The first annual Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival (SHIFF) taking place in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, New York, on October 10-13, 2019, has just announced its first “Best Unproduced Screenplay” winners, chosen from screenplays that were submitted to, and evaluated by, the festival’s board. The winners and honorable mentions will be announced at the closing night of the festival, at the Tarrytown Music Hall, on October 13th.

1st Place: “Vulture” a female-led horror-western by Tyler Christensen (writer/director of “House of Purgatory”).

On the run from corrupt Arizona Rangers, a widow finds herself in the mining town of Vulture City, where she squares off against both a ruthless cartel as well as a dark supernatural entity that has emerged from the mine, dead set on destruction.

Writer/Director Tyler Christensen is a graduate of University of Wisconsin. After years of producing unscripted fare, Christensen made his directorial debut with the feature film House of Purgatory, which he also wrote. The film stars Anne Leighton (NBC’s “Grimm”) and Brian Krause of “Charmed” fame. After being selected to screen in multiple film festivals, House of Purgatory was acquired and distributed by Terror Films, and has received acclaim from mainstream and genre critics alike. The film is currently available across several streaming platforms including Amazon and iTunes.

2nd Place: “Sunshine State: Duende” by Kai Thorup.

3rd Place: “Egghead” by Andrew Pelosi.

Honorable mentions go to “Sherlock Holmes & The Case of the Sussex Skull” by Staton Rabin, “The Crimson Legacy” by Adam Lapallo and “Wildman” by Dan Bruno.

It’s an auspicious year for the debut of the Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival, as the region marks the 200th Anniversary of the publication of Washington Irving’s classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” with an 18-month bicentennial celebration. The SHIFF festival is a cornerstone event during the bicentennial, with screenings at The Tarrytown Music Hall and nearby Warner Library offering everything from family-friendly fare to cult classics beloved by enthusiasts of the supernatural genre.  SHIFF celebrates the legacy of artistic inspiration and achievement that Washington Irving first established in the region, and that has been extended by generations of writers, artists, and filmmakers.

SHIFF strives to bring important works from current and future filmmakers to the fore with exciting new films in competition and premiere screenings, such as the U.S. premiere of the acclaimed documentary The Phantom of Winnipeg and a screening of Making Apes. The excitement continues with Friday the 13th composer Harry Manfredini celebrating the 35th anniversary of Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, and a special 25th anniversary showing of cult classic The Crow. The classic The Bride of Frankenstein will also grace the fest with a screening and guest speakers. More panels and screenings will be programmed at Warner Library, including a free showing of Return to Oz with special guest, composer David Shire.

Taking place at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall and Warner Library, SHIFF unleashes an exciting whirl of film premieres, special screenings, live stage events, in-person discussions and more! Catch the full schedule for this year’s Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival here.

Tickets for Tarrytown Music Hall SHIFF events can be purchased through www.TarrytownMusicHall.org and www.sleepyhollowfilmfest.com or at the Music Hall box office. Tickets for Warner Library SHIFF events can be purchased at the venue door or at www.sleepyhollowfilmfest.com (some of the Warner Library fest events are free of charge, so consult the full program for details!)