Mar 19 2025 70 mins
The visual effects revolution has transformed indie horror and sci-fi filmmaking, and nowhere is this more evident than at the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival. In this captivating conversation, we sit down with the festival's executive staff to explore how VFX has evolved throughout the festival's 20-year history.
Festival Director Monte Yazzie joins Horror Program Directors Brandon Kinchen and Danny Marianino and Sci-Fi Program Director Michael Stackpole to share their journey from film fans to festival programmers. Together, they paint a fascinating picture of how technological democratization has empowered creators to achieve Hollywood-quality effects on shoestring budgets.
"There's everything before Texas Chainsaw Massacre and everything after," explains Yazzie, highlighting how landmark films transformed what's possible in indie horror. Today's filmmakers build on this legacy, combining practical effects with digital wizardry to create seamless illusions that were once the domain of major studios alone.
The team reveals their programming philosophy, describing it as crafting "the perfect mixtape" of films that take audiences on an emotional journey. They discuss standout submissions for the 2025 festival, including Freaky Tales featuring Pedro Pascal, The Surfer with Nicholas Cage, and two Texas Chainsaw Massacre documentaries that explore the franchise's cultural impact.
Whether you're a filmmaker looking to incorporate VFX into your work or simply a fan of these beloved genres, this conversation offers invaluable insights into how passion, technology, and community continue to push the boundaries of independent filmmaking. Don't miss the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, running alongside the Phoenix Film Festival from March 27-April 6, 2025.
Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversation 30 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching all aspects of digital filmmaking at the university level.
For episodes, transcripts, and more, visit http://vfxforindies.com
For more information about what Foxtrot X-Ray can do for your film, visit https://foxtrotxray.com