New Italian Horror Comes 'Across The River'

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on May 30, 2014 9:30PM

Horror film buffs starved for the kind of creepy, highly atmospheric terror neglected by most mainstream fright flicks may want to make their way to Chicago Filmmakers on June 7. That’s when the media arts group, along with the Chicago Cinema Society, will present the Chicago premiere of the Italian chiller, Across the River.

Described by the CCS as taking “a slow-building, intense crescendo approach to its atmosphere of disorientation and dread,” Across the River generated much positive feedback when it had its world premiere last summer at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal (the top global festival for genre films). The nearly dialogue-free film follows a wildlife biologist who discovers an abandoned village and the menace within.

In addition to the 8 p.m. showing Saturday, June 7 at Chicago Filmmakers’ Screening Space (5243 N. Clark St.), Across the River will have a second screening at Columbia College’s Hokin Hall (623 S. Wabash) at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11.

In its short history, the Chicago Cinema Society has become a valuable part of this city’s film culture. They have served genre film fans particularly well, with screenings of old and new movies from around the world that might otherwise have never played here theatrically. From vintage martial arts curios like Master of the Flying Guillotine and Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky to contemporary sci-fi/horror mind-benders like Antiviral and Vanishing Waves, the CCS has offered many welcome additions to the local independent/repertory movie scene. The closing of the Patio Theater (temporary, we hope) and uncertain new future of the Portage Theater have impacted their scheduling, but it’s great to see them partner with Chicago Filmmakers to keep their mission rolling.

By: Joel Wicklund