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Grindhouse Nights at Cafe Z in February!
Grindhouse Nights at Cafe Z
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Grindhouse Nights at Cafe Z is a series of events held at the restaurant/lounge Cafe Z in Union, NJ. The events are designed to showcase independent horror and exploitation films, and to bring together horror fans and filmmakers to view and discuss the films. It's a great forum for like minded people to get together, share and discuss the things that we love! If you haven't been to one of these events, why not??
The venue is a restaurant/lounge, and the films are screened in a private room with a full service bar and seven flat screen televisions, screening each film simultaneously. There is a separate lounge room with a pool table and additional television, for those who would like to "get away from the crowd" for a while. The typical Grindhouse Nights event runs from 6:00PM until Midnight on a Saturday. Twice a year The Horror Nerd presents, Grindhouse Days at Cafe Z, a full day event with 5-6 films, vendors, food, prizes and fun. At all events, we usually have cast and crew from each film on hand to discuss their film, answer questions from the fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures.Many people have asked, but no, we do NOT give out awards at our events. My feeling is that there are plenty of conventions and film festivals where awards are given, and this is not what we are about. This is not a competition as far as we are concerned.The spirit of Grindhouse Nights is to showcase indie filmmakers from the NY/NJ/PA/CT area and allow them to present their films in a relaxed atmosphere. It also allows indie film fans to be exposed to movies that they might not otherwise be aware of, and to interact with the people who make and star in the films. Friendships are made, business contacts are shared, and we have a lot of fun eating, drinking and taking pictures while we share the films that we love. There are plenty of times and places for awards. We're here to celebrate indie horror! |
Cafe Z's Grindhouse Night was a blast!
Cafe Z's Grindhouse Night was a blast! I like to call it an intimate mini-con. It was a sit down, grab a beer, and watch some movies with friend’s type convention. No hordes of people, vendors or costumer contests. Just a good time, watching a few films, that has a laid back type of feel. To give you an idea of the atmosphere, just imagine kidnapping all your friends and hanging out all day watching movies together, now imagine it taking place at a Bar. That's exactly how this Con feels. Sit back, relax and be entertained. The last screening was sponsored by Budweiser and converted Cafe Z, the popular Bar/Restaurant, into a Viewing Room and a Merch Room. Both were fully equipped with a full bar and bartender. The event also had a photographer on hand, Deirdre Kinnevy, from DeeKae Imagery to snap your picture and there was also a Freddy impersonator from “A Nightmare on Your Street” company. This event is getting better each time but still hasn't lost its small setting charm. Part of that charm is due to the events Host Todd Staruch and his new wingman Thomas Ryan. It’s hard not to have a great time with these fun loving guys around. I even have a few pictures to prove it! So, basically, if you've ever dreamed of
taking over a bar all day long with your friends, this would be heaven for you, and even if you don't drink and you shouldn't miss
out. A cool plus also is that many of the actors and film makers from each movie shown were in attendance. It was thoroughly enjoyable to watch each film with those who helped create them with a beaming huge megawatt smile beside you. As an actress myself, I adore watching others see their work up on screen. Cheers to the next Grindhouse Nights (Days) EVENT!!
By: Heather Drew
Photo By: DeeKae Imagery
taking over a bar all day long with your friends, this would be heaven for you, and even if you don't drink and you shouldn't miss
out. A cool plus also is that many of the actors and film makers from each movie shown were in attendance. It was thoroughly enjoyable to watch each film with those who helped create them with a beaming huge megawatt smile beside you. As an actress myself, I adore watching others see their work up on screen. Cheers to the next Grindhouse Nights (Days) EVENT!!
By: Heather Drew
Photo By: DeeKae Imagery