Christmas-themed horror films have a long tradition, with Killer Santa Claus flicks being a particular popular subgenre. As far as I know, though, there have not been many (if any?) films featuring a killer Mrs. Claus. Texas filmmaker Troy Escamilla and Fright Meter Films are looking to correct that with their planned holiday horror film Stirring. They are currently in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to raise $13,500 by March 10, 2017, so they can begin shooting, with a target release date of Fall 2018. The filmmakers look to be going for the retro-horror market with the film being an homage to such holiday horror classics as Black Christmas (1974) and Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984). 1980s scream queens Brinke Stevens (The Slumber Party Massacre (1982), Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988)) and Helene Udy (My Bloody Valentine (1981), The Dead Zone (1983)) are slated to star.
Check out the official press release and launch video below, then swing on by their Kickstarter to check out the available perks.
“January 31st, 2017, Houston TX — Troy Escamilla, in collaboration with Fright Meter Films, is set to produce his second feature film and bring true holiday terror to the screen in Fall 2018. Titled Stirring and penned by Escamilla, it was inspired by Escamilla’s favorite horror film, 1974’s Black Christmas and will focus a group of students attending a Christmas party at a sorority house with a sinister past who are stalked by a bloodthirsty killer. Horror icon and Scream Queen Brinke Stevens is set to star in the film alongside Helene Udy who appeared in the classic 1981 slasher My Bloody Valentine and up and coming indie horror actress Kaylee Williams (Model Hunger, The Lashman, Porkchop 3D).
Escamilla has a goal of raising $13,500 by March 10th, 2016 with the Stirring campaign. There are a plethora of great rewards available for backers, including the opportunity to be an extra in the film! Troy Escamilla knows and respects the horror genre. He founded the Fright Meter Awards, which have grown in respect and popularity over the last few years with global backers that make up the over 50 member international Award Committee, including bloggers, writers, directors, producers, actors and fans in the horror genre.
Fright Meter Films first feature, Party Night, was filmed this past June after being successfully funded on Kickstarter. Also written and directed by Escamilla, it wrapped post production last month and has received very positive early reviews from sites such as Dread Central, iHorror, The Horror Sydicate, and PopHorror. Escamilla plans to hit the festival circuit in 2017 with Party Night. He promises Stirring will not disappoint: “Fans of holiday themed horror will enjoy the hell out of it; it’s bigger, bloodier and bolder than Party Night! Fans will recognize winks to Black Christmas, Silent Night, Deadly Night and To All a Goodnight, but will also appreciate its own unique style and take on the Christmas themed slasher,”
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