MHFS Halloween Screening - Uninvited

Date: 11th October 2022
Time: Screening starts at 7.30pm
Location: LongPlay 318 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North

Yay. The Spooky Season is here and we have such sights to show you. We have three screenings at LongPlay this month and first up is Uninvited from 1987.

A bunch of young people are invited to a "Caribbean cruise" on a gangster's yacht, to distract the attention of the authorities. Unfortunately, a mutant cat which escaped from a test laboratory also gets on board and kills most of the passengers.

The film stars veterans of the horror genre, George Kennedy (Death Ship, Creepshow 2) and Clu Gulager (Return of the Living Dead).

Join us for this bonkers film that once seen is never forgotten.

The screening will officially start at 7.30pm in the cinema room at the rear of LongPlay, but you'll be able to find us in the middle room from around 6pm if you would like to join us for a pre-film drink and / or bite to eat. Everyone is welcome!

Memberships will only set you back $15 for a three screening pass, or $50 for twelve. We take cash on the night.

Blood Ritual - Trick or Treat (1986)

Date: 8th October 2022
Time: Around 8pm
Location: True North 2A Munro St, Coburg

What are you afraid of? It's only rock & roll...

This October, for our Halloween screening at Blood Ritual, we will be showing the heavy metal horror cult classic - Trick or Treat. Filmed during the height of the Satanic Panic, Trick or Treat is the story of a bullied metalhead who plays a record backwards to raise the spirit of metal frontman Sammi Curr to take vengeance on the kids who made his life hell. Trick or Treat has a horns raising soundtrack, amazing cameos and so many spikes on black leather.

Blood Ritual is now the second Saturday of the month at True North in Coburg, we'll be hanging out there from 6pm before the screening gets started at a loose 8.30 (or there abouts).

Memberships for Blood Ritual are an absolute steal at $10 for 3 screenings and you'll get a ticket to grab yourself a beverage on the house - yep, just paid for itself!

MHFS Watch Party - Freaky

Once again the spooky season is upon us, and we’ve decided to begin this years screening festivities with a good old fashioned Watch Party. 'Freaky' is a 2020 horror comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton, currently streaming on Netflix.

When a serial killer attacks his most recent victim, Millie, with an ancient dagger, they awaken the next day to find they’ve switched bodies a là 'Freaky Friday'. As both Millie and the killer struggle to come to terms with their new bodies the very threat of being stuck forever means Millie has to confront her fears and fight back against what the world is throwing at her.

Settle into that comfy spot on your couch for all the entertainment this coming Tuesday night, October 4th. We’ll be hitting play at 8pm AEDT, with customary 30 minute countdown from 7:30pm. We have a dedicated channel for chatting/giffing on our Discord server - send us a DM or email (melbournehorror@gmail.com) for a link to join.
Can’t wait to “see” you all there for this super fun ride!

Blood Ritual - The Blob (1988)

Date: 24th September 2022
Time: Around 8pm
Location: True North 2A Munro St, Coburg

Buckle up ghouls, it’s about to get sticky!

Come down and join us as we continue our 80’s cult classic shenanigans with 1988s The Blob. A remake of epic proportions, directed by Chuck Russel a year after his debut - A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob gives a “modern” spin on 1958s film of the same name. As a small town is slowly overrun by a gelatinous creature from outer space, highschoolers Brian (Kevin Dillon) and Meg (Shawnee Smith) become tangled in a web of chaos between the unwelcome visitor and a new military presence. Chock full of gruesome practical effects The Blob is a cult classic well deserving of a Blood Ritual viewing experience.

We'll be hanging out there from 6pm before the screening gets started at a loose 8.30 (or there abouts).

Memberships for Blood Ritual are an absolute steal at $10 for 3 screenings and you'll get a ticket to grab yourself a beverage on the house - yep, just paid for itself!

We hope to see you all there!

MHFS September screening: PSYCHO II

Date: 27th September 2022
Time: Screening starts at 7.30pm
Location: LongPlay 318 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North

It's 22 years later and Norman Bates is coming home...

On the back of making ROADGAMES, Richard Franklin was asked to direct a sequel to one of the biggest films by his hero and mentor, Alfred Hitchcock. Teaming up with writer Tom Holland and cinematographer Dean Cundey, this is such a gem of a psychological thriller! Anthony Perkins returns as Norman and upon his return to the Bates Motel, he makes a new friend, Mary (played by Meg Tilly). All is going well until Norman starts getting "confused" again.

