BLOOD, guts, and gore are set to delight horror fans “from all over the country” as independent filmmakers descend on Southend for a six-day festival.

The Horror-On-Sea film festival kicked off at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace on Friday, with a weekend of haunting thrillers and black comedy. It will return this Friday for three more days of 19 films.

Festival Director Paul Cotgrove, 64, describes the annual festival as “pretty unique”.

Echo: Festival Director Paul Cotgrove also organises the Southend Film FestivalFestival Director Paul Cotgrove also organises the Southend Film Festival (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

He said: “We only support independent horror filmmakers. There aren’t any studios involved – we want the nitty-gritty guts and gore.

“Most of them don’t have the budget to have their films screened in cinemas, so this gives them a platform. Some films may only be shown here and never get seen again.

 A total of 88 films are to be shown over both weekends, including 36 independently funded feature films.

Echo: The festival is held at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace HotelThe festival is held at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Paul added: “People are so thankful for the opportunity. It means to much that this festival is here to support them.”

Each year, Paul and his team filter through hundreds of feature-length and short films, picking out the best ones to be screened. Unlike other film festivals, there is no submission fee.

Echo: Steve Braund is a professional sculptor from Rayleigh.Steve Braund is a professional sculptor from Rayleigh. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Paul’s lifelong love of film has seen him work as an editor, director, producer, distributor and all aspects of the industry over four decades.

Steve Braund, from Rayleigh, is a professional creature and effects sculptor who followed his passion after being made redundant from his IT job.

“My wife asked, ‘What would you do if you could do anything in the world?’

“I’ve always loved film masks, so I learned how to make them. I’m totally living the dream.

Echo: Audiences will be treated to 12 world film premieres.Audiences will be treated to 12 world film premieres. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“I’ve wanted to come to this festival for years. It’s a priceless opportunity and enormous fun to spend the weekend talking to people who love film and monsters as much as I do.”

Bazz Hancher, 50, from Worcester, is one of 12 filmmakers premiering their movies at the festival. He says Horror-On-Sea is the only film festival he goes to.

He said: “I love it. The ethos here is great, there’s just a really good atmosphere.”