Filmmaker and podcast host Julia Marchese is set to appear in three cities this autumn, bringing her unique blend of Stephen King fandom, cult horror programming, and independent cinema advocacy to audiences across North America. The multi-city tour underscores the growing demand for communal film experiences and the enduring appeal of genre cinema, which could signal a broader resurgence in repertory theater attendance and podcast-driven fan engagement.
From October 22–24, Marchese will attend the second annual Kingcon in Atlantic City, a celebration of Stephen King's work and legacy. 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, a short story anthology featuring work from Dollar Baby filmmakers inspired by King. Marchese's story, "The Lime Acid Lovers," marks her first published short story, further establishing her as a multi-hyphenate creative in the horror community.
Next, Marchese heads to Massachusetts to program the sixth annual Halloween Hullabaloo at the historic Somerville Theatre from 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 features double features such as 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 with Victoria Price in attendance. Such curated events highlight the cultural and economic impact of independent theaters, which rely on loyal audiences and special programming to compete with streaming platforms.
Finally, 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 on November 2 and 4. The celebration will feature screenings of Carrie, honoring 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 milestone is a testament to the podcast's sustained influence in film criticism and fan culture, and it demonstrates how digital media can drive real-world attendance at independent venues.
Marchese co-hosts other podcasts including The Loser's Club and JodoWOWsky, and her work frequently explores nostalgia, genre cinema, physical media culture, and the communal power of moviegoing. For the Long Beach area, this news matters because it reflects broader trends in event programming and niche audience engagement that local theaters, businesses, and creators can emulate to build community and drive foot traffic. As independent exhibitors face ongoing challenges, Marchese's model of combining podcasting, curation, and live events offers a blueprint for sustainable audience development.
