Horror Films

Salam, Dustan! ‘[Abbas Kiarostami](https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/search_results/keyword/abbas+kiarostami)’ has created some of the most inventive and transcendent cinema of the past thirty years, and *[Close-up](https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/search_results/keyword/close-up)* is his most radical, brilliant work. This fiction-documentary hybrid uses a sensational real-life event—the arrest of a young man on charges that he fraudulently impersonated the well-known filmmaker [Mohsen Makhmalbaf](https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/search_results/keyword/mohsen+makhmalbaf)—as the basis for a stunning, multilayered investigation into movies, identity, artistic creation, and existence, in which the real people from the case play themselves. With its universal themes and fascinating narrative knots, *[Close-up](https://www.closeupfilmcentre.com/search_results/keyword/close-up)* has resonated with viewers around the world.” – Janus Films We’ll meet 10 minutes before the film and after for a chat and drinks at the cinema. Reservation link for the 6pm screening: [https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/close-up-cinema/e-bgqjlx](https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/close-up-cinema/e-bgqjlx)

This early British sci-fi explores the possibilities of futuristic television technology. * Director Maurice Elvey * With Jameson Thomas, Benita Hume * UK 1929. 95min * 35mm * With live piano accompaniment by John Sweeney A British sci-fi thriller set in 1950s London, involving a plot by evil arms dealers to blow up the Channel Tunnel and fly planes into buildings. Based on a stage-play by Noel Pemberton-Billing MP, the film features imagined variants of television used for broadcasting and televisual telephony. A very British vision of the future, it was unquestionably influenced by Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. [Buy cinema tickets for High Treason | BFI Southbank](https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=EDDF0B80-2A7E-409B-A85D-3037E2D665ED&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=9C3F35F9-78CD-4365-A7A8-87FFBE23E64A)

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

New and Experienced Players Welcome! 🤗 Ever played Werewolf, Mafia or Secret Hitler? Well this game is like that but on steroids! 😈😇 Ever watched The Traitors and wished you could have a turn? Well now you can! Suitable for complete beginners, experienced veterans and everyone in between, we Play **'Blood on the Clocktower'** a game where you never know who you can trust... A great way to meet new people in a fun interactive way, at a bar serving food and drinks Continue reading for a general description of the game: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by an experienced Storyteller. During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. At 'night' time, players close their eyes and some are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill. Use all your powers of deduction and deception to survive this game of murder and mystery. The game will be fully explained at the event. However if you'd like to learn more now watch: https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?feature=shared

Love shooting at night but tired of dragging your tripod around? This session is about learning a set of techniques to shoot using a single, fast prime lens (e.g. 50mm, 35mm f/1.2, f/1.4, f1.8) You know that small, lightweight, inexpensive but beautiful lens that sits quietly in your camera bag? Tonight you’ll put it to good use! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * Using a fast aperture to allow hand holding at night * Create bokeh for beautiful shallow depth of field * Getting depth of field in your shot * Tips for getting sharp shots whilst handholding at night EXPERIENCE * All levels welcome! EQUIPMENT * Any camera * 50mm f1.8 - any lens will work but a fast lens (f1.8-f2.8) is recommended * No tripods needed * We'll be wandering around so be sure to wear appropriate shoes TRAVEL * As usual check the TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar

Happy New Year Rewinders! We are kicking off 2026 with the Death Disease and Fire Tour throughout January! On our tour, we will be witnessing executions, human experiments, torture, and escaping Newgate Prison! Our tour group meets outside Barbican Tube Station, and sets off at 2pm sharp! The tour lasts 90 minutes, finishing off outside St Pauls Cathedral! Afterwards you pay what you think the tour is worth! We accept cash or cards! So come and join us on this blood soaked walk through Londons dark history on our first tour of the year! *(Trigger warning: This tour contains extremely graphic descriptions of torture and execution, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.)*

