This is an APB to horror movie buffs within range of Madison, WI.  The Madison Horror Film Fest ^[1] invades Market Square Cinema at 6604 Odana Rd in Madison WI this weekend and yours truly will be there. 

The fest kicks off at noon on Saturday, Oct. 3^rd and goes through Sunday night.  You can expect an onslaught of indie horror shorts, features, vendors and guests including Debbie Rochon, and Bill Rebane.  Highlights will include a screening of Re-Animator followed by a Q&A with director Stuart Gordon and a “Women in Horror” presentation hosted by Elske McCain and Scarlet Salem.  Check back next week for my full recap of Saturday’s events and if you see me at the fest feel free to say hi.

In the meantime, check out this short Q&A with Fest director Rich Peterson:

What’s your background, both personal and with regard to horror movies?

I worked for years as a music booking agent both independently and for clubs. I booked Luther’s Blues and the Annex [in Madison] and booked other clubs on an independent level as well.  As far as horror goes…I basically got my start watching the late night horror host here in town, Mr. Mephisto from Lenny’s Inferno.  From there I just started reading Fangoria and checking out everything coming out both independently and main stream.

How did you get involved with and/or start the Madison Horror Film Fest?

I saw the other cities throwing these horror film festivals, which were mostly featuring independent films and looking at Madison and the diverse art culture, I thought that this town needed something like this to bring the subculture out.

How well does Madison’s horror subculture support the indie horror film scene?

As small as the sub culture is here, people have been very supportive. We have actually gotten support from all the surrounding horror communities: Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and beyond.

What can the sick bastards attending this year expect to experience?

Great short and feature independent films ranging for horror comedy to extreme terror. We’ve got great guests lined up and will be raffling off DVD’s and other horror collectibles as part of a benefit for the Autism Society of Greater Madison.

Anything you’d like Flames Rising readers to know?

That’s about it besides the fact that people can get advance tickets at Westfield Comics at 7275 Mineral Point road, Pre-played 440 State Street [both in Madison] or online at http://www.madisonhorror.com ^[1].

^[1]