The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival has unveiled its impressive and extensive lineup for its 2023 edition, set to take place from October 12th to 19th. All screenings will be held at Nitehawk Cinema’s Williamsburg and Prospect Park locations, promising a spine-chilling cinematic experience for horror enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.

One of the festival’s most notable highlights is the introduction of the Leviathan Award, a prestigious tribute created to honor luminaries in the horror genre. This year, the award will be presented to none other than legendary NYC horror filmmaker and conservationist, William Lustig. Lustig has dedicated his career to championing genre films, from enduring classics like “MANIAC” and “MANIAC COP” to his invaluable contributions to film restoration through his distribution label, Blue Underground. The award presentation will be followed by a special 35th-anniversary screening of his 1988 NYC action-horror classic “MANIAC COP,” followed by a Q&A session.

The Opening Night film for the festival is the World Premiere of “KILL YOUR LOVER,” directed by Alix Austin and Kier Siewert. This film promises to be an unflinching portrayal of a toxic and unhealthy relationship, with a twist that leads to monstrous consequences. The film’s debut feature showcases punk edge, killer practical effects, and outstanding performances from newcomers Paige Gilmour and Shane Quigley-Murphy.

In addition to the Opening Night film, the festival offers World Premieres of three more exciting titles: “BREATHING IN,” directed by Jaco Bouwer, which explores unsettling themes in a moody, quietly unsettling chamber piece; “CANNIBAL MUKBANG,” directed by Aimee Kuge, which delves into the intriguing world of mukbanging with a dark twist; and “THE SHADE,” marking Tyler Chipman’s powerful and creepy directorial debut.

“RED ROOMS,” directed by Pascal Plante, takes center stage as the festival’s Centerpiece Film, promising an intense and gripping cinematic experience. “THE SACRIFICE GAME,” directed by Jenn Wexler, serves as the Closing Night Film, offering a Yuletide terror experience set in a Catholic school during the holidays.

The festival’s lineup includes a diverse range of horror films, showcasing talents from around the world. Larry Fessenden’s “BLACKOUT” explores a small town’s descent into chaos following a series of grisly murders. “HELLBENDER,” a follow-up by the Adams Family, takes audiences on a decade-spanning supernatural journey. “MONOLITH,” directed by Matt Vesely, offers a disturbing mystery involving a black brick that wreaks havoc on those who encounter it.

“PROPERTY,” directed by Daniel Bandeire, dives into the tensions within a community of exploited farmhands. “TIGER STRIPES” adds a thrilling and suspenseful element to the lineup, and Robert Morgan’s “STOPMOTION” provides a trippy animation/live-action hybrid experience.

For fans of genre cinema, Bertrand Mandico’s “CONANN” takes a wild riff on the Conan the Barbarian story, offering a visually striking and mind-bending adventure. “CRUMB CATCHER,” directed by Chris Skotchdopole, offers a honeymoon gone awry when unexpected visitors disrupt a couple’s romantic getaway.

“FEMME,” set in the UK, presents a propulsive and ferocious revenge thriller after a brutal homophobic attack, featuring George MacKay from “1917.” “THE J-HORROR VIRUS” takes audiences back to the groundbreaking era of Japanese horror cinema, exploring its history and lasting impact.

The festival also features special sections, including “Staff Picks,” showcasing classic horror films such as “ANGST,” “MANIAC COP,” “MESSIAH OF EVIL,” and “TORSO.” These films provide a nostalgic trip back to the days of video stores and iconic horror discoveries.

Short films are a vital part of the festival, offering audiences a diverse range of horror experiences. Categories like “Brooklyn Horror Short” and “SLAYED: LGBTQ Horror Shorts” present an array of terrifying and thought-provoking short films, exploring themes from folk horror to home invasions, and even automotive horror.

Special events at the festival include “Final Exam Horror Trivia,” which challenges attendees’ knowledge of horror films in a thrilling trivia game hosted by Ted Geoghegan and Michael Gingold. The Certified Forgotten Podcast presents a platform for horror enthusiasts to delve into underseen films with hosts Matt Donato and Matt Monagle.

Lastly, the Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies offers a session titled “Nightmares of War: Haunted Scientists in RINGU and GOJIRA.” This session delves into the allegorical representations of traumatic pasts in Japanese horror classics “RINGU” and “GOJIRA.”

With such an extensive and diverse lineup, the 2023 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival promises to be a must-attend event for horror aficionados and film lovers eager to explore the darkest corners of cinema. Whether you’re seeking classic scares, fresh and innovative horror, or a nostalgic journey through genre gems, this festival has something to offer every fan of the macabre.