GRINDFEST FILM FESTIVAL 19-21st September 2025

Name: GRINDFEST FILM FESTIVAL 19-21st September 2025
Start: 2025-09-19T17:00:00+01:00
Location: The Regent

Schedule

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025 at 05:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

The Regent | Christchurch, EN

The ultimate genre 3 day film on film festival returns this 19-21st September!
The masters of celluloid are back for GRINDFEST the SEVENTH edition! Join us for 3 days of classic genre film and share the ultimate cinematic experience in the luxurious Art-Deco surroundings of the award winning Regent, Christchurch!
We’ve searched archives and collections the world over to present to you, rare film prints, some of which you just won’t see anywhere else projected on these shores from the beloved 35mm format.
We've been itching to share this years GRINDFEST poster and Tee artwork from the genre guru's at Dead Good Tees. News coming soon on how you can order yours and add to your threads collection!
The amazing team at Horror Studies Research Group based at Northumbria University are once again supporting GRINDFEST and will be introducing several titles including hosting a round table discussion on Women in Horror ahead of AMERICAN PSYCHO.
We’ve got another 1980’s 3D classic rarely ever screened in the UK in its original over/under 3D process, PARASITE 3D with an early on-screen appearance from DEMI MOORE, this Charles Band schlocky dystopian sci-fi classic promises to be a cinema adventure you won’t forget!
Also, championing emerging and established film making talent from around the world, we’re thrilled to include our ever-expanding SHORT FILM SHOWCASE. Last year we were honoured to screen some incredible short films in our line-up from some exceptionally talented film makers including the Premiere of BACKMASK from Director duo, Fitch/Baker. This year we’re beyond excited to announce we have an entry submitted to us on 35mm film!
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of you awesome people had to say about us via BFI’s audience feedback.
“The best cinema experience I’ve ever had”
“Dirt in the Gate movies is always incredible; you get to see some amazing films on 35mm”
“Dirt in the Gate always deliver a thoroughly entertaining film event. Their passion for keeping 35mm film screening alive is infectious. They welcome and engage with their audience which cultivates a lovely community spirit. These events are totally unique in the area of the country I live and I'm grateful for the selfless work they put in to share their love of film.”
“Excellent event at an attractive venue, with very high standard of presentation.”
So, join us, share the love, give streaming a break, come and get your GRIND ON and immerse yourself in 3 days of mind melting genre filmic action and enjoy classic and contemporary film as it’s meant to be seen, theatrically on the big screen with friends.

3 Day pass and Individual tickets are available.
(Please note, you will need to be 18 years old or over to purchase and use a 3 Day pass)
Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – DREAMSCAPE (1984) - [35mm]
Directed by Joseph Ruben
Starring Dennis Quaid Max Von Sydow Christopher Plummer Kate Capshaw
1984| 99m| USA | (15) | 1.85:1 | Dolby Stereo|
“How did you sleep? Have any dreams?”
Its GRINDFEST 2025! We’re kick starting our 3-day genre event with the classic and criminally underrated 1984 sci-fi fantasy horror feature, DREAMSCAPE. Released the same year as A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, this almost forgotten classic is often overshadowed by Wes Craven’s huge box success. It’s time to re-appraise DREAMSCAPE!
A man who can enter and manipulate people's dreams is recruited by a government agency to help cure the President of the United States of his nightmares about nuclear war but stumbles upon an assassination plot.

The DITG team are thrilled to screen this from an original 35mm print!
The film will be introduced by Dr Simon Brown, Associate Professor, Northumbria University.
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available.
Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – THE HOWLING (1981) - [35mm]
Directed by Joe Dante
Starring Dee Wallace Patrick Macnee Dennis Dugan
1981| 91m| USA | (18) | 1.85:1 | Mono|
“What are you kids watching?”
GRINDFEST day one continues with Joe Dante’s THE HOWLING and takes the werewolf genre by the scruff of the neck and gives it a firm shake, creating something that feels both schlocky and subversive in equal measure. Fresh from Joe’s collaboration with Roger Corman, the film is a blend of 1980s sleaze and wry genre deconstruction, delivering fur, fangs, and some impressive practical effects that were groundbreaking for their time from FX guru Rob Bottin and protégé Rick Baker.
After a bizarre and near deadly encounter with a serial killer, a television newswoman heads to a remote mountain resort whose residents may not be what they seem...
Don’t miss THE HOWLING screening form an original theatrical 35mm print!
Introduction by Dr Kate Egan, Northumbria University
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available.

