Soraya Rhofir - Death Warmed Up

Death Warmed Up (1984), directed by David Blyth, is another in the series of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s films selected by artist Soraya Rhofir to show in her fortnightly Cult B-film screenings, during her 2017 residency, at the Te Whare Hēra Gallery, Prow end of Clyde Quay Wharf, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington Harbour.

Rhofir showed the uncut version of Death Warmed Up (1984), a horror film about a neuro-scientist come surgeon, Dr Archer Howell, who administers mind control drugs to unsuspecting victim Michael. Michael under Howells influence is programmed to kill his parents and is then confined to a psychiatric institution for his parents murders. Upon his release he sets out with his friends to seek revenge on Howell who he finds on a remote island running a clinic for Trans Cranial Applications - an experimental clinic where Howell turns humans into mutant killing machines.

Winner of the Grand Prix (Licorne D’or) 14th Paris International Festival of Fantasy and Science Fiction Film, 1984, Death Warmed Up was favourably supported by the NZ Film Commission who percieved it would have great appeal with younger generations as well as international audiences. The screen play was written by David Blyth and Michael Heath.

Watch the trailer for Death Warmed Up