The Belgian director Harry Kümel, born in 1940, is a master of the perverted gothic horror film. Kümel’s sumptuous style and dream-like ambient settings are the epitome of the cinefantastique. In Kümel’s films, the story is often less important than the overall effect. But, as these expressionistic effects are masterfully rendered and the thrilling ambience totally unique, this is of no real consequence. Kümel’s films exist to seduce the audience; his Freudian nightmares are an obsession. In addition to working with a range of actors across theatre, opera and TV, Kümel is also an active cinephile with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the art and craft of filmmaking. His opinions on art and culture are always outspoken and entertaining. We are delighted to welcome him to the 7th Fantastic Film Weekend.