Queer Screams returns August 1-3, 2025 to the Clinton Street Theater in Portland, Oregon. Queer Screams is a film festival dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ+ genre cinema from emerging and established queer artists within the community – locally, nationally and internationally.

Queer Screams is excited to announce that this year’s very special VIP guest is Don Mancini. Don Mancini is a screenwriter, director and producer. Best known for creating the CHUCKY franchise, Don is the recipient of the 2025 Queer Screams Career Achievement Award: Honoring Significant Contribution to Queer Horror Cinema & Culture.

“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!” – Don Mancini

Genre films are extremely significant and important to the LGBTQ+ community. “Growing up gay, we are often made to feel like an abomination. Therefore, when we watch horror movies, we can identify with both the monster – and the final girl fighting for her life – because, by our very nature, we are both.” – Abigail Waldron (author of “Queer Screams”)

The festival venue is The Clinton Street Theater, a landmark of Portland cinema history. One of the oldest operating movie houses in the United States, The Clinton Street Theater has always been about community. And Queer Screams is meant to be just that – a community inspiring event.

“Queer Screams is such an inspiring and empowering festival.” – Sara Werner (director/filmmaker)

“Now is the perfect time for an LGBTQ+ centric genre film festival. And Portland is the perfect town for such an event!” states JT Seaton, Queer Screams Festival Director. “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.”

Queer Screams is currently accepting film and screenplay submissions through May 15, 2025. For more information, please visit queerscreams.com.