Salem Horror Fest and the Horror Queers Podcast have teamed up once again to resurrect their Frightgown fundraiser event, which celebrates queer indie horror through virtual watch parties, exclusive interviews and more, with all proceeds supporting The Trevor Project.
Kicking off on Wednesday, July 13th with the new film So Vam from 17-year-old trans filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay, the six-week Frightgown Summer series will showcase recent projects featuring queer horror stories and filmmakers through August 17 at 7:30 pm EST.
Frightgown organizers Kay Lynch and Joe Lipsett state: "The momentum for Queer Horror is real. It’s an exciting time for new and independent voices. While Pride Month is over, it never really dies. Our goal is to celebrate and encourage filmmakers who are committed to representing our stories on screen and behind the lens throughout the year."
Selected films will span several genres, from Chris Moore’s conversion camp-themed Children of Sin, Canadian mumblecore lesbian film The Strings, trans director Jane Schoenbrun’s consideration of gender dysphoria on the internet in We’re All Going To The World’s Fair, and Addison Heimann’s exploration of mental health in Hypochondriac before wrapping up with Jon Abrams’ dark, campy and disturbing campus sexual assault thriller Exploited.
Special guests will co-host virtual watch parties on Twitter where everyone is encouraged to engage with each other using the hashtag #frightgownsummer. Exclusive interviews with filmmakers and writers will accompany the screenings, posted to social media and hosted on the event website at frightgown.com.
While there is no admission fee to attend, all films will be available to purchase, rent, or stream where proceeds go to support the filmmakers. Frightgown asks that all participants consider making an additional optional donation. Those who contribute $100 or more will receive an exclusive trans-themed Friday the 13th mask designed by Uncle Boogieman.
Film schedule, program details, and donor info are also available on the event website.
Check out an interview with So Vam filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay and Frightgown organizer Joe Lipsett, below.