Hollywood's creepy blockbuster The Blair Witch Project could soon have unexpected Oxford competition.

The Devil's Feast, made by city-based film-makers Richard Duriez and Sharon Woodward, of Mischief Pictures, tells of an anarchist group's fears about a religious cult.

Their fears are triggered by the opening of a controversial exhibition, The Devil's Feast, by up-and-coming artist Chloe Mason, played by Eloise Coyle.

The low-budget project was filmed using the same hand-held digital video techniques used in the smash-hit horror movie. Some of the dialogue was also improvised. Abingdon actor Joss Vizor, who plays a member of the anarchist group, said: "I was very excited to be part of the film. When I saw the final production, I must say I was very impressed.

"The producers did not get the funding they needed, but went ahead with the filming anyway. They roped in many friends and it's actually a very good prod- uction.

"In fact, having seen The Blair Witch Project, I would say this is an even better production, made using the same techniques." Joss, 32, of Dundass Close, who works part time for Oxford Brookes University's education media unit, plays a close friend of the main anarchist, Spider.

He said: "It's not a huge part. I'm basically his side-kick.

"I didn't think I would be doing any acting as I was more involved with the editing. Sharon said they needed more actors so I got involved.

"Before this I had only acted as part of various courses I had done. This is the first time I've been in a feature film for public viewing."

The experience has inspired Joss to become more involved in acting. He said: "I would consider auditioning for future parts because I enjoyed doing this small part. I certainly wouldn't mind the money that would come with making it on to the big screen."

The film's premiere is at the Phoenix Picture House, Walton Street, Oxford, on Friday.

It will be screened every day until December 2. Call 01865 512526 for details.

Story date: Monday 22 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.