Horror Realm, coming September 17th through the 19th, is Pittsburgh’s modern horror convention. Entering its second year in 2010, the convention celebrates the films, art, writing and culture of the modern era of the genre, which began with the release of George Romero’s iconic zombie film, Night of the Living Dead, in 1968.
The Pittsburgh area has a rich horror history. Numerous horror movies have been filmed in the region including Night of the Living Dead, the original Dawn of the Dead, Martin, The Silence of the Lambs, The Mothman Prophecies and My Bloody Valentine 3D, to name but a few. The region has also spawned a number of popular television horror hosts from “Chilly Billy” Cardille to the fictional Count Floyd (from SCTV).
Horror Realm is proudly produced by native Pittsburghers as a hometown convention celebrating the local horror influences as well as to serve as an attraction for horror aficionados everywhere. The convention hopes to spur tourism interest in the area as well as economic development for the venue and surrounding areas.
Horror Realm features:
· A dealer room with local, regional and national vendors offering various horror-themed items for sale such as movies/DVD’s, apparel, jewelry, collectible figures, comics, make up and decorations, artwork, etc. The show also includes a tattoo room and gaming room.
· Well-known celebrity guests from horror and zombie films including Ken Foree, John Amplas, Bill Cardille, Debbie Rochon and Tiffany Shepis, among others. The 2010 show features reunions of the cast and crew of the films Basket Case, Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. The Basket Case reunion is the centerpiece of the convention, featuring rare appearances by director Frank Henenlotter and stars Kevin Van Hentenryck, Terri Susan Smith and Beverly Bonner.
· Author panels featuring award winning, best selling and emerging horror writers such as Jonathan Maberry, Kim Paffenroth, Rhiannon Frater and many more appearing courtesy of Library of the Living Dead Press, Permuted Press and Joseph Beth Booksellers.
· A film festival celebrating the spirit of independent films and highlighting local filmmakers through the Pittsburgh Film Workers Association annual awards program as well as a short film contest sponsored by Bastards of Horror.
· Special sneak preview of the feature film Chain Letter, due in theaters on October 1
· Best Horror Tattoo and horror trivia contests
This year’s convention includes new entertainment events:
· Friday night Horror Cabaret featuring music by Kevin Van Hentenryck, stand-up comedy by Beverly Bonner and performances by Pittsburgh’s own Evenings in Quarantine: The Zombie Opera and ElectroBelly and Friends belly dance group. The show starts at 10:30 PM and admission is free.
· Night of the Living Dead costume ball sponsored by Magic Hat Brewing on Saturday night beginning at 9 PM. The ball features a DJ, dancing, cash bar, costume contest and silent auction to benefit United Cerebral Palsy and The Epilepsy Foundation. Admission is free with a weekend pass or Saturday ticket; otherwise $5 at the door. Open to 18 and older with a valid ID.
· Little Monsters intro to horror program on Sunday morning at 10:00 for kids age 12 and under. Featuring a costume parade, goody bags, a reading from Grunge Bob Camo Pants by author Robert Cordray, and a screening of Mad Monster Party.
For more information: Horror Realm
