LOCAL EVENTS
Frights and friendship await anyone attending Reel Resurrection, a monthly horror movie night hosted by local film fanatic Selina Gallegos. The event is so much more than just a movie night; it’s also a chance to build community and connect with others that share a love of all things horror. One can be more than just a viewer by joining the monthly volunteer meetups. Reel Resurrection acts as a club, allowing volunteers the opportunity to help pick the next movie, set up screenings, run the snack table, hang up flyers or just help organize events.
Gallegos felt that the horror community isn’t very diverse, so a new, more inclusive environment was needed “where people felt like they could belong.”
“Horror movies are for everyone,” Gallegos said.
The screenings truly encourage everyone and anyone to come together for a scary good time. Even clowns were welcome and encouraged to attend their past screening of “Killer Klowns From Outer Space.” Gallegos and volunteers always organize fun additions to the screenings, whether it’s clowning about or bringing special supplies for their screening of “The Fly.”
“We try to do something special with every screening we have,” Gallegos said.
Even selecting the movies is a communal process, letting the club decide what the next film should be whether it’s a cult classic, 80’s horror or a slasher; everyone has input.
“Our horror community at Reel Resurrection is a safe space for many, we try to stray away from the typical ‘film bro’ mentally because we aren’t that,” Gallegos said. “We have open arms to everyone and want everyone to feel included.”
Due to the novelty of the club, they do not have a ton of volunteers yet and want to encourage anyone interested to attend a volunteer meetup to discuss future showings and offer opportunities to be involved with running the club.
Gallegos aims to make the screenings so much more than just a movie night.
“When hosting a screening, we put a lot of thought into the experience,” Gallegos said. “Not only do we play awesome horror movies, but we want people to also feel a part of Reel Resurrection. To achieve that, we encourage people to come in costumes corresponding with the movie’s theme, and we try to have snacks and drinks that also match the theme in some way, shape or form.”
For the upcoming screening of “Re-Animator,” the club is making a special green lemonade to match the color of the elixir in the film.
Gallegos has a sincere reason for starting the club.
“I’m a giant horror nerd, who really found comfort in horror movies. I related to them in a way I couldn’t understand, … but often related to the feeling of being isolated or excluded because I was different,” Gallegos said. “That is what really motivated me to start the club. Horror is an escape for many people and to bring people together who may feel similar is important and that representation matters.”
Check out their next screening of the 80’s classic “Re-Animator” Friday, April 25 at Private Park, located at 313 Nicola Alley. The screening starts at 11:30 p.m., but Gallegos encourages attendees to come early to socialize and grab snacks. Follow the instagram for upcoming screenings and volunteer meetings at @reelresurrection.