**Join us for a visit to see the extremely popular Marie Antoinette Style exhibition, at the V&A** “A complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette's timeless appeal is defined by her style, youth and notoriety. Explore the lasting influence of the most fashionable (and ill-fated) queen in history – with over 250 years of design, fashion, film and art.” [https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/marie-antoinette](https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/marie-antoinette) **Please note: due to high demand you will need to book your ticket early, as many slots are selling out weeks, if not months in advance!** **MEET DETAILS:** **From 2.45pm: Optional pre-meet. MEET AT THE V&A MAIN CAFE ON LEVEL 0** **Address:** Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL **3.30pm ENTER THE EXHIBITION (galleries 38 and 39, V&A South Kensington)** **5.15pm- Late: PUB SOCIAL (Optional)** The Zetland Arms 2 Bute St, South Kensington, London SW7 3EX **TICKETS:** **Please book your ticket [here](https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/ticket?cgid=443) for the 3.30pm slot, or as close to this time as possible. ** Full price tickets are £22, various concessions are available including £11 for entry with art fund pass, and free entry to those on universal credit. **GETTING THERE** ** Underground stations: South Kensington (5-minute walk), Gloucester Road (10-minute walk). Step-free: Knightsbridge (14-minute walk) Victoria Station (35-minute walk) Bike-hire is available at Exhibition Road and Thurloe Place Several bus routes stop at V&A South Kensington To find parking nearby see: [parkopedia](https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/attraction/victoria-and-albert-museum-london/?) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** **If you are on the 'Going' list only,** please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. **The link will be shared in the Event Comments below at least 48 hours before the event.** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **IMPORTANT NOTE:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event. We prefer a smaller, friendlier group. * Once all the spaces are taken, Meetup adds you to the Waitlist. If someone drops out, waitlisted attendees are automatically moved to the 'Going' list by Meetup in order of priority. * **If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible.** Then someone on the waitlist can take your place. **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you! — The LoMAZ Admin Team** [📸 ](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/)**[Follow LoMAZ on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/)** Image credit: Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun. Marie-Antoinette in Court Dress, 1778. Oil on canvas, 107 ½ × 76 inches. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki

## Welcome to Relaxed Mafia Come and play Mafia, an exciting social deduction game, in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Players of all levels of experience are welcome, including complete beginners. There is a recommended donation of between £5 and £10 to help us to cover our Meetup fees. If you can't afford this though, then dont let this stop you coming! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

For the first meeting of 2026, we will read Andy Weir's 2022 novel, *Project Hail Mary*. 'Set in the near future, it centers on school teacher and former biologist Ryland Grace, who wakes up aboard a spacecraft afflicted with amnesia.' (Wikipedia) ''Charting the desperate last-chance mission of a lone astronaut to safeguard our planet, *Project Hail Mary* is a riveting interstellar adventure from the bestselling author of *The Martian*." -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401-project-hail-mary The meeting will take place at The Folly on Gracechurch St (the weekend vibe there is quite different from the weekday evening one...). Join us for a delicious brunch/lunch as we dive into this sci-fi thriller! N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

**A mid-January Sunday afternoon, to socialise with panoramic views and back ground music, complimenting your weekend! PLEASE BOOK VIA THE LINK: [https://fatso.ma/24IW](https://fatso.ma/24IW) or [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exclusive-rooftop-sunday-social-mix-mingle-iconic-views-tickets-1980236925952?aff=oddtdtcreator ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exclusive-rooftop-sunday-social-mix-mingle-iconic-views-tickets-1980236925952?aff=oddtdtcreator)*MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE & RSVP TOO!*** *in case of any issues with links, kindly contact ELENI, thanks!* **Seize the opportunity to enhance your social life and trust in perfect synchronicities for the right people at the right time and place geting together, a great reason to come to 1 Leicester Sq and discover this hidden gem ROOFTOP with the stunning views!** **Meet new people, interact with all attendees, mix and mingle!** **This is a hosted event where you can get FRIENDLY and SOCIAL, be introduced** **to peoplefrom various mindsets and backgrounds and see what happens** **next!** **Make a friend, perhaps find someone that can make your heart sing or simply go out & about, get involved in conversations and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.** **Join us with the best smile on your face, make a best first impression and see it reflected back to you!** **Engage with new people or catch up with familiar faces or those you might have met in a previous event.** **HOW TO FIND :** Come to INDIGO Hotel in Leicester Sq and ask to be shown to the lift for LQS Rooftop. **Once upstairs, ask the host of the venue for Eleni's MEET-UP GROUP booking.** ***Please arrive at or about 15:30*** *and be in the flow of the introductions.* ELENI is hosting this event, making sure all guests are welcomed, introduced to each other and included throughout the evening. **1 Leicester Square (renamed from LSQ Rooftop)** is located at London’s most iconic address – **1 Leicester Square**, 9 floors above the vibrant streets of the buzzing West End. It promises you one of the **best views** the city has to offer of the capital skyline. Dress Code: Smart Casual Refunds only in case of the event being cancelled

