The time has finally arrived — the curtains are rising on the 2023 Fantasia International Film Festival! This annual film festival is a celebration of unique cinematic experiences exploring extraordinary stories and worlds represented by a wide array of movie genres. Every year the selections for Fantasia International Film Festival push the boundaries of storytelling and captivate audiences with their often visually stunning and existentially-jarring stories.

Fantasia Internal Film Festival boasts visionary filmmakers from across the globe who showcase their latest creations, from chilling horror films to heady dramas to unforgettable comedies. From well-known auteurs to emerging talents, FIFF is a blend of directors working across diverse genres. Their imaginative movies will leave you on the edge of your seat!

FIFF is set to host a number of edgy and subversive horror and experimental films that we here at HorrorBuzz are excited to preview and review. Perhaps most notable is Michel Hazanavicius’ French-language zom-com, Coupez!, a remake of the instant modern cult classic One Cut of the Dead.  Also slated to screen at the festival is the suspenseful but reportedly grotesque survival film, Swallowed, from director Carter Smith. Furthermore, the dark fantasy thriller, Elderly, by directors Gonzalez Gomez Fernando and Cerezo Raul, appears to be a relatable horror to anyone experiencing the challenges of elder care.

I personally am looking forward to experiencing horror out of the Netherlands with writer/director Nico Van den Brink’s folk horror, Moloch, which seems to combine my love of archaeology and dead things in a creepy occult film. And my most anticipated film of the upcoming festival is undoubtedly Mali Elfman’s Next Exit, listed as a mashup of drama, horror, comedy, science fiction, and romance featuring Doctor Who‘s own Karen Gillian as a scientist that gives society the answers to the existence of ghosts and the afterlife but end up causing yet more questions about life.

Fantasia Internal Film Festival is an immersive experience that connects film enthusiasts with inspiring and artistic directors. As the festival unfolds both in-person in Montreal, Quebec, as well as via online presentations, attendees can expect remarkable moments and breakout performances that will rent space in their thoughts long after the curtains have closed. With that said, HorrorBuzz is pleased to attend another year of one of our most beloved film festivals and discuss what are sure to be thought-provoking and memorable film selections. Embark with us on an international cinematic adventure as Fantasia International Film Festival raises its curtains and invites us (and you) to delve into its lineup of wonderful and engaging stories July 20, 2023 through Wed, Aug 9, 2023

About the Author

Adrienne Reese is a fan of movies - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and came to the horror genre by way of getting over her fear of... everything. Adrienne also writes for the Frida Cinema, and in addition to film enjoys cooking, Minesweeper, and binge-watching Game of Thrones.