Screamfest, Hollywood’s annual horror film festival, opened its 26th edition on Tuesday evening, launching a 10-day run of genre films and events. The festival began with the world premiere of "The Night Driver," a thriller featuring Josh Lucas, David Arquette, and Alyssa Milano.
The screening took place at 7:30 p.m. at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd. Prior to the film, an opening-night red carpet event was held from 5:30 to 7:20 p.m. for attendees and talent. Jeremy Weiss makes his directorial debut with "The Night Driver," which was written by John Cork.
According to festival organizers, the film follows Hurdis Jones, played by Josh Lucas, a traveling pharmaceutical salesman. Jones attempts to return home to his wife, Cheryl, after a violent encounter with a stranger. The stranger then pursues Jones across the country, as the salesman becomes framed for a series of killings. Alyssa Milano portrays Cheryl Jones, while David Arquette appears as Detective Hank Granger, who is tasked with locating Jones and helping to prove his innocence.
Milano and Arquette were among those expected on the red carpet, alongside cast members Jacob Lynn, Danielle Vasinova, and Charlotte Kirk.
The Screamfest Horror Film Festival will continue through October 15, offering a diverse lineup that includes both feature and short films. The event schedule also incorporates filmmaker question-and-answer sessions, various special events, and dedicated industry programming. Organizers stated that this year’s festival includes 13 world premieres, eight North American premieres, one international premiere, a U.S. premiere, and five West Coast premieres.
This year, the festival will present a Career Achievement Award to cinematographer Peter Deming. Deming’s extensive credits in film and television include “Mulholland Drive,” “Twin Peaks,” “Evil Dead II,” “Scream 2,” “Scream 3,” “Scream 4,” “Drag Me to Hell,” “The Cabin in the Woods,” and “The Menu.”
Among the special screenings is a presentation of filmmaker Michael Dougherty’s 2007 horror anthology “Trick ‘r Treat.” This will be followed by a 4K restored version of his 2003 animated short, “Season’s Greetings.” Dougherty is scheduled to attend and participate in a question-and-answer session after the screening.
Screamfest also includes Industry Days, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. These days are dedicated to panels, mentorship opportunities, and networking events designed for filmmakers, executives, producers, and distributors within the industry.
In partnership with Ovation Hollywood, the festival will host a free outdoor screening of the classic 1984 film “Ghostbusters.”
The festival will conclude with its closing-night film, “Christmas at the Kringles,” directed by Kevin Lewis. The film features a cast including Ron Livingston, Rachel Bilson, Rob Riggle, Thomas Lennon, Arden Myrin, Donald Faison, Beverly D’Angelo, and David Wain.
Founded in 2001 by producer Rachel Belofsky, Screamfest operates as a nonprofit organization. Its mission is to showcase horror and science-fiction filmmakers and screenwriters.
