The passing of George Romero in July still feels like a fresh wound. The man who arguably had more influence over modern horror than any other filmmaker will never be forgotten however, thanks to an untouchable cinematic legacy. To honour the legendary director, a number of local businesses, filmmakers and artists have teamed up for a week-long tribute to Romero in Pittsburgh, the city he made his home after moving there to attend university.
Titled A Celebration of George Romero, the event will take place from October 13th to 19th, with most of the programming held at Pittsburgh’s Row House Cinema. In addition to screenings of a number of Romero’s most celebrated works, the week-long event will include the ‘resurrection’ of Pittsburgh zombie store House of the Dead, a mini Zombie School featuring lessons on how to act like a zombie from acclaimed haunted house The ScareHouse, a #RomeroWasHere Scavenger Hunt sending participants to many of the locations where Romero filmed his movies throughout Western Pennsylvania, and a horror themed trivia night at Bierport.
Additionally, there will be heavy involvement from the Douglas Education Center’s George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program and Tom Savini’s Special Makeup and Effects Program, with all of the proceeds from the makeup and SFX demonstrations going directly to the students.
It sounds like a fitting tribute to a Pittsburgh legend. As the press release states, “George Romero has had an undeniable influence on the Pittsburgh community, and now the community is looking to honor his memory.”
For more information about the events, times, and locations, including the schedule of movies, click here.
Words: Kevan Farrow (@KevanX)
