Julia Marchese, the filmmaker and podcaster known for her deep engagement with Stephen King adaptations and cult cinema, will bring a trio of events to three cities this autumn. The tour highlights the growing appetite for communal film experiences and the enduring cultural legacy of horror, particularly the works of Stephen King. It also marks a significant milestone for Marchese's long-running podcast, which reaches its 500th episode, underscoring the sustained popularity of niche horror commentary.
From October 22 to 24, Marchese will attend the second annual Kingcon in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a celebration of Stephen King's work and legacy. Her Dollar Baby film, 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, adding a new literary dimension to her career.
Next, 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 introduced by Victoria Price. The event reflects the continued relevance of repertory cinema and the communal experience of watching horror films with an audience.
Finally, 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: on November 2, Carrie, celebrating the film's 50th anniversary, and on November 4, 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 demonstrates the podcast's staying power in a crowded media landscape and its role in fostering a community of horror enthusiasts.
Marchese's work frequently explores nostalgia, genre cinema, physical media culture, and the communal power of moviegoing. Beyond Horror Movie Survival Guide, she co-hosts The Loser's Club and JodoWOWsky, further cementing her influence in genre film circles. These events matter because they signal a sustained demand for in-person, curated film experiences and highlight how independent creators like Marchese are bridging the gap between online fandom and physical screenings. As theaters continue to face challenges, such programming offers a blueprint for building community around shared cinematic passions.
