HOKUM - OPENING NIGHT FILM

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CUFF 2026 opens with the supernatural horror HOKUM!

A novelist is haunted at a remote inn during a trip to scatter his parents' ashes.

When reclusive American novelist Ohm Bauman retreats to an isolated Irish inn, the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite take hold of his mind. Soon, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance draw him into a nightmarish confrontation with the darkest corners of his past. Damian McCarthy (ODDITY, CUFF 2024) returns with HOKUM, a bone-chilling and absolutely terrifying film starring Adam Scott (THE OVERNIGHT, CUFF 2015).

OPENING NIGHT AFTERPARTY
Following the film, join CUFF for drinks, food, and music at The Derrick across the street from Globe Cinema (620 8 Ave SW). Special DJ set from CJSW's Station Manager Adam Kamis.

TICKETS
Tickets cost $15 ($13 for members, students & seniors) and include both the film and afterparty. Admission to afterparty is subject to capacity. Multi-pack tickets are not accepted for this special event.

OFFICIAL SELECTION
SXSW 2026

DIRECTOR'S BIO
Damian McCarthy is an award-winning filmmaker based in Cork, Ireland. He studied Film and TV Production at St Johns College Cork where he received a Distinction in Scriptwriting and Directing. His short films – HE DIES AT THE END, HATCH, HUNGRY HICKORY, NEVER EVER OPEN IT, HOW OLIN LOST HIS EYE – have screened at festivals worldwide including Frightfest in London, Screamfest in LA, The New York City Horror Film Festival and the San Sebastien Horror & Fantasy Film Festival, and have won multiple awards. His first feature film CAVEAT (2021) won Best Film at the Indie Cork Film Festival and The Total Film Best Scare Award at Frightfest. His second feature ODDITY (CUFF 2024 Selection) won several films on the festival circuit, including the Audience Award: Midnighters at SXSW, the Audience Award at the Overlook Film Festival and the 2025 Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best International Movie.