Macabro Festival Revives VHS Format, Celebrates 25 Years with Global Horror Premieres

Mexico City's renowned Macabro Film Festival is set to mark its 25th anniversary this August, promising a robust celebration of horror cinema with over 100 films hailing from approximately 20 countries. The festival, which has grown significantly since its inception, will kick off on August 12 at the Teatro de la Ciudad, extending its reach to various iconic venues across the capital, including the Cineteca Nacional, La Casa de Cine, Panteón San Fernando, and Cinematógrafo El Chopo.

This year's lineup boasts a diverse array of terror, including the latest offering from director Eli Roth, titled "El heladero." Attendees can also look forward to a special screening of the classic film "Terror y encajes negros." The festival's commitment to preserving cinematic formats will be evident through VHS screenings, aiming to revive appreciation for the analog medium.

Edna Campos, the director of Macabro, reflected on the festival's growth, noting the increasing audience size and generational shift. "The festival started with few people (audience) and now we see that it has become a bit big, just like us (laughs), now we are seeing that generational change," she commented. Campos added that the festival has attracted not only genre enthusiasts but also a broader audience.

The selection includes notable Ibero-American horror entries such as the Mexican film "Amor de madre," directed by Luis Urquiza, alongside "Historias sobrenaturales" from Chile, "Insecta" from Uruguay, and "GAUA" from Spain. In the fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller categories, highlights include "Godzilla en Santa Fé" (Argentina), "Cuento siniestro" (Mexico), "Body blow" (Australia), and "African Kung Fu Nazis II" (Germany). Festival organizers are also considering a dedicated category for AI-themed films in the future, though the current priority remains on traditional cinematic narratives.