This is the second screening in our duo of films directed by Richard Franklin and will be taking place on Tuesday, September 27. The screening will officially start at 7.30pm in the cinema room at the rear of LongPlay, but you'll be able to find us in the middle room from around 6pm if you would like to join us for a pre-film drink and / or bite to eat. Everyone is welcome!

Memberships will only set you back $15 for a three screening pass, or $50 for twelve. We take cash on the night.

We would love to see you there!

Blood Ritual - Demons

Date: 27th August 2022
Time: Around 8pm
Location: True North 2A Munro St, Coburg

Are you having trouble with inner demons? If so, we at Melbourne Horror Film Society can help.

Join us on Saturday, August 27, for it is time to exorcise those demons (and exercise those drinking arms), whilst watching an Italian gem called, you guessed it (plus it was in the event title), 'Demons'.

It's the mid 80s and Dario Argento and Lamberto Bava (Mario's son) team up to write this slice of craziness and gore. Directed by Lamberto Bava, and with a cheeky appearance by fellow horror director Michele Soavi, what you're about to see on screen is beyond belief. If revisiting this film doesn't become a personal ritual, we'll all be very surprised.

Blood Ritual is held at True North in Coburg, and you'll find us there from 6pm, drinking a beverage or two (served in skulls ) and having a tasty bite to eat from the biggest bloody legends you'll ever meet.
Memberships for Blood Ritual are a steal at $10 for 3 screenings and you'll also get a ticket to grab a drink on the house - what more could you want?!

We hope to see you all there!

MHFS August screening: ROADGAMES

What's in the esky?

You'll have to join us on Tuesday, August 30 to find out as we screen the 1981 Aussie thriller, ROADGAMES.

Heavily inspired by the Alfred Hitchock classic, 'Rear Window', ROADGAMES stars Stacy Keach as Quid, an American trucker driving across the Nullabor who comes to suspect the driver of a green van of murder. Quid picks up a hitchhiker, played by Jamie Lee Curtis and the two (along with pet dingo Boswell) team up to catch the killer.

This screening will be the first of two featuring films directed by Richard Franklin.

You'll be able to find us in the middle room at LongPlay from 6pm and we invite anyone and everyone to come in early and have a pre-film drink, bite to eat, or just a friendly catch up together. The screening will then get underway at 7.30pm in the cinema room at the back. Memberships will be available on the night, setting you back just $15 cashola for three screenings, or $50 for twelve months.

We hope to see you all there!

Blood Ritual July 30th - Maniac Cop

Date: 30th July 2022
Time: Around 8pm
Location: True North 2A Munro St, Coburg

You have the right to remain silent… FOREVER

We’ve been bouncing through some new age cult classics, but now it’s time for Blood Ritual to return to the magic of the 80s with William Lustig’s 'Maniac Cop'. When a brutal killer, dressed as a New York City police officer goes on a rampage, it's up to Lieutenant McCrae, along with fellow officers Forrest and Mallory to uncover who is behind this evil badge before Forrest is put behind bars as a suspect in the murders. A staple of the late 80s, it stars the wombo combo of Tom Atkins and Bruce Campbell (Chin and Moustache kings) as McCrae and Forrest, with Lauren Landon as Mallory and Robert Z’Dar towering as the Maniac Cop. Written by the great Larry Cohen, and eventually spawning two sequels, you’re not going to want to miss the high octane thrills and kills on the big screen.

Blood Ritual is held at True North, where you'll meet a bunch of bloody legends behind the bar serving beer in skulls and cooking up some tasty eats. 

We'll be hanging out there from 6pm before the screening gets started at a loose 8.30 (or there abouts).

Memberships for Blood Ritual are an absolute steal at $10 for 3 screenings and you'll get a ticket to grab yourself a beverage on the house - yep, just paid for itself!

We hope to see you all there!

David, Mel, Adam & Sam

MHFS July Screening - Idle Hands

Severed Hands Part 3 of 3

Date: 26th July 2022
Time: Screening starts at 7.30pm
Location: LongPlay 318 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North

Are you bored, unoccupied, and don't want to do anything that will get you in trouble? MHFS has the answer. Come along to Part 3 of our Severed Hands film theme and we promise you won't have....Idle Hands.

Firstly, a huge thanks to our ever-wonderful members who we are always grateful for, but especially last month as we had a little hiccup and were forced to postpone the screening by a week. No thanks to the spicy cough.. *cough cough*.

Now that that's done with, this month we are heading to the late 90s with 'Idle Hands', starring Devon Sawa, Jessica Alba, Seth Green and Elden Henson.

