The Horror, The Horror

Somewhere in the dark depths of Melbourne lurks a deranged secret society dedicated to the glorification of murder and torture. These psychopaths gather at the end of each month to bask in the glory of blood, gore and all manner of horrible things. I recently spoke to Sam and Matt, two thirds of the team behind The Melbourne Horror Film Society, about their not-for-profit film society dedicated to showing of the best and worst horror films ever made.

Screenings encompass a variety of horror films from all sorts of sub-genres; everything from popular slash-a-thons and zombie epics to more obscure product such as occult movies and psychological dramas. “We try to include movies from all across the globe and from varying time periods, so no matter what your taste there’s bound to be something for everyone.”

Screenings happen at Bar 303 in Northcote on the last Tuesday of every month. The guys from TMHFS encourage members to mingle, engage in healthy horror-charged discussion and all-round tomfoolery within an assuredly chillaxed environment.

TMHFS started out with five members and is now pushing up well into the hundreds. There are on average around thirty members present for each screening and more for special events. It’s a great way to meet fellow horror fans, filmmakers and film buffs. Everyone is friendly, easy to approach, and at heart all horror geeks keen to talk about horror films and horror culture.

The next screening will be Shietan (Satan) 2006, on Tuesday 28 June. The French film, starring Vincent Cassell, follows a group of friends led by a girl they meet at the Styxx Club in Paris to her house in the country. There, they are introduced to Joseph – the eccentric housekeeper with sinister plans.

“Whether you’re a kindergarten novice or a blood-spewing, brain-chomping, intestine-tangled die-hard, we aim to cater for all tastes dark and delicate and have fun in the process.”

Check out TMHFS website for the full program and get involved in the bi-monthly blood-letting by organising a membership.
Simply turn up to any of the screenings at Bar 303 (303 High St, Northcote) and talk to the guys in person or send an email to melbournehorror@gmail.com.

And for all you social networking nuts they’re also on Facebook and Twitter.