Julia Marchese, the filmmaker and podcaster known for her work in cult and genre cinema, will bring a slate of events to three cities this autumn, underscoring the continued vitality of niche horror fandom and independent film exhibition. The tour spans from Atlantic City to Somerville, Massachusetts, and Ottawa, Ontario, demonstrating the reach of Marchese's varied projects and the resilience of physical media culture.
From October 22 to 24, Marchese will attend the second annual Kingcon in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a celebration of the work and legacy of Stephen King. Her Dollar Baby film, I Know What You Need, will screen during the convention, offering fans a chance to see her adaptation of King's short story. 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, a significant milestone in her creative career.
Immediately following, Marchese heads to Massachusetts to program the sixth annual Halloween Hullabaloo at the historic Somerville Theatre, running October 27–30. This year's lineup includes a special appearance by Victoria Price to celebrate the legacy of her father, iconic actor Vincent Price. The series pairs classics: Night of the Living Dead with Hausu, Killer Klowns from Outer Space with Phantasm, Cujo with Pet Sematary, and House on Haunted Hill with Dragonwyck, the latter accompanied by Victoria Price. The event highlights the communal experience of watching horror films in a historic venue, a theme central to Marchese's work.
In November, Marchese travels to Ottawa to celebrate the 500th episode of her long-running podcast, Horror Movie Survival Guide, at the Mayfair Theatre. Two screenings mark the occasion: on November 2, a 50th-anniversary showing of Carrie, and on November 4, Out of Print, Marchese's feature documentary about revival cinema and the communal moviegoing experience, preceded by her second film. The milestone reflects the podcast's sustained engagement with horror fans and its role in fostering a community around genre cinema.
Marchese's activities this autumn illustrate the interconnectedness of horror fandom, independent theaters, and digital media. By appearing at conventions, programming film series, and celebrating her podcast's longevity, she bridges traditional and modern modes of fan engagement. Her work, which frequently explores nostalgia, genre cinema, physical media culture, and the communal power of moviegoing, resonates with audiences seeking authentic, shared experiences. As independent theaters face ongoing challenges, events like these underscore their importance as cultural hubs. Marchese's tour also highlights the enduring appeal of Stephen King's stories and the creative potential of the Dollar Baby program, which allows emerging filmmakers to adapt his work. Through her multiple roles—filmmaker, podcaster, and curator—Marchese continues to shape the landscape of cult horror, ensuring that both classic and contemporary works find new audiences. This autumn's events are not just screenings but celebrations of a vibrant, participatory culture that thrives on gathering in the dark to watch stories together.
