John Watersis a different kind of cinematic icon, a misfit auteur whose putrefying punk aesthetic has shocked audiences for more than half a century. Waters has somehow bridged the extreme bottom of low culture (his first short was titledHag in a Black Leather Jacket) with the critically lauded highs (several of his films arein The Criterion Collection). Ever since his early features (Mondo Trasho, Multiple Maniacs, Pink Flamingo), the filmmaker has pushed the boundaries of acceptability and discovered true artistry on the margins.
In yet another instance of his anomalistic position among important directors, Waters is extremely in touch with his audience, and goes out of his way to be with people and communicate with film fans. He’s an eloquent yet grounded public speaker, loquaciously witty and immensely clever, and he’s bringing the whole Waters package to his fans once again with a suitably quirky upcoming event —The John Waters Filthy Film Festival.
The three-day event will bring several ofWaters' best films(Female Trouble, Desperate Living, Pecker, Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, the immensely underratedA Dirty Shame, and a secret feature curated by the director himself) to The Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Waters will be present to give live commentary on the films and provide lengthy Q&A sessions, and there will be games, costume contests, and extensive merchandise. You can find out more below.
Related:John Waters: Every Film He Directed, Ranked
A Divine Film Festival
The press release for The John Waters Filthy Film Festival reads as follows:
“Attention, filth fanatics and cult movie enthusiasts! Get ready for a mind-blowing and gut-churning cinematic extravaganza like no other! The legendary John Waters, the Prince of Puke and the Duke of Dirt, is teaming up with Exhumed Films and The Mahoning Drive-In to bring you an unforgettable weekend of sleazy cinema!
On September 29, 30, and October 1, Exhumed and The Mahoning proudly present The John Waters Filthy Film Festival! Join us as we celebrate the bizarre and subversive creations of John Waters, the mastermind behind cult classics such asPink Flamingos, Female Trouble,andHairspray. Brace yourself as we dive into John Waters’ diverse filmography, showcasing six of his most outrageous and influential works — as well as a secret bonus feature curated by John himself — all shown on 35mm. Witness the unforgettable characters, the jaw-dropping moments, and the taboo-shattering narratives that have solidified Waters' status as a countercultural icon.
John Waters will grace the drive-in lot with his irreverent presence, providing live, on-site commentary and engaging in a sure-to-shock Q&A session each night. Listen in as John reveals behind-the-scenes anecdotes, spills cinematic secrets, and shares his unique insights into the world of underground filmmaking. Fans lusting after the ultimate John Waters experience will even have the opportunity to purchase a VIP ticket package which will include a special photo op with John and rare signed memorabilia!
The Filthy Film Festival will also feature photo ops, costume contests, games such as the Dirty Shame Bottle Race (Friday) & Pecker’s Pics Photo Contest (Saturday), prizes, and our extensive merch tables filled with t-shirts, Blu-rays, and other assorted oddities. And like all Exhumed/Mahoning events, there will be classic 35mm trailers, huge raffles each night, live DJs and lots of other surprises.
So gather your friends, pack your barf bag, and get ready to embark on a wild journey into the twisted mind of John Waters. Experience the unhinged beauty of his films, soak in the infectious energy of his presence, and revel in the spirit of anarchy that oozes out of every frame! For fans of transgressive cinema, The John Waters Filthy Film Festival is not to be missed!”
For anyfans of John Waters, it’s more than worth a road trip to Lehighton just to check out this epic event. You can learn more and get ticketshere.
