Filmmaker and podcaster Julia Marchese is set to bring her unique blend of Stephen King fandom and cult horror appreciation to three cities this autumn, with events that underscore the lasting cultural impact of genre cinema and the communities that form around it. The tour begins at Kingcon in Atlantic City from October 22–24, where Marchese will attend the second annual celebration of Stephen King's work. Her Dollar Baby film 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, an anthology of short stories from Dollar Baby filmmakers inspired by King, including Marchese's first published short story, The Lime Acid Lovers.
From October 27–30, 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 include Night of the Living Dead paired with Hausu, Killer Klowns from Outer Space with Phantasm, Cujo with Pet Sematary, and House on Haunted Hill with Dragonwyck, the latter two accompanied by Victoria Price. This event not only honors classic horror but also highlights the importance of preserving and presenting these films in a communal setting, a theme central to Marchese's work.
Finally, on November 2 and 4, Marchese travels to Ottawa to celebrate the 500th episode of her long-running podcast, Horror Movie Survival Guide, at the Mayfair Theatre. The milestone event features 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. The 500-episode achievement is significant not only for Marchese but for independent podcasting, demonstrating the sustainability of niche content and the enduring appetite for horror analysis.
These events collectively illustrate the vital role of independent theaters and grassroots conventions in fostering film culture. By bridging Stephen King's literary legacy with cult horror and physical media, Marchese's autumn tour reinforces the value of shared viewing experiences and the communities that sustain them. As streaming dominates, such gatherings remind us that cinema's magic often lies in the collective gasp, laugh, or scream—a truth Marchese champions through her films, podcasts, and live events.
