Hell Tor Festival

HELL TOR returns to Exeter Phoenix this September. Celebrating Devon’s heritage of horrors with screenings, special guests and lectures on the magical, the macabre and our connection with Vampires.

Opening night double bill! An eerie folk horror mini-feature followed by the cult vampire assassin flick Razor Blade Smile. Followed by a Q & A with director Jake West.

Actress, voice artist and author Tracy Norman examines the origins and emergence of the idea of the vampire across races, religions and cultures.

Join our regionally based short filmmakers as they share the stage with a panel of industry experts discuss the trials, tribulations and creative possibilities of short film.

Turning the things that haunt us into equally haunting, unique stories is a great way of building creative confidence – and of connecting with your audience.

Exeter based animator Ashley Thorpe discusses the launch of his career via the Exeter Phoenix, the animated films and the inspirations and techniques behind their creation.

After forging a lethal new sword from an old graveyard cross, vampire hunters set out to put an end to evil’s reign of terror in this Hammer Films horror classic.

Hammer glamour…Bond girls…icons – Caroline Munro and Madeline Smith join us for a very special Q&A hosted by Jonathan Rigby.

The vampire Countess Carmilla Karnstein makes her way through the Austrian countryside creeping into the households of aristocrats and taking their daughters as victims.

Folklore author and researcher Mark Norman looks at the fascinating life of the Exeter based bibliographer, antiquary and ‘lycanthaphile’ Sabine Baring-Gould (perhaps best known for writing the hymn ‘Onwards Christian Soldiers’), his Book of werewolves and the possible links between Devon and Dracula.

Reece Shearsmith (Inside No.9, League of Gentlemen) is joined by Jonathan Rigby (Borley Rectory, Lot No.249) and James Swanton (Host, Curse of the Ninth, The First Omen) to discuss their favourite bloody morsels of vampire cinema.

Renowned author, actor and friend of the Hell Tor festival, Jonathan Rigby (English Gothic, Borley Rectory) joins actor and writer James Swanton (The Host, The First Omen, Lot No. 49) to discuss the many actors who have inhabited the famed role of the Count.

Renowned author and film critic Kim Newman (Anno Dracula, Nightmare Movies) discusses his love of vampires, the background of his popular ‘alternate history’ novel series and how the vampire has evolved with popular culture throughout the years.

Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) despatches Count Dracula (Christopher Lee) to his grave, only for the Lord of Darkness to be reborn by occultist Johnny Alucard (Christopher Neame) in swinging 70’s London.

A special vampire themed live reading by local writer and performer Lee Rawlings.

Pat’s Film Club in association with the Hell Tor Festival presents a very special 40th anniversary screening of Director Tom Holland’s beloved 80’s vampire horror comedy Fright Night!