Mayhem 2018 Date Announcement

It's not even Spring but it's time to start thinking about Halloween month already because Mayhem have announced that their 14th film festival will take place in the second weekend in October, 11th-14th.
Last year boasted a screening of Mayhem at Mayhem & Friday the 13th shown in gloriously terrible 3D on Friday the 13th. I'm not sure we'll get that literal again but we're sure to get another year of great previews, Q&As, shorts from around the world & a bastard hard quiz: not to be missed!
Here's the announcement from Mayhem themselves, I'll post updates as we get them:

SAVE THE DATE - 11-14 OCTOBER 2018!

We are delighted to announce that we will return for our 14th edition this autumn, from 11-14 October at Broadway, Nottingham.

We're in the initial stages of planning but as always, you can expect previews, premieres, guests and special events, as we work to bring you the best of horror, sci-fi and cult cinema over our four-day weekend. We'll have more information on Early Bird Passes and film submissions soon, so watch this space for more from us

Soska Sisters Massive Blood Drive Part 1

As you may or may not know, February is Women in Horror month! That also means it's time for the Soska Sisters Blood Drive PSAs.

The pair do this every year to promote the incredibly important cause of blood donation & the theme this year was rightfully 'be a hero'. Here in the UK we need 6,000 donations per day so if you can be one of those heroes visit blood.co.uk to find a donation session near you.

This year was the biggest year yet for the Blood Drive with 28 PSAs, one from a different filmmaker every day so plenty of inspiration to get your red stuff flowing! It attracted a massively high level of talent as always & they're all worth watching but some aren't for the easily grossed out!

I'm a little behind with them, the last one was released two days ago, so this post will highlight the first 14, then a second post will follow in a few days for the other half when I'm caught up.

Day 1: Be Positive by Joe Magna
This one was a great way to start, a funny ending & a great big screw you to Harvey Winesnob!
https://youtu.be/_9qJvqPNnow

Day 2: Be A Hero by Vanessa Ionta Wright
Short but sweet, stunning visuals & very literal with the theme.
https://youtu.be/6bvYMvulwEo

Day 3: Sanguino by Dana Noffke
Black & white fun, some great visuals effects & proof everyone likes jam sandwiches 😂. Starring Madaline Brumby & an 8-year-old monster maker!
https://youtu.be/YkGQtcWOqtQ

Day 4: The Coming Dawn Ministry by Mark Alan Miller & Christian Francis
This one's very creepy! Great acting & the end was superb. The sound is a little quiet near the beginning but it kicks in louder at the end so don't turn it up too high & deafen yourself like I did!
https://youtu.be/V_wFp-MhEgg

Day 5: Got Blood? by Aislinn Clarke
Another short but sweet one, I loved the style of this one & it was hilarious. Lots of blood thrown around in this one & make sure to look for a funny addition to the end of the credits.
https://youtu.be/uHFTdcCgiig

Day 6: Red Light by Lex Lybrand
Subtitled (these filmmakers are from across the world) & with a moment you won't see coming. Interesting filming style too.
https://youtu.be/kA8ASHWRicc

Day 7: Type O Negative Man by Maude Michaud
I think this is my favourite so far. A hilarious  mockumentary with a great cast & makes sure it gets the serious message across too.
https://youtu.be/3gznzs1F2tk

Day 8: Party Prick by Samantha Hawkins & Kimberley Pipkin
This one is by a team who were one of the winners of the American Mary Sweden competition & this is in a similar style. Another one that had a lot of fun with the theme & made sure to push the message too.
https://youtu.be/dse5uBYjQHE

Day 9: It's In You by Izzy Lee
I love how this one looks, there's a brilliant comedy twist & the monster design is just brilliant. Apparently it's being expanded into a longer short which is brilliant news.
https://youtu.be/8WzlpmdwHjo

Day 10: My Father, My Hero by Andrew Hass & Kynda Laufmann
Another black and white one with a great concept & a sitcom laugh track which fits really well. This one was also featured on the director's local news so the important cause has had a great reach this year.
https://youtu.be/TeLqWdkeSgg

Day 11: Sammy by Aleah Anseth
This one is a bit warped but it was really on my wavelength, beautifully filmed & great child actors. Plenty of the red stuff too!
https://youtu.be/RAIXsco5iXg

Day 12: Bitch by Stephanie Dugan
Socially relevant beginning, some gorgeous shots & a surprise comedy ending. I very much enjoyed this one.
https://youtu.be/2yokvOWMymg

Day 13: Haemo Eradication Services by Angela Nolan & Martyn Fleetwood
That's right I was honoured to have a slot this year! We took the theme quite literally & I hope you enjoy it, I'd love to know what you think. I can't donate blood for health reasons so I was very pleased to be able to support the cause in another way
https://youtu.be/65GDUdjahR8

Day 14: Donor by Atropa Films
Definitely not for the faint of heart! One of the longer & gorier entries it's all from first-person view & has an interesting story, great acting & really grossed me out!
https://youtu.be/1cv2hhVf0II

That's it for this entry, part two coming soon, please share the PSAs because blood donation is such an important cause all year round not just February!