WHY LGBTQ+ HORROR IS IMPORTANT

Student researcher Miles Noecker, for his thesis project Queer Depictions in Horror Films, discusses the impact of queer horror: “Tracking individual horror films and their depictions of queer identities has the potential to shed light on the history of LGBTQ rights in America, while also demonstrating the rationale for long-standing stereotypes used to oppress queer people.” Horror movies have always served as a vehicle for emotional exploration, political commentary, as well as analyzing our relationship with mortality and the unknown.

In her article, The History of Horror is Gay, writer BJ Colangelo states, “What makes it so difficult to discuss the queer roots of horror cinema is that because of archaic standards like The Hay’s Code criminalizing explicitly queer representation and forcing it into subtextual coding, an overwhelming number of straight people are frustratingly incapable of seeing the truth. Queer people became really, really good at hiding queer stories in subversive films like the horror genre, which makes sense considering how many real life queer people had to become good at hiding their own identities.”

Books, such as Queer Screams: A History of LGBTQ+ Survival Through the Lens of American Horror Cinema by Abigail Waldron and Monsters in the Closet: Homosexuality and the Horror Film by Harry Benshoff, outline in great detail the importance of horror films in the LGBTQ+ community and their historical social and political impact.

Queer horror IS important. And 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.

YOU CAN HELP! Independent film festivals are usually self-funded, receiving no state or government backing. And as one can imagine, it takes quite a bit of resources to produce a live, community growing event. By being a sponsor, you can help support the art and aid in the development of positive LGBTQ+ representation in genre cinema.

YOU MIGHT BE ASKING…

• Why would my organization want to become a sponsor?
  It’s a great way to reach local audiences and show community support. Local advertising is a challenge. The cost of ‘traditional’ radio, tv, and print ads can be prohibitive. Through a combination of an ad in our program, your logo on the big screen of the theater, and our strong social media presence, you will be able to reach thousands of potential customers for a very modest price.

• This is your first year. How many people are you expecting?
  Great question! The festival’s name/brand recognition is growing exponentially. And there is genuine excitement within the community. The festival venue, the Clinton Street Theater, seats over 200. We expect most of our screenings to sell out. With 3 days of programming, there is potential for over 1,600 participants. In addition, there is a wide social media reach. Clinton Street Theater has over 7,800 organic followers on Instagram and over 15,000 Facebook followers.

• What do I get for my Sponsorship?
  Well now, that would all depend on the level of sponsorship that you are interested in. Let’s break it down. 🙂

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

PRODUCER

$1000

• Gratification of supporting the community
• Full page ad in the Film Festival Program (ad due by August 11th)
• Your company logo on the QSFF website (multiple pages)
• Slide, featuring your company’s info and logo, on screen in between film screenings
• Verbal recognition during the Festival
• At least 10 Instagram Posts, that include your company, either in text or image – 5 posts during the Festival – 5 post over the rest of 2023
• An Award presented to winning filmmakers in your company’s name
• 4 full VIP Festival Passes – which include all screenings and events ($400 value)

YOU MIGHT BE ASKING…

• What if I want to support the Festival on my own? No company. No business. Just me, myself and I?
  Sometimes individuals (not affiliated with a company or business) want to help. That’s totally awesome and amazing! Any supporter of the Festival may contribute. All Contributors will receive a “Shout Out” and “Thank You” on our social media and acknowledgment during the Festival (unless they wish to remain anonymous – which is totally cool too). QSFF can accept donations of any amount.