This year's opening of the Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival will go down in history when the most outrageous film of the year - and possibly of the entire history of Estonian cinema - gets its world premiere.

"If a combination of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre', Monty Python, South Park, Edgar Wright and... "Les Misérables" , then "Chainsaws Were Singing" will blow you away," the HÕFF catalogue describes its opening film which director Sander Maran calls a shameless action-horror-musical-comedy. A debut feature, in the making for almost 10 years ensures a wild ride with inventive kills, a chainsaw solo, exploding cars, romance, cute animal attacks, and even a supernatural Bukkake fridge.

The opening of the festival will also feature short performances from Kai Tarmula's musical “How the King Wished to Become Famous”, based on the legendary Estonian TV musical "How the King Wished to Go to the Moon". The performance will be dedicated to Peeter Volkonski, the original songwriter for the 1976 production who will receive HÕFF’s 2024 Award of Recognition.

The event is supported by Jameson, who will offer guests a welcome drink with Hulkur bar, with DJ Tom Lilienthal setting the mood on the decks. Before the event starts, everyone will have the chance to be photographed on the traditional HÕFF red carpet with this year's festival mascot.

Tickets for the opening ceremony and film are €12 until 31 March and €15 from 1 April. A discount ticket costs €10 until 31 March and €12 from 1 April.
Festival pass holders are admitted free of charge. Passes are on sale on the festival website at a reduced price of €65 until 31 March.

The Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival will take place from 26-28 April at the Haapsalu Cultural Centre.

The festival is presented by the City of Haapsalu and Elisa. Elisa contributes to the sustainable survival of Estonian culture by creating and offering domestic audiovisual productions and supporting film art.