Sun, Screams, and Cinema: Tampa Bay Screams 2024

Floridians take their horror seriously, gladly braving the sweltering June weather for the 9th annual Tampa Bay Screams horror convention last weekend in Pinellas Park, FL. The event turned the modest Pinellas Park Performing Art Center into a buzzing den of frightful fanatics browsing eclectic collections, meeting stars, and discussing their beloved horror scene.

This convention was a great display of passionate, resilient, horror fans making their twisted ideas a reality. The heat and sporadic thunderstorms made the space feel all the more like a sanctuary for the weird and weary. After a few tumultuous years for the state of the arts in Florida, many event attendees were relieved to see a revival of sorts at Tampa Bay Screams.

“The Tampa Bay Screams June 2024 edition had a lot to live up to from what founder Sean Donohue had established,” said Tampa Bay Screams owner and organizer Andy L. “A lot was riding on pulling off a 2024 con under new ownership. Horror fans love what Sean originated. Tampa Bay Screams is truly a con for cult horror movie fans. We did not want to diverge from Sean’s winning formula. Fans, filmmakers, creatives, vendors, and staff had high expectations – rightly so – we had to deliver a true-blue cult movie super-show.”

For those uninitiated, the Florida indie horror scene is B-movie heaven. Vendor tables were full of low-budget flicks that would become hidden gems on any DVD shelf. Tampa is home to Gatorblade Films, one of the production and distribution companies that produced favorites like Swamp Women, Die Die Delta Pi, and Cannibal Claus. Founder Sean Donahue was running the popular vendor booth between scream queens Gia Love, Sushii Xhyvette Holder, and Lunathyst. They all radiated their love of their work and the genre’s presence in the Sunshine State. Lunathyst expressed that being a part of these movies is like “hanging out with your girls and acting like you’re killing men in front of a camera,” which sounds like a fantastic time.

While chatting and browsing the aisles of nostalgic goodies, all eyes would move toward the massive, blood-stained wheel at the room’s entrance. This is where a lucky ticket holder would spin the wheel for event tickets generously donated by local sponsors.

“My approach was to mirror Sean’s machinations and possibly try out a few new ideas, such as showcasing the giant “Wheel of Terror” from H.G. Lewis’s last horror film The Uh-Oh! Show. As fortune would have it, Ruth Eckerd Hall had approached us with ideas for promoting their podcast stage shows Old Gods of Appalachia: Unhallowed Grounds and Ancient Aliens Live,” Andy L. explained. “We incorporated the spinning of the Wheel of Terror in those promotions and it came off spectacularly, thanks to actor Joel D. Wynkoop (“King of the B-Movies”) emceeing the ticket giveaways. It was a special showmanship touch that I’d like to do more of in the future.”

Some out-of-state filmmakers were also in attendance ready to leave their footprint on the Florida film scene. Addison Binek, the creator of the Troma and Mystery Science Theater mash-up Tromasterpiece Theater episodes 1 and 2, won Tampa Bay Scream’s “Best Cult Movie” award for Psycho Ape! (2020). Yes, Tampa Bay Screams also holds an annual Film Festival run by longtime film fest director, Shelly Stokes. Victor Bonacore won “Best Director” in the short film category for Our Amityville Apocalypse which stars Erin Brown. Florida-forged The Clock swept up three awards including “Best Feature Film,” “Best Director” being Rick Danford, and Aimee Rolfsen received “Best Actress” for her role in the film. Danford and Rolfsen are two of the minds behind Indie Horror Junkie magazine, a staple of Tampa Bay Screams and the overall Florida horror network.

It was exciting to see all these creatives get together in one room discussing past, present, and upcoming projects. This convention is unique in that it brings dedicated, hard-working filmmakers together with equally dedicated genre fans in a fun, casual setting. Just walking around, I could hear sparks of inspiration and exciting collaborations coming to life as if we were all collectively brainstorming the next horror sleeper hit.

Andy L. noticed this too stating, “There was a horror-energy at the con as creative artists networked with each other – and I guarantee many new horror projects will have had their genesis in the form of ideas and partnerships at Tampa Bay Screams ’24.”

As the weekend came to a close, it was clear that many of us genre junkies cannot wait to get together again. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of Tampa Bay Screams and planning for the decade celebration is already underway.

“In upcoming editions of Tampa Bay Screams fans can expect new, unpredictable tricks-n-treats that elevate us beyond a convention into a do-not-miss life milestone event designed for horror, sci-fi, sword & sorcery, and cult movie fans,” Andy L. said. “Hold onto your roller coaster handles for the next Tampa Bay Screams!”

To keep up with all things Tampa Bay Screams, visit their website tampabayscreams.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or X @tampabayscreams.