Zombiepalooza film fest opens in downtown Cary

Several businesses, local filmmakers and The Cary Theater are partnering to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor Halloween celebration on Friday night on W. Chatham Street.

Zombiepalooza will feature a 90 minute viewing party of 15 local filmmakers' very own zombie flicks. According to Joy Ennis, the theater's operations and programs supervisor, each film will be introduced by an emcee and will be anywhere from 1 to 7 minutes long.

"Some films will be scary and some will be humorous," said Ennis of the second annual event. "We created this event last year to do something that celebrated film and allowed our community to participate as well. We are always looking for ways to support local filmmakers – and many of these teams are just starting out. It's a fun way to present film in a different way."

New this year to the film festival is an interesting requirement for filmmakers -- all submissions must include use of a toilet brush in the finished film.

The zombie films will be projected onto a large screen outside the theater at 122 E. Chatham Street. Businesses surrounding the theater will provide first and second place prizes and a people's choice award prize for the film competition, and a prize will also be awarded to the individual with the best Halloween costume.

In the spirit of the film "Zombieland," free Twinkies will be available for event-goers. Coffee, snacks and drinks will also be available for purchase from the theater's concession stand along with free zombie-themed giveaways. Some chairs will be set out for the event, but Ennis encourages participants to bring extra chairs and blankets and dress warmly. The films, while spooky in nature, should be appropriate for most families.

For more information about Zombiepalooza, check the event website.