Join us for a conversation with Bobby K, the founder of NEPA Horror Fest. We talk about the origins of the festival, the challenges of running community events, and why creating a space for indie films, music, and art matters so much. From Murphy’s Law stories to what it takes to bring Hollywood-quality experiences to local communities, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at passion, perseverance, and horror on the big screen.
Topics covered:
The history and evolution of NEPA Horror Fest
Why Bobby K started the festival and how it’s grown since 2015
The challenges of running local community events
The importance of showcasing independent films and local talent
Why drive-ins and nostalgic venues matter for culture and connection
Balancing financial struggles with the reward of community impact
What’s new at the 11th annual festival, including the night market and live music
How to support and attend this year’s event
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Murphy’s Law stories
03:00 Local music and festival memories
06:20 Why start a horror film festival in NEPA
07:30 Growth of the festival and major guests
09:00 Bringing Monster Mania–style events to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
10:00 Why indie films need a platform
12:00 Nostalgia and the drive-in experience
13:20 Film submission process and global reach
15:00 Defining success beyond the numbers
17:40 Event details: October 11th at Circle Drive-In
19:40 Night market, live music, and family-friendly atmosphere
21:50 Why supporting local culture matters