I’m sad that this fabulous film festival is postponed…and yet I’m also happy that they’ve done what’s best for creators and attendees. I loved going last year, and that was when I wasn’t at peak health performance. I was planning on rocking OUT at Overlook this year…and I still may, depending on when the ‘rona allows us all to get out once again.

While you’re stuck at home, why not try some of the free things the folks at Overlook Film Fest recommend? From Shudder to Fangoria Online, virtual experiences to podcasts – and, of course, On Demand films – there’s plenty spooky to hold us ’til the Overlook opens its blood-soaked doors once again.

Read on for the full 411 from Overlook, including ways to support the arts right now, and a beautiful tribute to the wonderful Stuart Gordon, whom we lost on March 24th. Be well, everyone!!!

The 2020 festival edition will take place later this year
POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

It is with a heavy heart that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must postpone the 2020 Overlook Film Festival to a date later this year.

While we were hoping to celebrate and share our love for all things horror together this May, we all need to do our part of slowing down community spread of the virus. We’ve been working nonstop to create a variety of memorable events and screenings, but health has to come first. As a community-driven summer camp for horror fans, the safety and well-being of our guests, filmmakers, artists, industry, fans and team are the most important part of our annual gathering.

We are closely monitoring all developments in order to determine when it will be feasible and responsible to hold our event this calendar year. During this delay, we are continuing to actively evaluate submissions for all film and live programming so that we can put on the best possible fest as soon as we can.

On a more personal note, we’d like to implore you to make sure you make every effort at this time to stay home and shelter in place. The more we all social distance right now, the sooner we will be on the other side of this. We look forward to all the plans we have in store. Stay safe and we’ll see you soon.

Sincerely,
The Overlook Film Festival Team

THINGS TO DO WHILE STAYING INSIDE

WATCH SHUDDER
Use promo code SHUTIN for a 30 day free trial and you can catch an amazing array of classic and contemporary horror films during your quarantine, including several from Overlook alums and honorees
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FANGORIA DIGITAL EDITION
Fangoria has opened up FREE digital membership to EVERYONE for 2 months. Just follow the link, make an account, and read all the articles you want, as well as scans of the first 14 issues of Fango Vol. 1.
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DELAPORTE BIWEEKLY BRAIN BUSTERS
Scratch your immersive itch with New Orleans based Overlook alums Escape My Room and Delaporte Ventures (last year’s festival offering SAINTSBONE) offering a collection of fresh and archived puzzles for you to try at home, updated biweekly for your enjoyment. Solve the puzzles, follow the story, and win prizes!
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THE SOUTHERN GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES VIRTUAL E-PERIENCE
Festival favorite Grady Hendrix, author and performer, will have virtual offerings in lieu of his recently postponed book tour for upcoming THE SOUTHERN GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES
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GRIM GABLES: A DOWNLOADABLE DIY MYSTERY
NOLA’s own Lady Delaney, who appeared as an immersive panelist at last year’s Overlook, offers a new hands-on mystery you can experience in your own home.
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TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE: THE PODCAST
Grab your favorite podcast app and catch up with Larry Fessenden and Glenn McQuaid’s original audio plays. The archives are being released weekly in podcast form, including a few shows recorded live at some of our past events. Now is the perfect time to listen!

THE INVISIBLE MAN
In an unprecedented move, Universal has made some of its new releases available to rent on VOD platforms, including Overlook Visionary Award recipient Leigh Whannell’s incredible take on THE INVISIBLE MAN from Blumhouse. Catch it anytime if you haven’t already. You won’t regret it.

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE ARTS

DONATE TO THE ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE FAMILY FUND
This month’s Overlook Takeover of Alamo Drafthouse Los Angeles’s TERROR TUESDAY was cut short with the closure of movie theaters. The Alamo Drafthouse has started a fund to take care of its furloughed employees nationwide. If you have the means, find out how you can help
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PURCHASE A GIFT CARD TO LOCAL THEATERS AND BUSINESSES
Ensure that when the pandemic subsides, your favorite theaters and stores are still around for you to enjoy. Why not buy a gift card to New Orleans theaters like the Broad and the Prytania Theater during their indefinite closures.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NEW ORLEANS FILM SOCIETY
We will need arts organizations more than ever when this is over, and they are among the most vulnerable during sustained closure. The New Orleans Film Society offers incredible support to artists and the community. Help them get through these uncertain times by considering joining as a member or making a one-time donation. And please check out their list of artist resources below:

New Orleans Business Alliance has set up a dedicated Covid-19 relief fund to meet the needs of gig economy workers who have been directly affected by the loss of income. Apply here.

Creative Capital started a list of resources and relief funds for artists that will be updated regularly. Follow it here.
You may follow and contribute to the Freelance Artist Resources Open Source Doc here.
See assistance programs announced by the City of New Orleans here.
Looking for ways to help? See City of New Orleans’ list of organizations to donate or volunteer for relief here.
Americans for the Arts is doing a survey on the economic impact of coronavirus on the arts and cultural sector. Take it here.

RIP STUART GORDON

This week we lost an incredible person and filmmaker. The great Stuart Gordon left us and our community is heartbroken. He was a true master of horror, a compassionate individual, an advisor to the Overlook Film Festival and integral part of its founding, and a trusted mentor to many. His contributions to the genre are indelible and to say he will be missed is an understatement. This is a massive loss for all. May he rest in peace.

You can read remembrances of him from Jen Yamato in the LA Times HERE as well as fellow advisor Larry Fessenden for IndieWire HERE. Please revisit a a favorite of his or discover one of his deep cuts this weekend if you can.