In the vast realm of film, the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA) stands as a beacon of preservation and celebration of a unique aspect of American cinema. Founded in 2009, AGFA has played a pivotal role in the preservation and promotion of genre films, often overshadowed by mainstream Hollywood productions. At fopp we’re exploring the importance of AGFA as a vital cultural institution, exploring its efforts in preserving and archiving genre films, its impact on film education and scholarship, and its role in fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse tapestry of American cinema.

AGFA’s primary mission lies in preserving genre films that have been historically undervalued and neglected. These films, often belonging to the realms of horror, exploitation, and cult cinema, possess a distinct cultural significance. The archive acknowledges the importance of preserving this cultural heritage and ensures that these films are safeguarded for future generations. Through meticulous restoration and digitization processes, they salvage decaying prints and reels, rescuing them from the perils of time. By doing so, they not only preserve the visual and auditory elements of the films but also retain their inherent artistic and historical value. The preservation efforts allow these films to be experienced and appreciated by contemporary audiences, transcending the confines of their original release periods.

The commitment to preserving genre films extends beyond mere preservation; it actively promotes film education and scholarship. By making these films available for public screenings, it fosters an environment for film enthusiasts, scholars, and students to study and analyze the intricacies of genre filmmaking. Through partnerships with educational institutions, they facilitate academic discourse surrounding these films, offering insights into their cultural, social, and historical contexts. By showcasing genre films as legitimate subjects of study, challenging traditional notions of cinema and expands the scope of film education. AGFA’s curated programs and film festivals provide platforms for film discussions, panel sessions, and retrospectives. These events bring together filmmakers, scholars, and cinephiles, enabling the exchange of ideas and the exploration of the lesser-known aspects of American cinema. By encouraging intellectual engagement, they actively contribute to the advancement of film studies and the preservation of cinematic knowledge. 

Their focus on cinema left on the periphery brings forth the richness and diversity of American filmmaking, by preserving these films, they ensure that these distinct voices and narratives find their place in the larger cinematic canon. They celebrate the creativity, innovation, and artistic merits of filmmakers who dared to explore unconventional genres and styles. 

The American Genre Film Archive stands as a guardian of cinematic history, championing the preservation of films that have long been overlooked. Through their meticulous restoration efforts and commitment to film education and scholarship, they have revitalized the legacy of genre cinema, bringing it to the forefront of cultural consciousness. The preservation work ensures that future generations have access to these invaluable cinematic gems, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse tapestry of American cinema. 

Let’s take a look at 5 of a favourites from the archive..

Wicked World

In 1989, filmmaker Barry J. Gillis and friends renewed the world’s faith in Canada with the horror brainbomb known as THINGS. But that was only the beginning. Virtually unseen until now, WICKED WORLD is not only Gillis’ 1991 follow-up to THINGS — it’s also a new form of genre anarchy. Grant Ekland (Gillis) is a cop who is haunted by the death of his girlfriend at the hands of a psychotic slasher named Harold. When Harold is released from an asylum, there’s only one option for Ekland: revenge! Filled with metal riffage, gnarly ultra-violence, and experimental techniques, WICKED WORLD feels like what would happen if Salvador Dali injected acid directly into his brain while staring at a Cannibal Corpse LP cover. This is a highly personal treatise on the toxicity of society from one of the most singular filmmakers in trash-horror history. If you survive WICKED WORLD, you’ll never forget it.

• New transfer of the cut from the original 3/4” master tapes

• Unseen 2019 director’s cut

• Commentary with director Barry J. Gillis

• REALITY: BEHIND THE SCENES OF WICKED WORLD documentary

• Video essay: A TRIBUTE TO EDDIE PLATT

• Video essay: TOMORROW’S DREAM

• Marshall Law video

• Original trailer

• English subtitles

Drug Stories

What’s the best way to prevent young people from destroying their lives in a downward spiral of drug-fueled jubilation? Obviously, the answer is sentient LSD tabs, spiders on speed, and an ex-junkie named Florrie Fisher (the real-life inspiration for Amy Sedaris’s Jerri Blank character on STRANGERS WITH CANDY) berating them into submission. THE SCARE FILM ARCHIVES VOLUME 1: DRUG STORIES! collects the best-of-the-best educational drug-scare films from the twentieth century. Lovingly curated from Something Weird’s vaults, AGFA and Something Weird are thrilled to present 2K preservations of these bad trips, bummers, and flip-outs, all from original 16mm prints that were inflicted upon children in classrooms across the USA.

