As I continue to focus my blog this week on the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention, I would be remiss not to mention the incredible people who make this event happen every year, Mike and Mia Kerz.
I have known this very special couple for about 30 years (I've known Mike longer, as he was a fan of my radio show way back in the day). Their first date was to see a play that I wrote, directed and appeared in so yeah, they owe it all to me.
Anyway, in their own words, here is their story about Flashback:
"In 2002, we created Flashback Weekend to be the type of cinema event we would want to attend - a “Convention by Day – Horror Film Fest by Night."
By day, a horror convention featuring the biggest celebrity guests, autograph signings, a massive horror memorabilia room, our Sinister Visions costume contest hosted by Chicago Horror Host legend Svengoolie, and panel discussions with celebrity guests.
Evening events include “big screen” horror film showings introduced by celebrity guests, exclusive VIP parties allowing fans to meet and mingle with celebrity guests, live Horror Theater, and more!
Flashback Weekend provided a place and time for the Chicago horror community to unite and grow.
Now, fans plan their yearly vacations around Flashback Weekend and many travel from across the globe to attend. Fans have established friendships at Flashback and met their significant others – now, there are…Flashback babies!
Highlights from Flashback Weekend over the years include Robert Englund’s 2014 appearance in the Freddy Krueger make-up (a horror convention first), outdoor 35mm film screenings, major film premieres, and Flashback Weekend’s 2007 purchase of the Midway Drive-In, located in Dixon, IL.
Flashback Weekend believes that a horror convention should benefit the legacy of horror and the film arts. For this reason, all net proceeds from Flashback Weekend go to the preservation and operation of the Midway Drive-In.
Flashback Weekend re-creates the Drive-In Horror era at the Midway by showing classic horror trailers, vintage Drive-In intermission ads, and Dusk to Dawn showings of classic horror films on 35mm – the way movies are meant to be shown.
The Midway Drive-In shows first run blockbusters, in addition to horror classics nights! In addition to state of the art digital projection, the Midway is also equipped with a custom designed 35mm projection system.
As Flashback Weekend is a celebration of the Theatrical movie-going experience, we are proud to have Chicago’s top film critics to provide insightful film discussion during the weekend.
Our event co-hosts and moderators include Nick Digilio of The Nick D Podcast, Steve Prokopy of Third Coast Review, Patrick Bromley, of “F THIS MOVIE” and Dann Gire of the Daily Herald!"
So that's Mike and Mia and their reasons for funding and organizing this inspiring event every year, and I think it's awesome, and I think the Kerz family is a very special family indeed...and I'm proud to be a part of this annual celebration.
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