TUFF hosts Halloween Horror Film Festival

The Tiny and Unusual Film Festival (TUFF) has curated a number of short, international horror films just in time for Halloween. Most of the films are psychological thrillers that are rated up to PG-13. Enjoy coffee, tea and bakery treats while being scared witless at 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at Good Coffee, 214 Main St. in Polson.

According to organizers, TUFF (formerly known as the Pop-Up Film Festival) normally doesn't show horror films. However, when many quality films were submitted in that genre, they decided to screen a selection of 10 short films (3 to 15 minutes) with limited blood or gore.

“What makes TUFF unique is we ask each audience member to rate or judge each film by four to five relevant categories,” says one of the series’ founders, Jim Ereaux. “The audience immediately sees the results and they are also sent to the filmmakers.”

He adds that the unique feedback feature is enhanced with support from the Greater Polson Community Foundation, which helped purchase the audience response system.

TUFF doesn't charge filmmakers to submit their work, nor does it charge the audience for admission or provide a team of judges to preview films. Instead the self-funded, civic engagement effort partners with local, small businesses to host each event, usually held the last Sunday of each month.

“The result is a win-win for local businesses, small filmmakers and the audience members, who are able to view films that may have difficulties getting screened due to costs or content,” says Eyreaux.

Head to the TUFF website to view Halloween trailers: tuff.fasnachtstudiosltd.solutions/Trailers/.