Seventeen-year-old slacker Anton Tobias wakes up one Halloween morning to discover that both of his parents have been turned into two headless Halloween decorations. After speaking to his equally irresponsible friends, Mick and Pnub, Anton discovers that his right hand has a blood-thirsty mind of its own and and is hell-bent on wreaking havoc whether he likes it or not.

We will also be giving away the last of our fantastic prizes, a severed thumb vial, which was kindly donated and specially made for this series of films by our very talented friend Chonchon Glass.

Join us on Tuesday July 26th for the pre-film talk, which will start at 7.30pm.. and be prepared as I (David) have added more titles to my list of films related to the Severed Hands theme. You will find us in the middle room at LongPlay from 6ish on the night, with membership costing $15 cash for three screenings, or $50 for twelve months.

We look forward to seeing you there.

David, Mel, Adam, and Sam

Blood Ritual 25th of June - Tucker & Dale vs. Evil

Come one, come all to the next Blood Ritual, held on Saturday June 25th where we’ll be happily screening the horrifically entertaining Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine) are a couple of well-meaning hillfolk headed to their dream cabin in the woods for some restorations, but they are mistaken for psycho killers by college students on a Memorial Day weekend getaway. Their plans go up in smoke as both groups fight for their survival. Filled with hilarious comedic timing, and enough blood and guts to satisfy the gore-whore in us all, this is truly a horror-comedy to die for.

Blood Ritual is held at True North, where you'll find a bunch of bloody legends behind the bar serving beer in skulls and cooking up some tasty eats. The specially made Slither dessert last month was amazing! You'll find us hanging out there from 6pm before the screening gets started around 8/8.30.
Memberships for Blood Ritual are an absolute steal at $10 for 3 screenings and you'll get a ticket to grab yourself a beverage on the house - yep, just paid for itself!
We hope to see you all there!

Interview with The Hand's Andrea Marcovicci

Our friends at Good Movie Monday caught up with Andrea Marcovicci ahead of our June screening of 'The Hand'. 

You can also hear the audio version of this interview on the GMM podcast episode released on June 9, which features MHFS co-organiser Melsy Begg discussing body parts movies and our Severed Hands series with Glenn and Ben. 

Search for Good Movie Monday wherever you get your podcasts.

July 5th Screening - The Hand

We invite you to "Join Us" for Part 2 of our Severed Hands film theme.

This Month we are going to the 80s with Oliver Stone's sophomore film... The Hand.
Starring Michael Caine and Andrea Marcovicci.

Jon Lansdale (Caine) is a comic book artist who loses his right hand in a car accident. The hand was not found at the scene of the accident, but it soon returns by itself to follow Jon around, and murder those who anger him.

Join us at LongPlay in Fitzroy for the pre-film talk (plus I have added more films to my Severed Hand film list), which will start at 7.30pm, and be prepared as I (David) am compiling a list of Severed Hands (and related) films. You will find us in the middle room at LongPlay from 6ish, with a membership costing $15 for three screenings, or $50 for twelve months. Please note we are still only taking cash at the moment.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Blood Ritual May 28th - Slither

The next Blood Ritual will be taking place on Saturday night, May 28 and we'll be showing Slither from 2006.

Written and directed by James Gunn - yes, 'the' James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy & The Suicide Squad fame, but think more Tromeo and Juliet from back when he was a part of Troma Entertainment. Slither is a whole lot of fun and if you enjoyed the sliminess of Society, you are in for another gooey treat!

Blood Ritual is held at True North, where you'll find a bunch of bloody legends behind the bar serving beer in skulls and cooking up some tasty eats. You'll find us hanging out there from 6pm before the screening gets started around 8/8.30. 

Memberships for Blood Ritual are an absolute steal at $10 for 3 screenings and you'll get a ticket to grab yourself a beverage on the house - yep, just paid for itself!

We hope to see you all there!

David, Mel, Adam & Sam.

May 31st Screening - The Hands of Orlac.

Severed Hands Part 1 of 3 May Screening - The Hands of Orlac (1924)

Most of us have had a paper cut, a splinter, or just a basic cut on our hands at some point, but most people haven't experienced the misfortune of losing a limb to know how that feels. Join us for the next 3 months as we show three films with the theme of Severed Hands. 

First up is The Hands of Orlac, a 1924 film which has been remade a few times. Orlac is a world famous pianist who is badly hurt one day in a big train wreck. He is in danger of losing both of his hands and his wife begs the doctors to save them. They eventually manage to transplant his hands with those of a deceased person. After his recovery, Orlac discovers that there is something seriously wrong with his new pair of hands -- it is as if they had a will of their own. But Orlac doesn't know that they actually belonged to a dangerous murderer. 

