‘Terrifier’ Star Catherine Corcoran Joins Raindance As Horror Ambassador

Terrifier star Catherine Corcoran has been appointed the Official Horror Ambassador for Raindance Film Festival, a move that underscores the festival’s growing commitment to genre cinema as its 34th edition continues in London.

Announced during this year’s event, the partnership will see Corcoran work alongside her production company FareStream Pictures to champion Raindance’s newly expanded horror programming, including the introduction of the Roger Corman Award for Best Horror Feature.

The appointment arrives at a notable moment for the Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying festival, which has significantly increased its horror presence in 2026 with a dedicated strand showcasing independent genre filmmaking from around the world. The line-up features world, international and UK premieres spanning psychological horror, supernatural thrillers, horror-comedy and dark fantasy.

Best known for her roles in Terrifier and Return to Nuke ‘Em High, Corcoran has become one of independent horror’s most recognisable performers over the past decade. Through FareStream Pictures, she has also expanded her work behind the camera, developing projects and supporting emerging filmmakers, particularly within the genre space.

In a statement released alongside the announcement, Corcoran praised Raindance’s long-standing support of independent filmmakers and said she was honoured to help grow a platform that champions new voices within horror cinema.

Her appointment coincides with a strong year for horror at the festival. Films competing for the inaugural Roger Corman Award include the AI thriller Serena, Polish vampire drama Life for Beginners, South African folk horror The Trek, psychological thriller The Troll, Mexican horror drama Sacrificios, and American thriller Jackalope.

The strand also includes titles such as Pinocchio: Unstrung, featuring horror icon Robert Englund, as well as premieres from filmmakers representing Argentina, Japan, Sweden, New Zealand, Luxembourg and the United States.

Raindance’s broader 2026 programme has already welcomed several high-profile figures. This year’s Icon Awards have recognised acclaimed actress Miriam Margolyes, Succession star Brian Cox and legendary independent filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman.

For a festival long associated with discovering emerging talent, the launch of a dedicated horror initiative signals an acknowledgement of the genre’s continuing influence within independent cinema. Perhaps more importantly, it creates another prominent platform for filmmakers working outside the mainstream system.

Raindance Film Festival runs in London until 26 June 2026, with the Roger Corman Award winner set to be announced as the festival draws to a close.

For more info on the festival, and tickets, visit: raindance.eventive.org/schedule