Horror movie fest coming to Foothills in Oneonta

Oct. 5—Film Otsego, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center and the Wieting Theatre are bringing back Shock-toberfest, celebrating all things October, for its second year Saturday, Oct. 14 at Foothills.

The event features films and performances with a horror theme, capping off with an interactive screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with a live shadow cast — actors who dress in costume and mimic the actions the movie, usually just below the screen.

The event starts at 3 p.m.

Scheduled events include craft beers and ciders from New York state brewers, pro pumpkin carving with a pumpkin raffle, tarot card readings, "Dead by Daylight" video game tournament, horror makeup effects demonstration, side show performers and a horror themed music rave.

The events are planned to happen simultaneously in three rooms at Foothills, with food trucks and axe throwing outside.

Movies to be screened include short film "The Monkey," directed by Laurens Central School graduate Spencer Sherry, and "Ouija Witch," making its Oneonta debut at the festival.

"Ouija Witch" was filmed in Oneonta in 2022 in part by Otsego Media, produced and written by Oneonta native Cuyle Carvin and starring Cheyenne Phillips.

"DeathTrap," a play written by Ira Levin in 1978 and produced by Bigger Dream Productions, also is scheduled for the event.

Greg Klein, Otsego County film commissioner under Film Otsego, said that he's hoping to put the area on map for movie making in general.

The film commission was founded in 2020 as Cooperstown, Oneonta, Otsego County Film Partnership Inc., known as Film COOP.

Upon receiving 501c3 registration, the name changed to Film Otsego in July.

Klein said that the horror genre is the first real success story of attracting filmmakers to the area.

Film Otsego received county tourism mini grant, given to organizations that put on events that bring people to town, Klein said.

Pre-sale tickets are $25, and tickets to attend just the "Rocky Horror" screening are $10.

Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $30 and $15 for "Rocky Horror."

According to the Foothills website, every ticket includes a ticket to axe throwing.

The event is recommended for ages 18 and older but children can attend with an adult.

For more information, visit www.foothillspac.org.