The third edition of Portland, OR's Queer Screams: LGBTQ+ Genre Film Festival kicks off from August 1 – 3, with the one and only Don Mancini (creator of the Child's Play franchise) joining as VIP Guest.
Mancini will receive the 2025 Queer Screams Career Achievement Award, which honors significant contribution to queer horror cinema and culture.
As well as having Mancini in attendance for signings and Q&A, Queer Screams will screen a Chucky double feature, with Bride of Chucky (1998) and Seed of Chucky (2004) playing back to back on the Friday. The original 1988 Child's Play will screen on the Sunday.
Here's what Mancini himself has to say of the exciting upcoming event:
“I’m thrilled and honored to be receiving the Career Achievement Award from Queer Screams this coming August. With the Chucky franchise, I’ve dedicated much of my career to creating the kind of queer representation in the horror genre which this awesome festival celebrates. Please join us for a scary summer weekend of guts, gays, and gore, featuring screenings of the original CHILD’S PLAY, BRIDE OF CHUCKY, and SEED OF CHUCKY!”
Alongside Mancini, Queer Screams is bringing live drag and burlesque performances to the stage (performers TBA!)
Queer Screams Festival Director JT Seaton speaks more on how important the fest is, especially in our current climate:
“Now is the perfect time for an LGBTQ+ centric genre film festival. And Portland is the perfect town for such an event! Film festivals – like Queer Screams – are attempting to shed some light on LGBTQ+ horror’s social and political significance, while having a spooky, fun time.”
Further lineup and guest details for Queer Screams have yet to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled for further updates.
