Toronto After Dark 2008

Since getting back from Reykjavik, I have been insanely busy and this year’s Toronto After Dark film festival has sort of snuck up on me. One of the most well-organized small fests I’ve attended, this annual showcase for “horror, sci-fi, action and cult cinema” is now in its third year. And despite my continuing overscheduling, I’m desperately hoping to find some time to catch a few screenings. The fest runs from October 17-24 (yes, it starts tomorrow!), and all screenings take place at the Bloor Cinema (Bloor and Bathurst). Here are a few films that caught my eye (ew, that sounds so much gorier when talking about a festival like this one):

• Let the Right One In – 12-year-old Swedish vampires? Sounds fascinating. This is the Opening Night Gala, but unfortunately I have a prior commitment. This one is getting such good buzz, though, that I think it will get a wider release. Check out the higher definition trailer over at Apple’s site.
• Repo! The Genetic Opera – The trailer for this hooked me for its sheer audaciousness and over-the-top art direction. A rock opera about organ transplant repossession in the “not-too-distant future.” This screening will be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, according to Shannon, it’s also sold out already. Check out the higher definition trailer over at Apple’s site.
• MirageMan – A Chilean superhero movie? Enough said!
• Tokyo Gore Police – I missed this at the New York Asian Film Festival back in the summer, and am hoping to catch it here. Though I’m not normally a fan of gore or splatter movies, this just seemed so crazy that it might be worth seeing.

Of course, my plans and my schedule rarely get along, so I’ll just have to cross my fingers that I can get to at least some of these. If you’re in Toronto and planning to go to After Dark, what are you excited about seeing?