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – XTRO (1982) - [35mm]
Directed by Harry Bromley Davenport
Starring Philip Sayer Bernice Stegers Danny Brainin
1982| 95m|UK | (18) | 1.85:1 | Mono|
“Some extra-terrestrials aren't friendly”
Day one of GRINDFEST ’25 concludes with the perfect late-night movie, XTRO!
Three years ago, young Tony watched in horror as his father was taken into the night sky by a mysterious blinding light and never seen again. Until now. His father is coming home but he’s not the man he used to be... A must-see video rental of the 1980s, XTRO is one of the most outrageously bizarre, gory and insanely enjoyable horror films of its time.
Introduction by Dr Johnny Walker, Northumbria University.
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available.
**Saturday 20th September**
Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – THE QUIET EARTH (1985) - [35mm]
Directed by Geoff Murphy
Starring
1985| 95m| USA | (15) | 1.85:1 | Dolby Stereo|
“The end of the world is just the beginning”
GRINDFEST day two starts with a special 40th anniversary 35mm screening of this seminal 1985 classic THE QUIET EARTH. The first Science-Fiction film produced in New Zealand.
A man wakes up to find himself literally alone in the world and goes about trying to find other survivors, as well as to find out what happened. He suspects that a government research project he was involved in had something to do with the disappearance of everyone...
DITG are thrilled to screen THE QUIET EARTH from an original 35mm print!
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM SHOWCASE
Directed by Various
Starring TBC
Various | Worldwide | (18)| DCP/35mm
Championing emerging and established genre film making talent from around the world, we’re proud to present a meticulously curated short film programme to inspire and engage but ultimately showcase the importance of short film as a medium up on the big screen with an audience in a special, unique environment.
Keep a watch on Dirt in the Gate Movies Social Media channels to discover more as and when more titles are announced.
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available.

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000) – [35mm] + LIVE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON WOMEN IN HORROR
Directed by Mary Harron
Starring Christian Bale Justin Theroux Josh Lucas
2000| 145m|USA| (18) | 2.35:1 | Dolby SR
“I have to return some videotapes”
Dirt In The Gate Movies are thrilled to welcome Northumbria University’s Horror Research Group for a round table discussion prior to Mary Harron’s millennium masterpiece, AMERICAN PSYCHO. Joining the panel discussion will be, Professor Stacey Abbott, Dr Laura Mee, Dr Max Gee, Co-Director of Abertoir Film Festival Nia Edwards-Behi, Co-Director Grindfest, Ruby Payne and chaired by Dr Kate Egan.

AMERICAN PSYCHO - A wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.
Introduced by Dr Laura Mee, University of Hertfordshire.
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available.

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – DEAD BIRDS (2004) - [35mm]
Directed by Alex Turner
Starring Henry Thomas Michael Shannon Patrick Fugit Nicki Aycox
2004| 90m| USA| (18) | 1.85:1 | Dolby SR|
“I’m not leaving here without the gold”
A group of Confederate soldiers in the American Civil War hole up in an abandoned plantation and find themselves at the mercy of supernatural forces.
The DITG team are thrilled to screen this under-rated modern cult classic from an ultra-rare original 35mm print and will include a video introduction by Director Alex Turner.
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – BRAINSCAN (1994) - [35mm]
Directed by John Flynn
Starring Edward Furlong, Frank Langella, T.Ryder Smith
1994| 96m| USA | (15) | 1.85:1 | Dolby Stereo|
“Goodbye reality, welcome virtual reality”
A teenage horror film fan discovers a computer game that allows the user to customise a horrifying experience using hypnosis. When the game ends, the boy discovers a much, much bigger horror.

The DITG team are thrilled to screen this 1994 cult classic at GRINDFEST from a 35mm print!
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – MYSTERY MOVIE (????) - [????]
Directed by ????
Starring ????
????| ??m|???? | (18) | ?? | ??|
No clues, no hints until the reels roll… What WILL the MYSTERY MOVIE be?
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available

