July 03, 2015
Did you know that much of the 1958 cult sci-fi classic "The Blob," starring a young Steve McQueen, was filmed in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania? In fact, the pivotal scene where The Blob enters a movie house and begins consuming members of the audience was filmed at the historic Colonial Theatre.
In homage to its pop culture fame, The Colonial Theatre hosts Blobfest, a two-day celebration of the film, each year. It all kicks off with the Friday Night Run-Out on July 10 when special guests from sci-fi and scary movie history and musicians take part in a live stage show. Then, the guests run out of the theater just like in "The Blob." This year's run-out is already sold out, but there's no harm in spectating that quirky final dash from outside.
The Blobfest Street fair takes place Saturday, July 11 and includes live music, a Fire Extinguisher Parade, a costume contest, a merchant facade contest, food and vendors. Kris Yeaworth, son of "The Blob" director Shorty Yeaworth, will be a special guest at historical theater tours running during the festival.
Of course, Colonial will also be showing "The Blob," twice in a double feature with "Creature from the Black Lagoon 3D" and once in a double feature with "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein." Tickets are available online.
qFLIX, the LGBTQ cinema festival, is also on its way to Philadelphia. Over 50 films, including five world premiere screenings, will be held in Center City over six days. The East Coast premiere of Philadelphia-filmed "Beautiful Something" kicks off the festival Tuesday, July 7 and ends with the East Coast premiere of "Those People" Sunday, July 12.
Other notable showings include "LUV Don’t Live Here Anymore," from first-time Philadelphia director Mikal K. Odom, and "Mala Mala," native Philadelphian Daniel Sickles and Antoni Santini’s documentary which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival.
