Monte Yazzie is as hard working and passionate a genre fan as you are likely to find. As I write this, he is pouring his blood and sweat into putting the finishing touches on what will be another amazing year at the International Horror and Sci-fi Festival. Luckily for us here at Dark of the Matinee, he took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few of our questions and as expected his answers prove why he is the man behind this wonderful event.
What should horror and sci-fi fans expect if they go to the IHSFF this year?
Variety. We start planning and generating a wide range of film selections for the festival program quite early to make sure we have a variety of options for the fans. Finding films that we hope will be your next favorite genre movie is our goal, and we have a great lineup this year. It’s also a great event for genre fans to socialize with one another. Horror and Sci-Fi are communities and it’s important to be able to have a place to go to discuss and discover what you like.
The IHSFF has a history of getting some amazing guests such as Dee Wallace last year or Michael Biehn the year before, can you provide any hints at who is coming to the fest this year?
Instead of focusing on a big guest this year we decided to turn our attention on the people behind the camera and on the screen in the films that we are showcasing. The U.S. Premiere of EXETER, a film by director Marcus Nispel, will have some of the cast present. JULIA and LOST SOUL: THE DOOMED JOURNEY OF RICHARD STANLEY’S ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU will also have cast and crew present.
In 11 years, what has changed the most in terms of the type of films and filmmakers you see? What is the current trend you see?
Horror and Science fiction are always changing, but we still see many of the same characteristics of the genre, such as zombie, alien, time travel, vampire, etc. The difference is in a film festival we see so much invention with the execution of ideas. With cinema quality cameras being so readily available for a relatively inexpensive price, the art of filmmaking is in the hands of anyone with a phone today. Look at the rise of first person storytelling (POV) for proof. The shift I see is the return to haunted houses and ghost stories.
Can you relay one memorable experience from the festival to our readers that will show them what an awesome time this is?
There are so many memorable moments to talk about, do I talk about the conversation I had with Jeffrey Combs where he quoted two lines from RE-ANIMATOR just like Dr. West without cracking a smile? I think the most memorable moment, beyond the guests and the movies, was the first year I went as a fan. I went not knowing what to expect and sat down in a theater for a film I had never heard of. Two people sitting next to me were talking about David Cronenberg’s SHIVERS, one of my top 3 favorite Cronenberg films, and I immediately chimed in with my two cents about the film. I’m still friends with them ten years later and will see them at this year’s festival.
We know you don't do this all on your own so do you want to give any shout-outs to people who help out with the festival?
The team we have is the definition of passionate. They are all avid genre film fans that volunteer their time to make this event the best that it can be. Without their dedication and hard work none of this would be possible. I’d also like to send some well-deserved appreciation to the fans that come out to the festival, they are the reason why we work so hard. We want everyone to remember the festival and the experience that comes with it. Come out and say hello!!!
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