Final Girls, Gays and Theys: Genre Film Through a Queer Lens

Why has the horror genre always been a sanctuary for the queer community? From the "coded" monsters of classic cinema to the modern subversion of the Final Girl trope, queer creators and audiences have long found reflections of their own lived experiences in the dark, the campy, and the macabre.

This panel brings together filmmakers and enthusiasts to dissect the unique relationship between queer identity and genre filmmaking. We explore how "the other" is reclaimed on screen and why queer storytelling thrives when it embraces the fantastical. Join us for a deep dive into how we are redefining tropes to ensure that, this time, we aren't just the first to go—we are the ones who survive.

The Panelists

Hannah Alline | Director, Scissors

Geena Rocero | Director, DOLLS

Mark Pariselli | Filmmaker

Lu Asfaha | Filmmaker and Founder of Defar Media

Tricia Hagoriles | Filmmaker (Moderator)