The Oculto Horror Film Festival returns for its haunting fifth edition, bringing an electrifying celebration of horror and fantastic cinema to El Paso and Juárez.
The festival commences in El Paso with an eerie cocktail event on Friday the 13th at 6 p.m. at the Philanthropy Theater, inside the Plaza Theatre. The red-carpet event features none other than Doug Jones, a seasoned actor renowned for his exceptional portrayal of non-human creatures in films like “The Shape of Water”, “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Hellboy”. With a career characterized by his uncanny ability to breathe life into otherworldly characters, Jones has become a true icon of the silver screen, known for his captivating performances that transcend the ordinary.
Tickets are on sale now at ocultofilmfest.com.
On October 14, the festival continues at the Philanthropy Theatre with special guests José Antonio Badía, Eduardo Espinosa and Jorge Szewc from “Leyendas Legendarias,” recognized as one of Mexico’s premier podcasts. The LA Times hailed it as “the #1 Spanish-language podcast in the world.”
The festival is a bi-national celebration of horror and fantastic cinema, captivating audiences on both sides of the border in El Paso, Texas, and Juárez, Mexico. This thrilling event unites filmmakers and creators from around the world, offering a diverse selection of short and feature films.
Founded in 2018 by renowned filmmaker and film festival director Carlos “Cabe” Tejeda, the festival has evolved into an international platform for filmmakers and content creators to showcase their works, all while uniting a diverse audience under the banner of fear and excitement.
The festival’s mission is to support filmmakers and deliver a complete genre film experience to the audience, providing networking and visibility opportunities for all participating talents. Fueled by a deep passion for horror films, the Oculto Horror Film Festival is dedicated to promoting horror films and filmmakers from around the world, earning recognition as a prominent global event within the genre.
Setting itself apart with a bi-national presence, the festival takes place in two vibrant border cities – El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Attendees will experience a culturally diverse and inclusive setting from October 20-22 in Juárez, and October 13 &14 in El Paso, with thrilling activities such as screenings, workshops, live music, drinks, and delectable food planned throughout the day at various locations.
Additionally, a captivating three-day program will be televised on Canal 44 on October 26-28, aiming to expand its audience reach across the regions of Chihuahua, Mexicali, Texas, and Tijuana.
In Ciudad Juárez, Oculto kicks off on October 20, welcoming a wide variety of special guests and renowned workshop leaders in the industry such as: Martha Claudia Moreno, María Aura, Mario Sandoval, Sandra Becerril, Henry Bedwell, Rodrigo Hernández, among many other industry experts who will attend the festival through the Closing Ceremony on October 22.
Looking ahead, Carlos “Cabe” Tejeda envisions a brighter future for the Oculto Horror Film Festival. The goal is to solidify its position as a globally consolidated horror film festival, making Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, and El Paso, Texas, the ultimate film destination during the haunting month of October.
Carlos Tejeda, the driving force behind the festival, states, “We are dedicated to supporting filmmakers and creating an inclusive environment for horror enthusiasts. Our ultimate goal is to showcase the best of horror cinema, bridge borders, and bring a thrilling cinematic experience to audiences worldwide.”
