GFF19: Screening Blair Witch in a Secret Location

The best events are innovative, immersive and unforgettable. #GFF19 definitely delivered.

In 1999, The Blair Witch Project revitalised the horror genre with its found footage motif and vérité style. Even by today’s standards, it’s widely regarded as one of the scariest films of all time.

In 2019, the Glasgow Film Festival team wanted to celebrate the movie’s 20th anniversary with a special, one-of-a-kind screening – one that would bring the film to life, and fully immerse the audience in the experience. We were delighted when they asked us to join in, supporting the event with lighting, sound and screening.

The plan was to screen the film in a secret location, meaning the audience would only be given need-to-know info in advance. They were told to (1) wrap up in warm, waterproof clothes and (2) head to a pick up point at their designated time, where buses would be waiting for them. The rest they would discover on the day.

After dark, of course.

Mind your step, and don’t venture alone in the dark.

When the buses arrived, attendees were armed with flashlights and embarked on a 15-minute walk through the forrest to get to the marquee – our makeshift theatre for the evening.

If that wasn’t daunting enough, performers were scattered along the route, setting the scene and, in doing so, terrifying our valiant cinema goers.

Once inside, they breathed a collective sigh of relief, grabbing their chance to warm up in front of heaters, get some food and a drink, sit down, and relax.

But not for long – because the film was about to begin. And suddenly their trek through the forrest seemed like a walk in the park.

Remember, it’s only a movie. . .isn’t it?

This event was a thrill to work on, in more ways than one. Experiential, energetic, exciting from start to finish. And a happy client at the end was the best bit.

“Thank you so much for another year of brilliant support for our GFF Special Events. It’s been a blast and our audience feedback is great ☺” — Sandra Sighel, Event Manager

Always a pleasure to work with the ever-innovative Glasgow Film Fest crowd – bring on #GFF20!

Experiential events are our thing. Get in touch.

Photography by Ingrid Mur.