Overlook Film Festival 2026 Unveils Thrilling First Wave: ‘Obsession,’ ‘Leviticus,’ ‘Hokum’ & More!

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By : Claude Merritt

The Overlook Film Festival is gearing up for its 10th season of horror and haunts in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans, Louisiana, from April 9-12. This year, the festival, known for its eerie ambiance paired with the city’s supernatural charm, will feature a blend of new releases, world premieres, and a tribute to legends of horror cinema.

### Festival Highlights and Key Features

#### Celebrating New and Returning Talents
The festival will kick off with Curry Barker’s latest horror feature, “Obsession,” a chilling tale of unrequited love and nightmarish fantasies. As we delve deeper into the festival, Adrian Chiarella’s “Leviticus,” a spine-tingling story of teenage boys facing a malevolent force, will serve as the centerpiece. The closing night will feature Damian McCarthy’s “Hokum,” where a novelist confronts his dark past amidst mysterious disappearances and ghostly tales.

#### Spotlights on Global Cinema
The festival’s feature film segment is rich with diverse international offerings. Notable entries include “Boorman and the Devil,” a documentary detailing John Boorman’s tumultuous journey creating a sequel to “The Exorcist,” and “Chili Finger,” a darkly comic thriller about a couple’s descent into chaos after a disturbing discovery at a fast food restaurant.

#### Honoring a Master of Horror
This year, the festival honors Rick Baker, a legendary makeup artist known for his work on “An American Werewolf in London,” with the Master of Horror award. The event will include a special 45th-anniversary screening of the film, followed by a live discussion with Baker.

#### Immersive and Interactive Experiences
The Overlook Film Festival also offers unique immersive experiences. “ETERNAL” invites participants to a solitary audio experience exploring eternal life, while “HAG” offers a playful and spooky interaction with Shakespeare’s Weird Sisters. Additionally, the festival features the “SHUDDER SECOND LINE PARADE,” a horror-themed street procession that blends New Orleans’ rich parade culture with eerie surprises, setting the celebratory tone for the festival.

### Discoveries in Short Films
Curated by critic Katie Rife, the short films section continues to be a highlight. This year’s themes—Feral, Freaky, and Static—promise a mix of horror styles and innovations. Entries include “Blister,” a terrifying account of a paranormal experiment gone wrong, and “Breeder,” where a woman’s indecision about motherhood takes a demonic turn.

#### Special Screenings and Retrospectives
Apart from the new releases, the festival pays homage to horror classics and cult favorites. “A Page of Madness,” a Japanese avant-garde film from 1926, will be presented with a live score, celebrating its 100th anniversary in a fusion of classic cinema and live music performance.

### Engaging with the Genre Community
Overlook not only showcases films but also fosters a sense of community among horror enthusiasts. Discussions, panels, and interactive events allow fans and creators to engage deeply with the genre, discussing everything from film craft to the nuances of horror storytelling.

As the festival approaches, horror aficionados are invited to immerse themselves in the cinematic and communal offerings of the Overlook Film Festival. With its unique blend of screenings, special events, and interactive experiences, the festival promises to be a memorable celebration of horror in the heart of one of America’s most haunted cities. Passes are available now, ensuring access to a diverse lineup of horror that continues to push the boundaries of the genre.

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