Dundead Halloween: Evilspeak (VHS) + short film

This film contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

Part of Dundead Halloween 2025. 

Head's up 1980s gore-hounds - if you enjoyed our screening of Demons during the festival, this one's for you. 

Originally banned in the UK, Evilspeak was released with cuts in 1987 and is a good illustration of the absurdity of the entire 'video nasties' folly. To celebrate this, we'll be screening it from an original VHS tape. 

A ridiculous tale of a gormless cadet (played with rubber-necked enthusiasm by Clint “younger brother of Ron” Howard) at an American military academy who uses his computer to enact satanic rites. 

The film’s narrative of a vulnerable young man adrift in the American military-industrial complex and being corrupted by tapping into some dark conspiracy through his computer may have some pertinence in 2025, but mostly this is trashy Satanic horror fun. 

From the delightful 80s computer graphics, ancient satanic crypts and thinly sketched caricatures, to the bizarre central performance and hugely enjoyable practical effects, this is one to enjoy with an audience on the big screen. 

This screening will include short film The Nightwalker. Mark Reyes’ delightfully retro short is an atmospheric blend of Dark Souls-style videogame dark fantasy, VHS noise and nostalgic yearning. Short, strange and ultimately, moving.