Toby Poser

“The first year, we didn’t have any one genre; we wanted to offer a platform to women filmmakers. However, I soon realised that while other genres still have women filmmakers, horror at that point had less than 0.2 per cent female creators,” she says, explaining the reason to organise a genre-specific film festival, which includes works from the people of the LGBTQiA+ community and non-binary filmmakers.

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Sapna Bhavnani

“The word ‘wench’ actually means a girl child, but over time, it developed a negative connotation and now alludes to promiscuous women. Our aim is to retain its original meaning,” explains Bhavnani. The opening night will witness the Indian premiere of When the Devil Roams by John Adams, Zelda Adams and Toby Poser. Poser, who flew down to Mumbai from the USA yesterday, tells this writer that the movie is about a family of murderous sideshow performers. “I am honoured to bring this movie to India. I will also conduct a workshop that will teach the participants how to make independent films,” Poser says.

Bhavnani notes that horror is scientifically proven as a tool to calm down. “It is also the best medium to offer a social message. After all, it is fantasy; you have full liberty to add demons and vampires to deliver an impactful message,” she signs off.

A still from the trailer of animated movie Sultana’s Dream

Age group 18 and above
On February 29 to March 3 
At Veda Black Box by Veda Factory, Versova, Andheri West. 
Log on to wenchfilmfestival.com (for schedule); insider.in (for passes) 
Cost Rs 199 onwards

The Guide’s top 5 picks

>> Wicked beats
This performance by hip-hop artiste Krantinaari (in pic) is sure to send you on a spooky trance.
On February 29; 5 pm

>> The mysterious Matrix
In this retelling of The Matrix, popular culture podcast and collective Greek Fruit will conduct an immersive and exclusive table reading of the script with live performances.
On February 29; 4 pm

Pic Courtesy/Instagram

>> The power of words
Learn how to write impactful scripts with director and author Kaizad Gustad.
On March 2; 4:30 pm

>> For kids
Animated movie Sultana’s Dream by Isabel Herguera is one of the few movies at the festival that can be watched by children.
On March 3; 5.30 pm 

>> Go independent
Director Toby Poser will guide you on how to create independent films with less resources.
On March 1; 7 pm