Catherine Corcoran, the actress known for her genre work, has been tapped as the first horror ambassador of Raindance Film Festival, a role that comes in partnership with her production company FareStream Pictures and coincides with the launch of the festival’s dedicated horror programming slate.
Corcoran’s horror credits include Terrifier, Terrifier 2, Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 and Volume 2, Long Lost, Faceless After Dark, If It Bleeds and Big Baby, among others. She also made headlines last year after filing a lawsuit related to the Terrifier franchise.
“Independent horror has always thrived by creating community first,” Corcoran said in a statement. “Raindance has spent decades championing fearless filmmakers and queer artists and I’m honored to help expand a platform that celebrates voices redefining the genre.”
As Corcoran noted, horror is having a moment — particularly original horror. Obsession, from 26-year-old writer-director Curry Barker, has crossed $300 million at the global box office after being produced independently for $750,000, becoming Focus Features’ highest-grossing film of all time. Two weeks later, A24’s Backrooms from 20-year-old director Kane Parsons became the studio’s highest-grossing film ever, with $265 million globally.
Founded in London in 1993, Raindance is the U.K.’s largest independent film festival. Corcoran’s appointment comes as the festival expands its horror presence, introducing the Roger Corman Award for Best Horror Feature and showcasing an international lineup of genre films.
The festival’s Icon Awards will be presented to Miriam Margolyes, Brian Cox and Lloyd Kaufman. Connor Storrie, Kit Harington, Jane Fonda and Robert Englund are also among the names featured in the lineup for the festival’s 34th edition.
In November, Corcoran launched her film and television production company, FareStream Pictures, which focuses on telling bold and emotionally charged stories through women and underrepresented voices.
With Corcoran and FareStream Pictures joining the initiative, Raindance’s new horror programming seeks to foster strong collaboration between filmmakers, fans and the global independent horror community while advocating for the next generation of voices.
The festival runs through June 26 in central London.