Join us at Longplay in Fitzroy for the pre-film talk, which will start at 7.30pm and be prepared as I (David) am compiling a list of Severed Hands (and related) Films. Just like pre-lockdown, you will find us in the middle room at Longplay from 6ish, with a membership costing $15 for three screenings, or $50 for twelve months. Please note we are still only taking cash at the moment. 

We look forward to seeing you there. 

David, Mel, Adam and Sam

Good Movie Monday speak with with Brian Yuzna

Our friends at Good Movie Monday recently sat down with director Brian Yuzna to discuss, amongst other things, his film Society which we will be screening at Blood Ritual this Saturday night. Buckle in for this most excellent conversation with one of horrors most unique voices.

Blood Ritual 30th April - Society

From Director Brian Yuzna comes one of the craziest concoctions of the 1980s, Society. The film follows Bill as he begins to suspect that his wealthy Beverly Hills family might be members in a gruesome cult made up of the social elite. With special effects from the legendary Screaming Mad George this film needs to be seen to be believed. We can’t wait for you to join us and experience every last sticky detail with an ending you’ll never forget.

Blood Ritual is a screening held at True North, a bloody awesome bar/cafe in Coburg run by bloody legends (all the puns intended ). Blood Ritual memberships are an absolute steal at $10 for 3 screenings & you'll be able to redeem a cheeky beverage at the bar for your first visit... yep, just paid for itself! The screening will officially start at 8pm but feel free to come along early and hang out... drink beer from skulls. Skulls!!!!!!
Of course, double vax and QR check-ins will be required. Y'know the drill


We look forward to seeing everyone there.
David, Mel, Adam and Sam

April 26th Screening - House of the Devil

Ti West is currently garnering a lot of attention for his latest release X and we strongly recommend checking that out when you can. For our April screening we will be showing his 2009 film The House of the Devil.

To ensure she can make rent and bond a young student take a baby sitting job that is not what it seems to be. To go any further into the plot will spoil the experience but we'll add a trailer in the comments should you wish to take a look. The House of the Devil is the perfect example of a slow burn horror film and we look forward to watching it with you all.

Just like pre-lockdown, you will find us in the middle room at Longplay from 6ish, with a membership costing $15 for three screenings or $50 for twelve months. Please ensure you are double vaxxed before arriving in accordance with state mandates.

We can’t wait to see you all there,
David, Mel, Adam and Sam

Blood Ritual March 26th - Pieces

You don't have to go to Texas for a chainsaw massacre, you can come to Blood Ritual. This time we're showing the sleaze classic Pieces, a cinematic explosion of gore and madness. Imagine a collage campus slasher flick but instead of a knife the killer wields a chainsaw. If you haven't seen Pieces in a crowd you won't believe how much nasty fun it is.

Blood Ritual is a screening held at True North, a bloody awesome bar/cafe in Coburg run by bloody legends (all the puns intended ). Blood Ritual memberships are an absolute steal at $10 for 3 screenings & you'll be able to redeem a cheeky beverage at the bar for your first visit... yep, just paid for itself! The screening will officially start at 8pm but feel free to come along early and hang out... drink beer from skulls. Skulls!!!!!!

Of course, double vax and QR check-ins will be required. Y'know the drill
We look forward to seeing everyone there.

David, Mel, Adam and Sam

The People Under the Stairs - Interview with Yan Birch

Ahead of our screening of Wes Craven's The People Under the Stairs (1991) on the 29th of March at LongPlay, Glenn from Good Movie Monday chatted to actor Yan Birch.

March 29th Screening - The People Under the Stairs

Following on from our insanely successful Women in Horror event, massive thanks again to Nik for hosting, we have part 2 of our Wes Craven retrospective – 1991s The People Under the Stairs. Coming 3 years before Wes kickstarted the Meta-Horror style with New Nightmare, and 5 years before the raging success of Scream, The People Under the Stairs is a great 90s horror film that is often overlooked.

Inspired by true events, The People Under the Stairs sees Fool and his accomplices breaking into a suburban home to find a way to pay the rent when their landlords threaten eviction. After the homeowners return, Fool soon discovers that nothing about this house is normal with evil lurking in every nook & cranny. A true gem, filled with Wes’ typical social commentary, you won’t want to miss this film and its continued relevance to our crazy modern lives.

Just like pre-lockdown, you will find us in the middle room at Longplay from 6ish, with a membership costing $15 for three screenings or $50 for twelve months. The screening will begin at 7.30. Please ensure you are double vaxxed before arriving in accordance with state mandates.

We can’t wait to see you all there,

David, Mel, Adam and Sam