THE film enthusiasts who brought old-fashioned celluloid back to Dorset are putting on a two-day festival of cult horror movies.

Grindfest 22 will see seven genre favourites – including a mystery movie – projected on 35mm film at Christchurch’s Regent Centre.

It is being run by Dirt In the Gate, which has run a series of classic film shows at the venue.

Grindfest begins on Friday, September 9, with the Quentin Tarantino-scripted From Dusk Till Dawn, followed by the mystery movie.

Saturday, September 10, sees Creepshow 2, The Hunger, a Short Film Showcase, Rawhead Rex, Alien and the horror comedy Maximum Overdrive, the only film directed by author Stephen King.

Darren Payne of Dirt in the Gate said: “We returned to regular 35mm screenings in October 2021 with Joe Dante's Matinee as part of the Regent's 90th year celebrations and are thrilled to continue our partnership.

“A personal highlight from our recent programming was screening an original print of An American Werewolf In London. Seeing the same print projected that entertained audiences 42 years ago is a humbling experience and had total audience engagement right through to the last credit.

“Grindfest is the ultimate celebration of genre film presented in its original theatrical film format, something that is becoming increasingly hard to see outside key city venues since the mass roll out of digital projection around 10 years ago. There is something very special about a film print, even with its imperfections make every single screening unique.

“Sourcing this year's films has taken us around the UK and further afield. Creepshow 2, for example, originated from the USA.

“It’s a true labour of love but the feedback we get from our audiences makes all the hard work worthwhile, especially fans travelling many miles to see a rare film print projected.

“I'm excited about this year’s line-up. Many of the films haven't been seen theatrically in the local area for decades, with some only released on video initially.

“Our Mystery Movie slot has got tongues wagging but our lips are firmly sealed until the Regent's curtains open! We're also dedicating a slot for new short films, something I'm really passionate about.

“It's a call-back to when cinemas would programme a short film to compliment the feature and was often a gateway for film makers to enter the film industry so is a great way to experience something fresh and new to the classic repertory line up.”

Details are at regentcentre.co.uk