Film4 FrightFest announces opening and closing films

Film4 FrightFest has revealed the two films that will open and close the festival, with The Seasoning House set to kick things off and Tower Block bringing the curtain down on the annual fiesta of fear.

The Seasoning House is the directorial debut of monster makeup specialist Paul Hyett, and is a claustrophobic, psychological horror set in a wartime brothel in the Balkans. Sean Pertwee will head up a talented British cast, all of whom will be attending the official premiere on 23 August.

Tower Block on the other hand, is a far more contemporary affair. Directed by James Nunn and Ronnie Thompson, it tells the story of a group of tower block residents who find themselves targeted by an unseen sniper. Sheridan Smith, Russell Tovey and the reliably excellent Jack O'Connell will be feeling the tension on this one.

"Once more Film4 FrightFest is delighted to be showcasing the key British talent of the future with our opening choice of The Seasoning House , and our closing film, Tower Block ," said FrightFest co-director Alan Jones.

"Both films are works of quality, sensitivity and bloody-minded bravado and the directors deserve to follow in the footsteps of such other talents we have promoted early in their careers, [ including ] Christopher Nolan, Neil Marshall, Chris Smith and James Watkins."

This is the 13th incarnation of Film4 FrightFest (ooh, spooky), and the festival will run between 23 and 27 August, at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square. The full line-up will be released on 29 June, with tickets available the following day.

Keep checking www.totalfilm.com/frightfest for the latest FrightFest news and announcements.

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.

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