**Sunday 21st September**
Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – PARASITE 3D (1982) - [35mm Over/Under 3D]
Directed by Charles Band
Starring Robert Glaudini, Demi Moore, Luca Bercovici, James Davidson
1982| 90m| USA | (15) | 35mm Over/Under 3D | Mono|
“The first futuristic monster movie in 3D!”
We’re proud to have been able to recently resurrect the experience of projecting original 35mm over/under 3D prints, titles including AMITYVILLE 3D, JAWS 3D, FRIDAY THE 13th 3D, FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN 3D, SPACEHUNTER 3D and TREASURE OF THE FOUR CROWNS 3D at last year’s GRINDFEST. Using modern chromatic filtered lenses and new Panavision 3D glasses, naturally we’re stoked to bring another of the 1970’s/80’s 3D revival era, PARASITE 3D to this year’s festival!
Paul Dean has created a deadly parasite that is now attached to his stomach. He and his female companion, Patricia Welles, must find a way to destroy it while also trying to avoid Ricus, his rednecks, and an evil government agent named Merchant.
The DITG team are thrilled to screen this from an original 3D 35mm print in the UK!
(3D glasses will be loaned for the screening)
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – VIDEODROME (1983) - [35mm]
Directed by David Cronenberg
Starring James Woods, Debbie Harry, Sonja Smits
1983| 90m| USA | (18) | 1.85:1 | Mono|
“You'll forgive me if I don't stay around to watch. I just can't cope with the freaky stuff.”
Last year, David Cronenberg’s THE FLY wowed the GRINDFEST crowd, this year we’re delighted to bring another of his timeless classics to the festival.
Amoral TV station president Max Renn, on a constant quest to find boundary-pushing new content, is exposed to hyper-violent imagery via an illicit broadcast channel. Instantly enamoured by the footage, he becomes obsessed with finding its source. As he watches more and delves deeper into the underground world that controls the footage, his sense of reality begins to warp, and disturbing hallucinations manifest in the flesh. Is Renn losing his mind or experiencing the next step in human and technological evolution? Cronenberg’s graphic body-horror is on full display as he explores the melding of technology and human biology.
Introduction by Professor Stacey Abbott, Northumbria University.
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – NEW YORK NINJA (1984/2021) - [DCP]
Directed by John Liu, Kurtis Spieler
Starring Don Wilson, Michael Berryman, Linnea Quigley
1984/2021| 85m| USA | (18) | 1.85:1 |
“Why? Why is this happening? Why won't anyone do anything? I don't understand. Why? Why? Why?”
John is just an average man working as a sound technician for a New York City news station, until one day his pregnant wife is brutally murdered after witnessing the kidnapping of a young woman in broad daylight. Turning to the police for help, John soon learns that the city is overrun with crime and the police are too busy to help. Dressing as a white ninja, John takes to the streets as a sword wielding vigilante hell bent on cleaning up the streets of the city he once loved by ridding it of muggers, pickpockets, rapists, and gang members. However, in John’s quest for justice, he soon finds himself the target of every criminal in the city, including a mysterious villain known only as the Plutonium Killer. Will John survive to become the hero that New York City so desperately needs?
Originally directed by and starring martial arts actor John Liu (The Secret Rivals, Invincible Armor) in his only American production, New York Ninja was filmed entirely on 35mm in 1984, but the project was abandoned during production resulting in all original sound materials, scripts, and treatments going missing. 35 years later, Vinegar Syndrome acquired the original unedited camera negative and painstakingly constructed and completed the film. Enlisting the voice talents of genre favorites: Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Bloodfist, Whatever it Takes), Linnea Quigley (Return of the Living Dead, Nightmare Sisters), Michael Berryman (The Hills have Eyes, Auntie Lee’s Meat Pies), Vince Murdocco (Night Hunter, LA Wars), Matt Mitler (The Mutilator, Battle for the Lost Planet), Leon Isaac Kennedy (Lone Wolf McQuade, Penitentiary), Ginger Lynn Allen (The Devil’s Rejects, Vice Academy), and Cynthia Rothrock (China O’Brien, Martial Law) . Restored from the original camera elements, New York Ninja is finally available in all its ridiculous over-the-top glory for the first time ever after spending four decades in film obscurity.
Huge thanks and respect to Vinegar Syndrome for bringing this project to life.

*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – THE ADVENTURES OF FORD FAIRLANE (1990) - [35mm]
Directed by Renny Harlin
Starring Andrew Dice Clay, Wayne Newton, Priscilla Presley, Robert Englund
1990| 104m| USA | (15) | 2.35:1 | Dolby Stereo|
“Have a twinkie, snapperhead.”
The fast-paced and often seamy world of rock 'n' roll is his beat, but even detective Ford Fairlane is stunned when the king of shock-jocks, Johnny Crunch, is electrocuted live on air. After all, Crunch was his only paying client! Crunch had hired Ford to track down a mysterious teenage groupie named Zuzu Petals - a search which quickly finds Ford tangled up, and trading insults, with a ruthless record executive and merciless hitman.
The DITG team are thrilled to screen this from an original 35mm print in the UK!
Introduced by Rebecca Nicole Williams aka The Celluloid Sorceress.
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available.

Dirt In The Gate Movies Presents GRINDFEST – TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY (1991) - [35mm]
Directed by James Cameron
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick Earl Boen
1991| 137m| USA | (15) | 2.35:1 | Dolby Stereo|
“I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle”

GRINDFEST 2025 concludes with James Cameron’s all time classic sci-fi sequel, TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY.
The cyborg who once tried to K*ll Sarah Connor is dead, and another T-101 must now protect her teenage son, John Connor, from an even more powerful and advanced Terminator, the T-1000.
The DITG team are thrilled to screen this from an original 35mm print!
*Included in GRINDFEST Festival pass, single tickets also available