In 2009, Manchester saw the creation of Grimmfest, a festival brimming with a love for horror, science fiction, and an array of other genres. Founded by Simeon Halligan and Rachel Richardson-Jones, the duo collaborated with film curator Steve Balshaw to establish a unique event dedicated to genre films that often went overlooked. Over the years, Grimmfest has become not only Manchester’s first specialized horror and genre film festival but also one of the most renowned film festivals across the UK. Every year, it attracts hundreds of thousands of film enthusiasts and budding directors from around the world. Read more at manchesterski.com.
History of Manchester’s Film Festival
The origins of Grimmfest date back to 2009. At the time, local filmmakers Rachel Richardson-Jones and Simeon Halligan sought a platform to showcase their horror film. They teamed up with Steve Balshaw, who was managing a film festival in Salford, and conceived the idea of a Halloween horror movie night. This event quickly evolved into a larger, three-day celebration featuring not only new horror films but also short films and classic screenings. This marked the birth of Grimmfest.
The festival’s name was inspired by the phrase “It’s Grim Up North” and the legendary Brothers Grimm. Initially called “GRIMM UP NORTH,” the name was later shortened to Grimmfest as it gained popularity among attendees.
From its inception, Grimmfest aimed not only to showcase horror films but also to bring together like-minded individuals in the genre filmmaking community. At the time, Manchester lacked venues and events dedicated to showcasing horror films, let alone independent genre productions. Grimmfest filled this cultural gap.
From the start, Grimmfest sought to elevate the horror genre as an art form. For years, the genre had been underestimated, dismissed as mere gore and sensationalism. In reality, horror often reflects societal fears, anxieties, and taboos. The festival provided filmmakers with a platform to explore these profound themes.
Festival Venues
Since 2009, Grimmfest has been held in various locations across Manchester. In its early years, it took place at venues such as Vue Printworks, The Dancehouse Theatre, and Odeon Great Northern. Additional screenings were hosted at Stockport Plaza, Gorilla, The Lass O’ Gowrie, Albert Hall, John Rylands Library, MOSI, MMU, Manchester Cathedral, and more.
In recent years, the festival has primarily been held at the Odeon Great Northern in Manchester.
Evolution of Grimmfest
Grimmfest quickly became one of the most prestigious film festivals, not just in Manchester but across Europe. Since 2009, the festival has traditionally taken place every October, with additional screenings throughout the year.
Over time, the event expanded from a few days of screenings to a comprehensive multi-day festival featuring not only horror films but also feature films, short films, Q&A sessions with guest speakers, and special screenings.
From its inception, Grimmfest has been dedicated to showcasing independent cinema. It serves as an ideal platform for presenting independent films that often push the boundaries of imagination and filmmaking. This focus has made Grimmfest a launching pad for many emerging directors.
As the festival’s popularity grew, so did its influence. By the 2020s, Grimmfest was receiving submissions from filmmakers worldwide. Once a local event, it evolved into an international festival showcasing films from the UK, the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond, which are now integral parts of its program.
In 2020, Grimmfest adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to an online format. This shift allowed the festival to reach a broader audience while maintaining its core mission.
As the horror genre continues to thrive in the 2020s, Grimmfest remains a beloved event for filmmakers and fans alike.