• New 2K preservations of these uncut scare film classics: BEYOND LSD • THE BOTTLE AND THE THROTTLE • CURIOUS ALICE • THE DISTANT DRUMMER • DRUGS, DRINKING, AND DRIVING • LSD: INSIGHT OR INSANITY • LSD 25 • NARCOTICS THE DECISION: GOOFBALLS AND TEA • NONE FOR THE ROAD • THE TRIP BACK with Florrie Fisher • USERS ARE LOSERS

• Plus: DRUG STORIES! NARCOTIC NIGHTMARES AND HALLUCINOGENIC HELLRIDES — A full-length mixtape from the AGFA team!

Godmonster of indian flats

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the petting zoo! From the singular mind of infamous artist Fredric C. Hobbs (ALABAMA’S GHOST, ROSELAND), this is the story of an eight-foot-tall toxic sheep monster that blows up gas stations, smashes crooked politicians, and terrorizes stoners.

In the words of BASKET CASE filmmaker Frank Henenlotter, “Get the straight jackets ready!” From the surreal “wild west” locations to the outrageous monster effects and the infamous scene where the Godmonster crashes a childrens’ picnic, this is easily the most inexplicably deranged creature feature in the history of forever.

• New 4K transfer from the only surviving 35mm theatrical print

• Rampaging monster trailers from the AGFA vaults

• Berserker shorts from the Something Weird vaults

• Bonus Movie: THE LEGEND OF BIGFOOT (1975), a new 2K scan from an original theatrical print

• Reversible cover art with illustration by Shana Cleveland

Scary Tales

SCARY TALES proves that the films of John Waters and Don Dohler aren’t the only genre miracles from Baltimore. A shot-on-video horror anthology that plays out like a public access version of CREEPSHOW, this is what happens when Satanic necklaces, bloodthirsty slashers, and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS-styled live action role playing collide with cool dads, neon lightbulbs, and dungeon synthesizers. AGFA and Bleeding Skull! are thrilled to present this charming, gore-filled dreamscape that has been meticulously pieced together from its original S-VHS master tapes.

• New transfer from the original S-VHS master tapes

• Commentary track with director Doug Ulrich

• 1987 demo version of SCARY TALES

• Outtakes and vintage TV promo appearance

• Bonus movie: DARKEST SOUL (1994)
• Early horror shorts by director Doug Ulrich

• Reversible cover

• English subtitles

The Zodiac Killer

A new 4K transfer of the only movie in history made explicitly to catch a serial killer. Directed by Tom Hanson, who had previously owned a chain of Pizza Man restaurants, The Zodiac Killer was made to capture the real-life Zodiac Killer. That plan didn’t work. Instead, we got the most outrageous and compelling “tabloid horror” vortex in the history of planet Earth. And beyond. During theatrical screenings, Hanson constructed in-theater “traps” to lure the killer from hiding. These included the use of an ice cream freezer filled with rent-a-cops and a raffle with a motorcycle as a prize. You won’t get insight like this by watching a David Fincher movie. But you will get it while watching The Zodiac Killer.

• Audio Commentary with director Tom Hanson and producer Manny Nedwick

• On-camera interview with director Tom Hanson and producer Manny Nedwick

• Bonus movie: ANOTHER SON OF SAM (1977)

• Tabloid-horror trailers from the AGFA archive!

• Liner notes and director Tom Hanson interview by Chris Poggiali of TEMPLE OF SCHLOCK

• Reversible cover artwork