Julia Marchese, a filmmaker and podcaster known for her work in cult horror and revival cinema, is set to appear in three cities this autumn, bringing Stephen King adaptations, classic horror screenings, and a milestone podcast episode to audiences. The events underscore Marchese's expanding role as a curator and advocate for genre film and physical media culture.
From October 22 to 24, Marchese will attend the second annual Kingcon in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a convention celebrating the work and legacy of Stephen King. Her Dollar Baby film, I Know What You Need, will screen during the event. Kingcon will also feature a limited edition of Keys to the Kingdom, an anthology of short stories from Dollar Baby filmmakers inspired by King. Marchese's contribution, The Lime Acid Lovers, marks her first published short story, signaling a new creative avenue for the filmmaker.
Next, from October 27 to 30, Marchese heads to Massachusetts to program the sixth annual Halloween Hullabaloo at the historic Somerville Theatre. The lineup includes a special appearance by Victoria Price, celebrating the legacy of her father, Vincent Price. Screenings pair classics like Night of the Living Dead with Hausu, Killer Klowns from Outer Space with Phantasm, and Cujo with Pet Sematary. The finale features House on Haunted Hill and Dragonwyck with Victoria Price in person. The event highlights Marchese's commitment to curated, communal viewing experiences that blend horror history with contemporary fandom.
Finally, on November 2 and 4, Marchese travels to Ottawa with her long-running podcast Horror Movie Survival Guide to celebrate its 500th episode at the Mayfair Theatre. The celebration includes two screenings: Carrie, marking the film's 50th anniversary, and Out of Print, Marchese's feature documentary about revival cinema and the communal moviegoing experience, preceded by her second film. Reaching 500 episodes is a significant milestone for an independent podcast, reflecting sustained audience engagement and Marchese's dedication to genre commentary.
These events collectively illustrate Marchese's multifaceted career. She co-hosts other podcasts, including The Loser's Club and JodoWOWsky, and her work frequently explores nostalgia, genre cinema, and physical media culture. Her ability to draw audiences across cities demonstrates the enduring appeal of shared cinematic experiences, even in a digital age. As independent theaters and niche conventions face ongoing challenges, Marchese's programming offers a blueprint for community-driven events that celebrate film history and foster connection among fans.
