Julia Marchese, a filmmaker and podcaster known for her work in genre cinema and physical media culture, will bring a slate of events to three cities this autumn, underscoring her growing influence in the horror community and the enduring appeal of communal moviegoing. The tour spans Atlantic City, Somerville, and Ottawa, and highlights her dual role as a creator and a curator of cult cinema.
From October 22 to 24, Marchese will attend the second annual Kingcon in Atlantic City, a celebration of Stephen King's work and legacy. Her Dollar Baby film, an adaptation of King's short story I Know What You Need, will screen during the convention. Kingcon will also feature a limited edition of Keys to the Kingdom, a short story anthology featuring work from Dollar Baby filmmakers inspired by Stephen King. Marchese's story, The Lime Acid Lovers, marks her first published short story, signaling her expansion from filmmaking into prose.
Immediately following, from October 27 to 30, Marchese heads to Massachusetts to program the sixth annual Halloween Hullabaloo at the historic Somerville Theatre. 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 two with Victoria Price in attendance. Marchese's programming choices reflect her deep knowledge of horror history and her commitment to presenting films as communal experiences.
Then, on November 2 and 4, Marchese will travel to Ottawa with her long-running podcast Horror Movie Survival Guide to celebrate the show's 500th episode at the Mayfair Theatre. The celebration will feature two screenings: Carrie, celebrating the film's 50th anniversary, and Out of Print, Marchese's feature documentary about revival cinema and the experience of watching films communally in independent theaters, preceded by her second film. The 500-episode milestone is a significant achievement in podcasting, demonstrating the sustained interest in horror analysis and the loyal audience Marchese has built.
The implications of these events extend beyond Marchese's personal career. They highlight the vitality of independent exhibition spaces and the appetite for curated genre programming. In an era of streaming, the emphasis on communal screenings and physical media culture suggests a counter-trend that values shared experiences. Marchese's work as a podcaster, with Horror Movie Survival Guide, The Loser's Club, and JodoWOWsky, further cements her role as a connector between fans and the films they love. As she travels to these three cities, she not only celebrates milestones but also reinforces the importance of preserving cinema culture through live events and digital conversation.
