production April 2019, in and around, Los Angeles, CA."
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Piercing Blu-ray and DVD Release Details: Press Release: "Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Content Group brings you PIERCING. Written and directed by Nicolas Pesce (The Eyes of My Mother), the horror mystery suspense film stars Christopher Abbott (It Comes At Night), Mia Wasikowska (Crimson Peak) and Laia Costa (Victoria). PIERCING will be available on Blu-ray and DVD in the United States and Canada on March 12, 2019. In the U.S., PIERCING will be available on Blu-ray for an SRP of $22.98 USD and on DVD for an SRP of $19.98 USD. In Canada, PIERCING will be available on Blu-ray for an SRP of $26.99 CAD and on DVD for an SRP of $22.99 CAD.
In this twisted love story, a man seeks out an unsuspecting stranger to help him purge the dark torments of his past. His plan goes awry when he encounters a woman with plans of her own. A playful psycho-thriller game of cat-and-mouse based on Ryû Murakami’s novel.
PIERCING BLU-RAY (U.S. Release)
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Language: English
Format: BD
Year: 2019
SRP: $22.98 USD
PIERCING BLU-RAY (CANADA Release)
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Language: English
Format: BD
Year: 2019
SRP: $26.99 CAD
Length: 81 minutes
UPC: 191329068991
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.78:1 Widescreen
Audio Format: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Length: 81 minutes
UPC: 191329069011
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.78:1 Widescreen
Audio Format: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
PIERCING DVD (U.S. Release)
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Language: English
Format: DVD
Year: 2019
SRP: $19.98 USD
Length: 81 minutes
UPC: 191329068984
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.78:1 Widescreen
Audio Format: Dolby Digital 5.1
PIERCING DVD (CANADA Release)
Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Language: English
Format: DVD
Year: 2019
SRP: $22.99 CAD
Length: 81 minutes
UPC: 191329069004
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.78:1 Widescreen
Audio Format: Dolby Digital 5.1."
Tamika hails from North Beach, Maryland, a tiny town inches from the Chesapeake Bay.She knew she wanted to be an actor after reciting a soliloquy by Sojourner Truth in front of her entire fifth grade class. Since then, she's appeared in over 20 film and television projects. In addition to acting, Tamika is the Indie Spotlight manager for Daily Dead, where she brings readers news on independent horror projects every weekend.
The first horror film Tamika watched was Child's Play. Being eight years old at the time, she remembers being so scared when Chucky came to life that she projectile vomited. It's tough for her to choose only one movie as her favorite horror film, so she picked two: Nosferatu and The Stepford Wives (1975).
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