Beyond Fest genre film festival returns for its 11th edition with a full slate of premieres and acclaimed classics from Palme d’Or winner “Anatomy of a Fall” to the Michael Mann hit “Manhunter.” James Cameron is set to make an appearance for a special edition screening of “The Abyss” followed by a special tribute to Roger Corman, along with appearances by Mann and Guillermo del Toro.
“Our goal this year was to go bigger while also exposing audiences to new filmmakers who represent the future,” said Evrim Ersoy, Beyond’s head of programming. “We’ve delivered on that promise with a program that has the world’s most celebrated artists like James Cameron, Guillermo del Toro, and Roger Corman joining us alongside some of Cinema’s boldest new voices including Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Demián Rugna and Macon Blair.”
Beyond Fest will open with Gareth Edward’s sci-fi feature “The Creator” and later in the evening, will screen Kristoffer Borgli’s A24 film “Dream Scenario” led by Nicolas Cage. Premiering later in the festival is Tyler MacIntyre’s bloody feature “It’s a Wonderful Knife” alongside thrillers and movies like Macon Blair’s 2023 revamp of “The Toxic Avenger,” Prime Video and Blumhouse Television’s “Totally Killer” and the ‘80s throwback “V/H/S 85.”
“Fifty-five movies across 15 days adds up to a true celebration of the theatrical experience – the very mission at the heart of the American Cinematheque,” said Grant Moninger, director of programming at Cinematheque. “It is an honor to give back to the incredible film-loving community that supports us year-round and the city that was literally built by Cinema.”
Some other gems for cinephiles include Rucking Fotten hosting a 30th anniversary screening of the Quentin Tarantino-written “True Romance,” “Final Destination” creator Jeffrey Reddick sitting in for a special screening and a glimpse of the NC-17 cut of David Cronenberg’s “Crash.”
Also on the program are screenings of “Caligula: The Ultimate Cut” with Malcolm McDowell attending; “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School,” “Grand Theft Auto” and “Piranha.”
Beyond Festival will take place from Sept. 26 through Oct. 10. The festival is presented by Neon and built in partnership with American Cinematheque. Films will screen at Los Angeles’s Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3 and Regency Village Theatre. The full program is available at the festival’s website.