The 59th Sitges Film Festival, held in Sitges from 8 to 18 October, will honour American director Brian De Palma to mark the 50th anniversary of his iconic horror film, 'Carrie'. The festival's official poster was unveiled this Saturday at an event during the Marché du Film Festival in Cannes.
The poster features an adolescent female figure covered in red glittery strips, a direct reference to the blood bath suffered by the protagonist in the film's climax. This visual theme sets the tone for the upcoming edition of Catalonia's fantastic film festival.
Focusing on 'Cursed Childhoods'
Beyond the tribute to De Palma, the festival will also focus on the theme of "cursed childhoods". This thematic exploration will centre on Narciso Ibáñez Serrador's film, 'Who Can Kill a Child?' (¿Quién puede matar a un niño?), which also celebrates its half-century milestone this year. Both films, released in 1976, offer distinct yet powerful portrayals of youth in terrifying circumstances.
The Sitges Film Festival is recognised internationally as a leading event for fantasy and horror cinema. Each year, it draws filmmakers, critics, and fans from around the globe to the coastal town of Sitges, near Barcelona. The festival's programme typically includes a mix of premieres, retrospectives, and industry events, making it a critical platform for the genre.
Looking ahead, the full programme and additional guests for the 59th edition are expected to be announced closer to the festival's opening in October. The dual focus on De Palma's 'Carrie' and Ibáñez Serrador's 'Who Can Kill a Child?' suggests a strong emphasis on classic horror and its enduring influence.
