The historic towns of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown prepare to once again become the epicenter of cinematic enchantment with the return of the Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival (SHIFF) from October 10-13, 2024.
SHIFF, which is a celebration of outstanding genre cinema in the historic cradle of the American supernatural, will present a curated selection of premiere features, thought-provoking short films, and special presentations to celebrate the unknown, all from within the majestic Tarrytown Music Hall.
Disney enthusiasts will join the fun with the 75th-anniversary celebration of “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.” Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and special guests will guide attendees through a magical evening filled with rare shorts, behind-the-scenes revelations, and special surprises that promise to delight fans both young and old.
The festival’s short film showcases will be a particular highlight, offering viewers a chance to bend their minds with two blocks of imaginative works. These collections will also spotlight the abundant creativity of New York and Hudson Valley filmmakers, proving that the spirit of Washington Irving’s legendary tales continues to inspire new generations of storytellers.
SHIFF will pay tribute to the inimitable Tim Burton with a 30th-anniversary screening of his “Ed Wood.” This offbeat masterpiece will be preceded by an exclusive sneak peek at filmmaker Tara Wood’s upcoming four-part docuseries, offering an unprecedented glimpse into Burton’s fantastic life and career.
The festival will dig into the darkness with a centennial tribute to Jonathan Frid, the actor who brought to life the tormented vampire Barnabas Collins in the cult classic series “Dark Shadows.” Cast members will also be on hand, reuniting to share memories with fans.
For those with a taste for the macabre, acclaimed filmmaker William Lustig will host a late-night screening of his controversial thriller “Maniac,” accompanied by technical advisor Randy Jurgensen, to shed light on this gritty gem of 80s cinema.
SHIFF’s connection to literary heritage will be further cemented with a screening of Disney’s adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” accompanied by a tantalizing preview of an upcoming documentary on the film’s production and lasting impact.
Attendees will also be treated to Hudson Valley premieres of exciting new features like “Hippo” and “The Activated Man.” And bringing the celebration full circle to the very legend that give the region its enduring mystique, SHIFF will feature a 25th-anniversary screening of Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow.”
With passes and individual tickets available, cinema lovers are encouraged to secure their place now. To be part of this extraordinary event, tickets can be purchased at www.tarrytownmusichall.org. Additional inquiries may be directed to info@sleepyhollowiff.com.
Join us at SHIFF, October 10-13, 2024, for the inception of a new legend, where the breathtaking whirl of unthinkable sounds and visions witnessed will inspire us all for centuries to come.
