Deciding on a Title for My Film

Now that I have carried out research into existing film names for my chosen genre and I've worked out a rough storyline, I am ready to choose a title for my film.

Horror Film Name Research

Folk Horror Film Name Research

Storyline For My Film

I want my title to reflect the folk horror sub-genre but also to relate to the narrative of my film and because I've noticed that folk horror film titles usually have a reference to religion, rituals or the supernatural, I am going to try and incorporate this into my film name. I also noticed that they are usually one or two words, so I will aim for one or two words in my film name.

Here are my potential film names:

'The Ceremony'

This focuses on the ritual itself, typical of the sub-genre, and would relate to the celebration (and the sacrifice) that the film's protagonist inadvertently becomes involved in.

'Summer Solstice' 

This also focuses on the ceremony, but is specific to the time of year it is happening, again linking to the protagonist becoming caught up in an ancient ritual or ceremony. 

'Solstice'

A shorter variation of the title above.

 

'The Rite' 

An archaic word, in keeping with the folk horror sub-genre, with a sinister reference to rituals, which hints at the 'journey' that the protagonist goes on.

'Occult' 

Again the word has sinister overtones, linked to Paganism and rituals, but it may have too many supernatural connotations to fit the narrative I have come up with.

'Harvest'

The word is linked to rituals and ceremonies and of being close to the earth and having a symbiotic relationship with nature, which is typical of the folk horror sub-genre. It also has connotations of cutting things down, which could link to the fate which befalls the protagonist.

'Yule'

Relates to a specific festival with Pagan origins, but set at Christmas would necessitate certain considerations regarding mise-en-scene and shooting schedules.

'Equinox'

Relates to a specific ceremony connected to the earth and nature which occurs twice a year, and includes some very specific iconography and rituals which I would like to replicate.

 

'Rite of Passage' 

Suggests a group, possibly of young people, going on a spiritual journey.

'The Gathering'

Has very sinister connotations, but suggests something pre-ordained or organised, which may not fit my narrative which implies the protagonist has stumbled upon events by accident.

'The Burryman Procession'

I love this name but it has a very specific reference to a particular Pagan festival which might be too niche for my audience, though it is in keeping with some of the names of existing folk horror films. 

'Fêtes De L'ours' 

Another specific reference to rituals/ceremonies with ancient connotations, but set abroad.