The point is to scream — a lot.
Whether you're a closet horror fan or just want to holler your head off before heading off to a Halloween party, Scream Queen Filmfest Tokyo has what you need. SQFFT runs through Oct. 31, before traveling to Nagano, Nagoya and Osaka.
This is a chance for those who feel lukewarm about the Tokyo International Film Festival, Japan's biggest film festival, to check out some talent in the minor leagues. Let's face it, local horror directors need viewer support: They're hampered by low budgets and little respect. And besides, SQFFT showcases only women filmmakers — which is rare for a film festival.
The festival is now in its third year and, admittedly, still needs some grooming and smoothing down around the edges. The selection is a mixed bag of mostly short films, among them "Solitudo" (Japan title, "Shudojo") directed by English actress Alice Lowe, memorable for her turn in the darkly absurd 2012 comedy "Sightseers." In "Solitudo" she utilizes her long years of experience in front of the camera to create a little nugget of terror and deception.
The opening feature, "Berkshire County" (Japan title, "Bebishitta"), is a clever, well-constructed tale by Audrey Cummings. She started filmmaking early — her first work was a joint project with her babysitter when Cummings was in grade school. In "Berkshire County," a baby sitter is caught in a gruesome murder rampage carried out by a family wearing pig masks. You won't be eating ribs anytime soon.
For more information, visit www.screamqueentokyo.jp.
