EAST BETHANY — Here’s a film festival that’s not for the feint of heart.
Rolling Hills Asylum, said to be the most haunted place in Genesee County, will host a series of 16 horror films this summer.
The films cover about 40 years of the horror genre.
The series opens June 10 with “Don’t Look in the Basement,” a 1973 film set in a secluded mental health institute where staff experiences varying degrees of torment — including death — from patients. The film is also known by the title “The Forgotten.”
This will be the first time Coyle has shown films at Rolling Hills, which has itself been the subject of films, documentaries and been featured in paranormal television programs.
“I have a lot of space and a lot of opportunities in this building. This was another alternative to tours and ghost hunts,” said Rolling Hills Proprietress Sharon Coyle.
The films, she said, may bring more people to the property who become intrigued by its past and decided to return for historical tours or its popular ghost hunts.
Each of the films is considered to be in the public domain, which means they are not subject to copyright and may be shown without requiring licensing rights or permission.
That doesn’t mean, though, the films are obscure.
“There’s a little bit of variety,” Coyle said. “Some films will be familiar, others you may not have heard of. But they are all films you’re not likely to see elsewhere.”
Among the more familiar titles: George Romero’s zombie cult classic “Night of the Living Dead,” screening June 27; and 1959’s “House on Haunted Hill” (July 4) which stars Vincent Price as an eccentric millionaire who hosts a “haunted house” party.
Other June screenings include “Night Train to Terror” (1984), June 13; “I Bury The Living” (1958), June 17; “Carnival of Souls” (1962), June 20; “Shock” (1946), June 24.
Films are scheduled to Aug. 29. For a complete schedule, go to www.rollinghillsasylum.com
Admission to each screening is $8 per person, and includes a drink and snack. Children age 13 and older will be admitted if accompanied by a parent; ages 16 and older will be admitted with ID.
Films will be shown on the large back wall of the Recreation Room.
And filmgoers may find unexpected audience members. While setting up a testing screening, Coyle said she heard unexplained banging and pops often associated with the property’s otherworldly residents.
“They’re not going to stay away,” Coyle said of the Rolling Hills ghosts. “They’re curious, too” — and cordial, she adds.
Other local film events of interest:
June 7
Classic Film Series — Classic films are shown 7 p.m. every Thursday. The free screenings typically include two feature films or feature films and collections of shorts. For a complete schedule, call (585) 237-3517, e-mail info@artswyco.org, or go to www.artswyco.org. Arts Council for Wyoming County 31 South Main Street Perry, NY 14530
June 14
Movie Club — “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” screens from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Movie is rated PG, run time is 94 minutes. Popcorn and snacks provided. For grades 4 to 6. Register online atwww.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call (585) 768-8300. Woodward Memorial Library 7 Wolcott St. Le Roy, NY 14482
Movie Night — Films offered every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. For information, call (585) 948-9900. Haxton Memorial Library 3 North Pearl St. Oakfield, NY 14125
June 16
Family Movie — Saturday, June 16, 1-2:30 p.m. Watch the movie, “Treasure Planet” on a big screen! This movie is rated PG and is approx. 94 minutes. Children younger than 1st grade must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Popcorn served. Registration is not necessary. Woodward Memorial Library 7 Wolcott St. Le Roy, NY 14482
June 20
Cinema in the Square — A monthly series of film screenings are offered on the third Wednesday of the month from June to August. All films are G or PG. Movies begin at dusk. Bring a chair or blanket for seating. Admission is free. Rain dates are the fourth Wednesday. The schedule: June 20, “We Bought a Zoo”; July 18, “Rio”; Aug. 15, “Gulliver’s Travels,” starring Jack Black. For more infomration, call (585) 344-0900 or go to www.downtownbataviany.com . Jackson Square 12 Center Street Batavia, NY 14020
June 27
Flashback Flix - “Labyrinth” — Watch a retro movie on the big screen. For grades 7 to 12. “Labyrinth,” from 1986, is rated PG. Popcorn provided. Participants may use MuVChat text comments that will show up on the screen. Register online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org or call (585) 768-8300. Woodward Memorial Library 7 Wolcott St. Le Roy, NY 14482
June 30
Classic Film Series - Civil War Films — The ACWC’s Classic Film Series will feature a Civil War Film Program at 6 p.m. June 30. Admission is free. For a complete schedule, call (585) 237-3517, e-mailinfo@artswyco.org, or go to www.artswyco.org. Arts Council for Wyoming County 31 South Main Street Perry, NY 14530
