various
Director: various

This eclectic encyclopedia of terror and bloodshed features 26 alphabetized segments, each helmed by a different prominent horror movie director. Spanning 15 countries, the offerings range from chilling and gruesome to irreverent and hilarious, as the directors explore the theme of death in many guises. Essential viewing for horror aficionados, The ABCs of Death is an original, provocative work from a who’s who of modern horror filmmakers.

English and various languages with subtitles, 123 min

USA
Director: Benjamin Kegan

Cole is home for the holidays … and now they’re over. A humorous look at a young man’s relationship with his parents and the trials and tribulations of returning to the family home.

Part of: Shorts 1: City & State

English, 11 min

France / Mexico
Director: Michel Franco

Teenager Alé (short for “Alejandra”) is mourning her mother and lonely in a new school. When a video emerges of her drunkenly having sex in a bathroom, she immediately becomes a target for the popular kids. Their torments grow in intensity and cruelty, wearing down the weary Alé’s resistance. After Lucia’s intense, shocking exploration of the violent effects of bullying earned it the prestigious Un Certain Regard prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Spanish with subtitles, 102 min

USA

Voice-over and radio legend Ken Nordine (Word Jazz) has recorded hundreds of radio and TV spots and movie trailers over the past seven decades and has been the voice of our Festival for 47 years. From his far-out mind comes Agenbite of Inwit, which he describes simply: “The title comes from a phrase purported to be from a Benedictine monk who lived in the 14th century, and dealt with the inner workings of the bite on conscience. Take a look, hope you like it.”

English, 57 min

Albania / France / Greece / Romania
Director: Robert Budina

A powerful drama about cultural conflict and the strength of familial bonds, Agon explores the relationship between Albanian brothers who must deal with prejudice treatment and bigotry in a new country. Saimir is well-established and thriving with a stable job and a fiancé in Greece, while Vini, newly emigrated, is involved with dangerous criminals. Family is incredibly important to both brothers, but their differences open a rift between them that they must confront.

Albanian, Greek with subtitles, 110 min