Anna Bogutskaya & Andrew Michael Hurley: The Horrors That Haunt Us
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Dive into the world of horror with film critic and podcaster Anna Bogutskaya, author of Feeding the Monster: Why Horror Has a Hold on Us, and award-winning writer Andrew Michael Hurley, whose latest work, Barrowbeck, intricately weaves folklore, horror, and the supernatural. Together, they will explore the psychological and cultural underpinnings of the horror genre.
Step into the shadows with these compelling voices as they illuminate the twisted, eerie aspects of horror and the supernatural.
Anna Bogutskaya, co-founder of the horror film collective The Final Girls, offers a sharp, incisive perspective in her collection of essays, Feeding the Monster. This work examines how horror reflects and amplifies our feelings of fear, anxiety, pain, hunger and power, drawing readers into a world where the lines between humanity and monstrosity blur. Through her compelling narrative, Anna unpacks the cultural and psychological forces that give rise to monsters — both literal and metaphorical — challenging us to consider what it truly means to be monstrous.
Andrew Michael Hurley, celebrated for his masterful blend of folklore and horror, will discuss his latest book, Barrowbeck. Set in a fictional village straddling Yorkshire and Lancashire, this chilling collection of interlinked short stories spans centuries, revealing the doom that haunts its residents and the landscape alike. Hurley's atmospheric style taps into ancient fears at the heart of human experience, establishing him as a leading voice in folk horror. As Barrowbeck transitions from page to screen, his influence on the genre continues to grow, solidifying his reputation as the Master of Menace.
This event will be hosted by Zoe Gilbert, a celebrated Folkestone author known for her writing on folklore and mythology, including works like Folk and Mischief Acts. Join Zoe as she guides this engaging discussion, bringing her own expertise in the realm of myth and storytelling.
Join Anna, Andrew, and Zoe for a unique insight into the evolution of the horror genre and its continued ability to captivate audiences across various media, from literature to film and beyond. This event will delve into how horror taps into universal emotions and experiences and explore the vital role of the storyteller in conjuring both fear and fascination.
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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, ideas, reading and writing in many magical forms. This year's festival has been curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock. Sophie is our new Curator: Books, Ideas and Community.
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This year's festival is for everyone and we want to make it possible for more people than ever before to be able to come together and enjoy a packed festival. To make this possible we have introduced a £5 ticket. This is a no questions asked ticket for those that may be struggling to afford events and performances.
Or grab a festival pass and enjoy the whole festival for just £140. Click here to book your festival pass
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We thank our sponsors Eurotunnel, Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival and our Education Partner Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible.
Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Kent County Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.