HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Film fans across West Virginia are in for a frightfully fun weekend as Halloween-themed screenings, premieres, and film festivals take over theaters and community spaces from Huntington to Saint Albans.
From cult classics to indie horror debuts, here’s a look at some of the cinematic highlights scaring up excitement across the Mountain State this weekend and beyond, thanks to David Lavender, director of the West Virginia Film Office.
61st anniversary of "Teenage Strangler"
The locally shot cult classic "Teenage Strangler" returns to the big screen Friday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Marquee Cinemas at Pullman Square in downtown Huntington.
The 1964 B-movie, filmed entirely in Huntington, blends comedy, horror, and mystery and has earned a devoted following over the decades. Directed by Ben Parker and inspired by Psycho and Rebel Without a Cause, the film predates John Carpenter’s "Halloween" by more than a decade.
Fans can also purchase a limited-edition Ghanaian cinema poster by artist Nii Bi Ashitey, shipped from West Africa. "Teenage Strangler" has enjoyed international cult status, having been featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000, screened at Italian festivals, and even inspiring two punk albums from a British band.
Blenko Glass premieres "Breaking the Mould"
In Milton, the world-renowned Blenko Glass Company will host a special preview event Saturday, Oct. 25, celebrating master mould maker Daniel Chapman.
As part of the 2025 Fall Furnace Fest, the evening includes the debut of Justin Litton’s documentary "Breaking the Mould," which honors Chapman’s artistry and legacy. The event begins at 5 p.m. with the release of a maraschino-colored glass fiddle — Chapman’s final hand-carved creation — followed by a reception and the 6 p.m. film premiere.
A Q&A session with Litton and Chapman will follow. Tickets, priced at $60, are available at Blenko.com.
"Self Help" brings local landmarks to the big screen
Filmed around the Huntington area last year, "Self Help," written and directed by Emmy Award winner Erik Bloomquist, is enjoying a nationwide theatrical rollout this Halloween. “Mischief Night Sneak Previews” begin Thursday, Oct. 30, ahead of a full digital release by Cineverse in early 2026.
The psychological thriller follows a college student, played by Landry Bender, who infiltrates a self-help group led by a mysterious anti-cult leader portrayed by Jake Weber ("Dawn of the Dead").
Locations featured in the film include the Pumpkin House in Kenova, Billy Bob’s Wonderland, Marshall University, and downtown Huntington.
"Self Help" will screen at Marquee Cinemas in Beckley, Huntington, and Triadelphia, and at Regal Cinemas in Cross Lanes and Vienna. Showtimes and trailers are available at wtfilms.fr.
DeadHead Horror Film Festival debuts in Saint Albans
Horror fans can head to Saint Albans on Saturday, Nov. 1, for the first-ever DeadHead Horror Film Festival at the historic Alban Arts Center.
Running from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the event will feature independent horror films from Appalachia and beyond, along with street vendors, panels, and live events.
Created by West Virginia natives Devan James and Carah Chaffin of DeadHead Productions and DKR Studios, the festival aims to celebrate new voices in horror.
Events include a vendor fair (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), guest speaker panels (1 to 4 p.m.), film screenings and awards (5 p.m.), and an evening reception (8 p.m.). Tickets are available at the Alban Art Center.
Boo-and-View Bash at Pipestem Drive-In
The Pipestem Drive-In will host a full day of family fun Saturday, Nov. 1, capped off by a screening of "Is Something Burning?"—a new West Virginia–made film by filmmaker Haley Hatcher and producers Brittany and James Young.
The free “Boo and View Bash” kicks off at noon with more than 30 vendors, live music, and children’s activities. Bands including Kyle from Blue Shell Paradox, Jarrod Pairgin, No Place Else, Athiotic, and Sinz of Eden will perform beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The evening concludes with a showing of "Is Something Burning?" Concessions will be available on-site (cash only), and no outside food is permitted.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic horror, local art, or indie frights, West Virginia’s film scene is delivering a reel treat this Halloween season.
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