Spoilers will be there! 🙂

It is time for the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival (July 16 – August 1st). That means waiting lines and staying up late… But it also means you get to see films inside and outside the mainstream. I always have a bunch of self-imposed unwritten rules with selecting films that will all thrown out the window on completely unfounded gut feelings. Suffice to say, the only rule that matters might be the old, “I’ve got a good feeling about this one”. Although it might be overridden by sleep and/or hunger at some point.

Let’s look at some of the offerings for 2026!

HOT SPOT – In a dystopian future ruled by AI (almost there), a private detective discovers a plot to overthrow the government. Directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska.

CAPTURED! – Middle school students start a vlog and decide to film some scary footage only to end up haunted by ghosts. Directed by Koichi, of YouTube fame.

FERINE – Irene, a famous art collector suffers a tragedy that triggers a transformation. She finds an ally in Dama, who traffics in exotic animals. Directed by Andrea Corsini.

SUSUKI=BAKUDAN – Based on the novel by Katsuhiro Go, this is a crime thriller about a mysterious drunk man that appears to predict bombs about to go off and the detective that tries to decipher the plot behind it. Directed by Akira Nagai.

TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA – The Camp Miasma slasher franchise is dead. It’s up to a young upcoming director to revive it. But when the director meets the retired actress from the original film, they will “fall into a blood-soaked world of desire, fear, and delirium.” Directed by Jane Schoenbrun.

GOD SKIN – A clandestine arena where martial arts are combined with high tech. A Thai action-fantasy directed by Paween Purijitpanya.

THE GLORIOUS DEAD – The Adams family once again brings another horror offering. A sheriff and his deputy find out that life in a small town might continue after death.

PENNY LANE IS DEAD – Penny Lane has received her letter of acceptance for University and wants to celebrate with her close friends. Unfortunately, there’s some unwanted party crashers that need to be taught a lesson. Written and directed by Mia’Kate Russell.

See you on July 16! Bon cinema!

That will do for now.