Dead North Film Festival kicked off its 2018 Road Tour with a stop at the Riverview Cineplex in Hay River over the weekend.
Nearly 100 rabid horror fans took in all 48 films from this year’s festival over the course of two late evening screenings. Making the trip from Yellowknife to co-host the event were Dead North founders and board members Jay Bulckaert and Pablo Saravanja (aka Artless Collective).
This was the third annual Dead North Road Tour in Hay River and the town has the distinction of being the first community outside of Yellowknife to hold an official Dead North event. This year, for the first time, all films from this year’s festival were screened – including an extended “director’s cut” of She Keeps Me Warm, the sole Hay River entry in 2018. In true Dead North tradition, there was also a costume contest for guests with prizes awarded for best makeup and best overall costume.
The newly-formed Hay River Film Society was a presenting sponsor of the event.
Filmmakers from Hay River have participated in every Dead North Film Festival to date.
Dead North Film Festival is expected to make its way to several other Northern communities in 2018, including Inuvik, Whitehorse and Dawson City. Bulckaert and Saravanja are looking for screening partners in other Northern communities, especially those with Dead North alumni.
Scott Clouthier is a filmmaker, editor and colourist based in Hay River, NWT. He is a former Vice President and Executive Director of the NWTPMA.