Salem Horror Fest Hooks Up With Zombie Film Legend's Foundation

SALEM, MA — Salem Horror Fest is teaming up with one of the greatest names in the genre's history to offer emerging filmmakers help with distribution, developing skills or strategic planning to fund upcoming projects.

The George A. Romero Foundation is hooking up with Salem Horror Fest in honor of the "Master of Horror's" work and legacy.

"We are excited to partner with the Salem Horror Fest as part of our commitment to support a new generation of filmmakers and artists inspired by George's legacy," said Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, founder and president of the George A. Romero Foundation. "Salem's history and reputation as a Halloween town is the perfect backdrop to tell new scary stories with a social thread."

The fellowship opportunity involves inaugural mentors including Mynette Louie ("Swallow" and "Black Box"), Travis Stevens ("Jakob's iWife" and "Girl On The Third Floor") and Jenn Wexler ("The Ranger" and "Depraved").

"In a time when truth is truly stranger than fiction, horror feels like the most appropriate genre," Louise said. "Its thrills and hyperbole make us feel and think with an intensity that few other genres do. So I'm excited for us to be sharing our own filmmaking experience with the next generation of horror filmmakers.

"Not only is making a movie scary, but so is wading through our current industry landscape."

Participants will be selected from the 2021 feature film submissions and eligible for a $1,000 cash prize along with premiere status. Submissions are due and winners will be notified in September.

Salem Horror Fest plans to return for a fifth year this year from Oct. 1 to Oct. 11.

More on the Horror Fest can be found here.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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