There might not be any new horror movies in theaters this October, but five of America's best horror movie festivals are teaming up to give you the next best thing. Nightstream is an online film festival put together as a collaboration between the Boston Underground Film Festival, Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, North Bend Film Festival, The Overlook Film Festival and Popcorn Frights Film Festival. 42 feature films and a plethora of shorts will stream as part of the festival, and if that's not enough, the weekend is filled with special events sure to excite any hardcore horror fan. Here are seven events at the festival we're most excited for.
Virtual Fireside with Nia DaCosta
The new Candyman has been delayed until it's safe to release in theaters, but director Nia DaCosta, who previously made the acclaimed indie drama Little Woods, will be talking about the movie, as well as the state of the film industry in general, with New York Magazine's Hunter Harris. Marvel Cinematic Universe fans might also want to watch, given that DaCosta is set to direct Captain Marvel 2.
This panel will stream October 11th at 3:30 pm EDT.
20th Anniversary Celebration of American Psycho with Mary Harron
American Psycho celebrated its 20th anniversary this past April. Director Mary Harron took a book many (including its own author, Brett Easton Ellis) deemed "unadaptable" and created a cult classic that put Christian Bale on the map as an actor to pay attention to. Harron promises to discuss "every facet" of her controversial satire of toxic masculinty in this panel with The A.V. Club's Katie Rife.
This panel will stream October 8th at 9:15 pm EDT.
Making COVID Work: How to Create During a Global Pandemic
Here's one behind-the-scenes panel that's sure to be of interest to anyone trying to make art in these troubled times. Panelists include Eva Anderson (co-creator of the Instagram horror game Arcana), Brittany Blum (co-creator of virtual nightclub Eschaton), Rob Savage (director of the Zoom-based horror film Host) and Siegfried Tieber (magician performing in the Odds & Ends interactive experience). Todd Martens of the L.A. Times moderates.
This panel will stream October 9th at 5:00 pm EDT.
The Morbido Crypt's Guide to Mexican Fantasy and Horror Cinema
Mexico City's horror festival Morbido Fest, which will be held in a hybrid virtual/in-person form, is joining Nightstream with this panel. Festival director Abraham Castillo Flores, who is also an instructor from the international educaton community Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies, will offer an overview of Mexico's rich tradition of genre filmmaking.
This panel will stream October 10th at 1:00 pm EDT.
Dinner with the Masters of Horror: A Tribute to Mick Garris
Maybe you haven't heard of Mick Garris, who's being honored by the festival at this virtual dinner party. However, there's a good chance you've seen some of his work, from his award-winning episodes of Amazing Stories to his screenplay for Hocus Pocus to his many behind-the-scenes documentaries on classics like The Thing and The Goonies. And there's a very good chance you're a fan of the other guests honoring him, who include the likes of Joe Dante, Mike Flanagan and some unannounced surprise guests.
This live event begins October 11th at 9:00 pm EDT.
The Eyeslicer Halloween Special: Sleepover Pajama Party, Hosted by Gwilliam
If you're missing the Midnight movie experience, this event put on by Eyeslicer's Jane Schoenbrun and Vanessa McDonnell and executive produced by the radical artist collaborative Meow Wolf promises to be "a deranged Midnight movie anthology experience like no other." A late night party featuring films, filmmakers and a monster host, this looks like an event to remember.
This live event begins October 10th at Midnight.
Horror Homecoming with Peaches Christ
Filmmaker and drag queen Peaches Christ is hosting "a blood-drenched evening of laughs, trivia, costume contests, drinking games, prizes and more." Sounds like there's something for everyone to enjoy at this event. Peaches will also be hosting the "Horror Camp" panel delving into the campier side of the horror canon.
The "Horror Homecoming" live event will begin October 10th at 9:30 pm EDT. The Horror Camp panel will stream October 8th at 1:00 pm EDT.