ShockerFest 2003 has come to a conclusion. Every indication is that a good time was had by all.

Film submissions nearly tripled 2002, attendance was up, both among film makers and fans, and the viewing fare (The movies that we all wanted to see) we such that more than one fan commented that they wanted to own every movie they saw..

Distributors were talking to nearly everyfil maker present and I would speculate that within the next 12 months, ALL of the feature films will find a home on either theatre screens or DVD and video store shelves. And many of the short films will be there beside them. Fireside Foundation, the California non-profit organization that sponsors the ShockerFest, is already planning a Festival DVD for 2002, 2003 and 2004 entries.

OK, OK, I can hear the fingers tapping on the desk, you want to know who won, well. . . . Click Here To See the Full List!

ShockerFest 2003 has confirmed that there will be no fewer than TWO WORLD PREMIERES held at this years Festival. The Legend of Diablo, slated for release shortly after the festival, will make its Big Screen debut at 9:00 a.,. on September 27, 2003 at the State Theatre, 1307 "J" Street, Modesto. Written and Directed by Modestan Robert Napton, with cinematography by Neil Fredericks who shot Balir Witch Project, Diablo is a classic story of the battle between good and evil, with a few twists and turns thrown in along the way. Both Napton and Fredericks will be on hand to answer questions about the making of the film.

Tickets can be obtained as the State Theatre, 209-527-4697, the Modest Film Commission office, 1150 9th St., Modesto (209-526-5588) or can be ordered oby email at Tickets@ShockerFest.com.

The SECOND WORLD PREMIERE is TAO OF THE METEOR SERPENT by another local film maker JOHN SOARES of Hughson, Ca. Labeled as a blend of Indiana Jones and early Bruce Lee hong kong kung fu. Tao features the talents of several local film makers in all stages of the process. The DVD of TAO OF THE METOER SERPENT is scheduled to be released at the festival as well.

Finally, it has been confirmed that SHOCKERFEST 2003 will be the Premiere site for the trailer of the new film SPECTRES starring Marina Sirtis (Star Trek Next Generation), Dean Hagland (X-Files, Lone Gunman), Tucker Smallwood (Cotton Club), Linda Park (Star Trek Enterprise), and David Heddison (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.)

Watch for the BRAND NEW TRAILER on both Saturday and Sunday. There may be a special guest or two from the film in the house as well.

The ShockerFest 2003 Dinner With The Stars event is set. This year, the even will be opened with a Wine and Cheese receoption hosted by the Mocesto Convention and Visitors Bureau and Modesto Film Commission. The Reception will begin at 4:30 pm at the Red Lion Hotel (1612 Sisk Rd.) and will feature wines from the Wend-Tyler Vintners of Modesto (4001 Beckwith Rd.)

The Dinner with the Stars, a Tribute dinner to long time star Kevin McCarthy will begin at 7:00 pm, in the Red Lion Hotel ballroom. Dinner will be buffet style, featuring the diners choice of chick and beef entres. Several speakers will be present to honor Mr. McCarthy and clips of some of his films will be shon as well. Mr. McCarthy is being honored with the Shocker Lifetime Achievement Award for 2003.

Tickets for the Dinner can be obtained at the Modesto CVB office (1120 9th Street, Modesto), State Theatre (1307 J Street, Modesto) or by email at Dinner Tickets. Seating is limited, so order now to avoid missing this great event.

ShockerFest 2003 has been selected as the site of the WORLD PREMIERE of the new hit feature THE LEGEND OF DIABLO. Writer/Director ROBERT NAPTON of Modesto created this thriller which has been labeled as "a keen mix of "The X-Files" and "El Mariachi" with a serious nod to the zombie genre." Napton is perhaps best known for his animated works including "APPLESEED," " DOMINION," and "GIANT ROBO" in the comic-book world, Robert is best known as the co-creator and writer of the comic book "DEITY." Of course,

Napton was not alone in this effort. His Director of Photography, NEAL L. FREDERICKS is known for his work in the same capacity on award-winning feature films THE STONECUTTER, KILLER ME, DREAMERS, LAUGHING DEAD and, most notably, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT At last word, BOTH Napton and Fredericks are planning to attend the festivities in Modesto, and there is a possibility that other members of the cast and/or crew will also attend.