Dir. William Crain
1972 | 93 mins + Intro + Satellite Q&A
William Marshall, Vonetta McGee, Denise Nicholas

SHOWING TIMES:

• Sat 19 Nov: 7pm

In the late eighteenth century, Prince Mamuwalde (William Marshall) travels from Africa to Transylvania to seek Count Dracula’s help in ending the transatlantic slave trade. Instead of helping, Dracula condemns Mamuwalde to eternal life as a vampire. When, a few centuries later, a pair of unwitting interior designers uncover his bones, the streets of 1972 Los Angeles won’t know peace until Blacula has his revenge!

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the very first Blaxploitation horror film, Blacula. Initially an attempt by AIP to cash in on the burgeoning Blaxploitation scene of the early 70s, it was commendable for being the first studio-backed horror film by a Black director, William Crain. It kicked off a memorable trend in which the genre reimagined familiar horror tropes for the African-American audiences of the 70s. At a time when even films aimed at Black audiences were predominantly made by white filmmakers, Blacula overturned that trend and set a precedent in horror history.

Wales’ International Horror Festival, Abertoir, and Bristol Black Horror Club, will be presenting a special 50th anniversary screening of Blacula, followed by a live panel discussion from the festival, with director himself, William Crain, participating. Audiences across the country will also be able to take part by asking questions via their mobile phone

IN DREAMS ARE MONSTERS: A season of Folk horror

Cultures will clash and satanic urges expressed through a series of features, short films, immersive walks, live scores and zines we will explore the themes that have influenced Folk Horror through the ages. Drawing on Exeter’s connection to the last witch hangings in England, audiences will delve into the power of nature, explore the root of past anxieties and witness evil beasts awaken across a variety of locations.

VENUE: EXETER PHOENIX, STUDIO 74

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>