It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a challenge for just about everyone.  Multiple aspects of our lives have drifted far from the normal routine. Social distancing has the unfortunate tendency to put a damper on our social lives, and it can be a real struggle these days to keep ourselves entertained.  I know I’m not the only person who has just about binged them self out of streaming content to watch at home. But, there is good news on the horizon. Movie theaters may not be open yet, but the 5th Annual OBX Halloween International Film Festival is coming to the rescue.  

The OBX Halloween International Film Festival (HIFF) got its start in 2016 when local residents, and owners of OBX Entertainment, Sue and Matt Artz, decided to organize a local film festival. Selections of independent horror films from entrants around the world were screened over the course of three days, at the RC Theaters, in Kill Devil Hills.

Besides providing fun, scares, and inspiration, to those who attended, the HIFF served as an opportunity for its organizers to showcase the talent, creativity, and originality of independent filmmakers from around the globe. Independent film festivals are an excellent platform to generate exposure for filmmakers who have often sacrificed much of their time, money, and effort, in order to realize their creative visions. For the Artzs’ there was another crucial purpose for putting together a local film festival. That purpose… was to “celebrate a collective passion for Halloween.” Who doesn’t love that?

The first day of the 2016 festival was dedicated exclusively to films shot in North Carolina, which included a feature film that was shot entirely in the Outer Banks. Sol Invictus, was the Sci-fi adventure film by Asheville native Ben Carland. The story took place on a baron, desert-like planet in the future, and the Outer Banks happened to provide a perfect location for depicting such a setting.  Most of the scenes in the film were shot on the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head. 

The success of the inaugural Halloween International film festival in 2016 led to it becoming an annual tradition on the Outer Banks. Every year, anyone interested can submit an original short or feature length film, for a chance to have his or her film selected to be screened during the festival. The best submissions are carefully selected.   

In the past there have been panel discussions, Q&A’s with the film-makers, costume contests, and even an “orange carpet” to walk down.  

This year, for obvious reasons, it is just not possible to have an in-person event. Determined to let the show go on, the Artz strived to make it happen, and in doing so, they managed to organize an all-online, “virtual” film festival.  

Whether you live on the Outer Banks, or not, be sure to mark your calendars for the 5th Annual OBX Halloween International Film Festival. It is presented by Halloween Daily News, and will be streaming online on October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd via the online streaming platform, Eventive.org. 

There will be over 30 official selections streaming live according to schedule, just as they would for an in-person festival. Films will only be screened once, so be sure to follow the schedule. A list of the official selections and additional information can be found at Halloweendailynews.com where there is also a link to the festival’s Facebook page. Be sure to follow along online, as there will be upcoming details and announcements being posted as plans are finalized. You can also find information on how to become a sponsor and how to submit your own film.

You don’t even have to be obsessed with horror movies to enjoy this event. Besides enjoying the sheer entertainment value of a weekend by watching dozens of original films, it will be a much appreciated way of showing your support for the hardworking filmmakers, organizers, and sponsors.  Who knows, you may even be inspired to shoot your own film for next year’s festival.  

Gather your friends and family, stock up on popcorn and candy, and get ready to transform your house into your own personal theater…the 5th annual, 1st virtual, OBX Halloween International Film Festival is coming soon!