By Dave Montalbano
http://cinemadave.livejournal.com
Since the inception of Flicks almost 14 summers ago, the Observer has covered local film festivals and conventions. With school wrapping up this week, there is an opportunity to howl at the moon at Fatality Fest, the first horror movie convention in South Florida since 2005.
Starting Friday night and continuing until Sunday in West Palm Beach, Fatality Fest, will feature Grim Reaper Reptiles, face painting and a silent auction to benefit Scares that Care, an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides money, toys and other items to help sick children. There will be opportunities to meet established movie actors from modern and classic horror movies of the last 30 years.
With her motivational and acting seminars, guest Dee Wallace has become a staple on the convention circuit, with credits in The Lords of Salem, Halloween and The Howling. Recently released on DVD, Wallace can also be seen in Hansel & Gretel as Lilith, the wicked witch. Ironically, Wallace is best known for her maternal roles in Cujo and E.T. the Extra- Terrestrial.
Had things worked out differently, Wallace would have played Oliver Robins’ mother. Instead Oliver Robins, another fest guest, played the son of Jobeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson in Poltergeist. Released one month before E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, both films were produced by Steven Spielberg.
Now in his 30s, Robins is currently an independent film producer himself. A graduate of Southern California film program, Robins wrote You’ve Got a Friend, a Hallmark Channel Original Movie.
Another class act, Ernie Hudson, known for Ghost busters and Modern Family, returns to South Florida after seven years.
Camille Keaton, the granddaughter of silent screen legend Buster Keaton, will be signing autographs for her best known movie I Spit on Your Grave.
Last, but not least, our resident Scream Queen, Linnea Quigley, will be in attendance, along with her Corpses are Forever co-star, Debbie Rochon.
These are just a few of the long list of guests who will be in attendance. Given the local enthusiasm of the promoters and volunteers, this inaugural Fatality Fest in South Florida should be something special.
For information, visit www.fatalityfest.com/
