The Portland Horror Film Festival (PHFF), co-directed by Gwen and Brian Callahan, has been celebrating diverse horror genres since 2016. With roots in a T-shirt business, the couple sought to expand beyond Lovecraftian themes, embracing all forms of horror, including psychological and comedic elements. A major turning point in 2020, during the pandemic, led to virtual offerings that fostered community engagement. Today, PHFF has grown to a five-day festival showcasing independent films that encapsulate the wide array of horror while emphasizing creativity and the DIY ethos inherent in independent filmmaking.
Horror is an expansive genre that includes a variety of sub-genres and styles, emphasizing the independent spirit of filmmaking beyond big studios.
Gwen Callahan highlights the diversity in horror, stating, 'There are a lot of sub-genres under horror, in a similar way to drama. There's all kinds of drama.'
The pandemic was a turning point for the Portland Horror Film Festival, allowing it to expand and incorporate virtual participation, significantly increasing its audience.
The festival celebrates unique and varied expressions of horror, from psychological dramas to slasher films, unifying them through their independent spirit and creativity.
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