**Please note~ RSVP will open one week before each event. This is to avoid no shows. If you are unable to attend please mark yourself as ‘not going’ so someone else can attend in your place. Thank you. ** It's a board games club with a twist! We have a variety of games to play as well as the usual titles and favourites like Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens and Uno so come on down if this sounds like fun to you! The games will be easy to understand as well, so don't worry about your level of board game experience! And remember to BYOBG (bring your own board games) if you have any that you would like to share :) We will meet inside TCR Bar for around 1pm. We will be seated in the boths at the back of the bar. Food and drinks are available from the bar. It would really help the venue if you could make a small purchase from the bar. Thank you.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Life of Frankenstein,”** on the birth, evolution and impact of a tale of man-made monstrosity, with Bernard Welt, an emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University who frequently lectures on Frankenstein in literature, cinema, and culture. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein) .] Guillermo del Toro’s lush and lovingly produced film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is just the latest of many iterations of the story to capture the public’s imagination. People have watched Victor Frankenstein give life to his monster in numerous films, on television, and on stage, and even perform “Putting on the Ritz” with him thanks to the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Mary Shelley did not just tell a tale. She spawned the modern genre of speculative fiction and gave rise to a myth that would crop up in debates over nature versus nurture and other matters. Even today it stokes anxieties over the potential impacts of robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, by evoking the image of a monster turning on its progenitor. Come gain a new appreciation of Mary Shelley’s creation with the help of Dr. Bernard Welt, who has studied the relationship between nightmares and the horror genre and is the author of *Mythomania: Fantasies, Fables, and Sheer Lies in Contemporary American Popular Art.* Dr. Welt will start by telling a literary origin story almost as famous as Frankenstein itself, of how an 18-year-old Shelley started writing *Frankenstein* in 1816 while staying in a villa on Lake Geneva with two of her era’s leading poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her lover. Housebound by foul weather, the three read Gothic tales of ghosts and monsters and challenged each other to produce something even more terrifying. Mary dreamed up a story of a man who defied death by creating a living being out of scraps of deceased men harvested from graveyards and anatomy labs. The resulting novel, *Frankenstein*, published anonymously in 1818, would by that century’s end become a touchstone in philosophical discourse on the nature of humanity and in political discussions of imperialism and populism. By the 21st century, Mary Shelley (as she became) had earned a more significant place in the literary canon than Byron and her husband Shelley. We will examine how this grisly tale became a landmark of modern thought and look at the part played by numerous film adaptations from the first years of cinema to the present day. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a Theodor von Holst engraving in an 1831 edition of *Frankenstein* published by Colburn and Bentley of London.

Hang out with us as we start our BGFC film screening series with Love Jones (1997) by Theodore Witcher. Bring a friend or join us solo! Popcorn and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks provided on a first come first served basis! / **How to get here:** Use the stairs or elevator at the left or right of the entrance to find us on the **4th floor in Room 401-A** of the MLK Library. A library card is not required. / Closest metro stations: Gallery Place-Chinatown - Green/Red/Yellow Line - 3min walk Metro Center Station - Blue/Orange/Red/Silver Line - 5 min walk / 🎥**Movie Synopsis:** *Get Together. Fall Apart. Start Over.* Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Moseley, a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "kicking it," they hang out with their friends, talking about love and sex. Then Nina tests the strength of Darius' feelings and sets a chain of romantic complications into motion. / We hope to see you there!

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** *"I'm scared! It's like a horror movie!"* *"That's out of date. Step aside. This is a karate movie!"* Nobuhiko Obayashi’s *House* is less a horror film than a psychedelic fever dream that happens to be haunted. When a group of schoolgirls visit a remote countryside house, logic quickly evaporates, replaced by floating heads, ravenous furniture, and a visual language that feels closer to a children’s cartoon than a traditional ghost story. *House* was created in direct opposition to the prestige dramas and somber horror of its era, resulting in a cult classic that feels anarchic even today. Using crude visual effects, cartoon logic, and musical cues, the film creates horror through excess rather than restraint. It’s funny, disorienting, and utterly unique — a film that feels like it’s being invented moment by moment. ***

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** *"Okay, I'm drawing a line in the fucking sand, here. Do not read the Latin."* Drew Goddard’s *The Cabin in the Woods* opens with a scenario horror fans know by heart: a group of college friends, a remote cabin, and a weekend that’s clearly going to go wrong. The setup feels ritualistic, almost inevitable — like the story itself is already in motion before anyone arrives. From there, the film pivots into something stranger and smarter, blending satire, creature-feature chaos, and genuine tension. Balancing humor with escalating spectacle, the film manages to be both deeply referential and wildly entertaining. It’s as much about why we watch horror as it is about what’s happening on screen.

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** *"Hey Ted, where the hell's the corkscrew?!"* *Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter* arrives at a point where the series knows exactly what it is. Picking up immediately after Part 3, the film traps a new group of unlucky victims near Camp Crystal Lake as Jason Voorhees continues his unstoppable march through the annals of horror history. Lean, mean, and packed with some of the series’ most memorable kills, *The Final Chapter* is often cited as the high point of the original run. It distills the formula to its sharpest elements — suspense, savagery, and a mounting sense of inevitability — before slamming the door shut with brutal efficiency. Often regarded as the strongest entry in the original series, the film balances classic slasher suspense with some of the most effective practical effects of the era. It’s a no-frills, high-impact installment that solidified Jason as a horror icon. ***

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.