Exclusive Feature: Unpacking the Infamous "Cannibal Holocaust" (1980)
Re-releases and Restorations
"Cannibal Holocaust" is a found-footage horror film that tells the story of a group of documentary filmmakers who venture into the Amazon rainforest to create a film about the local cannibal tribes. The film's graphic and disturbing content sparked controversy upon its release, with many critics accusing Deodato of snuff filmmaking (a practice of filming real murders or violence). However, the film has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and shocking horror films of all time. index of cannibal holocaust 1980 exclusive
To avoid a life sentence, Deodato had to break the contracts and present the living actors on national television to prove that the human violence was staged using advanced practical effects. While cleared of murder, Deodato and his team were still convicted of obscenity and animal cruelty, as several animals were actually killed during production. Banned Status and Worldwide Impact To avoid a life sentence, Deodato had to