Under the Influence Film Screening: Horrors of Social Media
South Philly Autonomous Cinema, Dusky Projects & the Ghouls Next Door
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 | Doors @ 7 PM | Suggested Donation $10
A screening where the horrors of social media are explored through independent short horror films. Films are followed by IRL activities to bring us off screen and into the room. It’s not enough to touch grass anymore, let’s connect to each other and make art! Contribute to our “Live Feed,” make your own #OOTD or join in on the Group Chat. TTYL!
Saturday, April 4th (404) | Doors @ 7 PM | Vox Populi, 319 N 11th St, 3rd FL
Presented by South Philly Autonomous Cinema, Dusky Projects and the Ghouls Next Door.
@duskyprojects @cinema_philly @theghoulsnextdoor
FEATURED ARTISTS
David Dylan Thomas (@whitemeatmovie) is a celebrated speaker, filmmaker, author, and podcaster. He’s made shorts and features in genres as varied as documentary, action, comedy, drama, and horror. He also hosts the Black horror podcast, The White Meat Podcast and gives lectures on the history of Black horror.
S.L. Sawyer (@slsawyer) is an award-winning producer and filmmaker based in Philadelphia. As executive director of the 5 Shorts Project, she leads film and media programs that train youth and amplify local creators. Her filmmaking centers emotionally grounded, psychologically charged stories that examine identity, power, and the performance of womanhood, especially through the lens of Black women. She builds community-forward productions that pair creative excellence with measurable impact.
gabe castro is a nonbinary, Latine, Philadelphia-based multimedia creator specializing in the horror genre. gabe’s work explores the real world influences behind our cinematic fears. They are the co-host and producer of the award-winning media literacy show, The Ghouls Next Door.
Carlos Meléndez (@beat_melendez) stands out for blending the irreverent with the macabre, the absurd with the grotesque, depicting a reality that resembles a horror film. Carlos's directorial debut in the U.S., 'After School', and his second feature film, 'Hysteria', earned him multiple international awards. He has crafted 10 short films, screened at multiple festivals around the globe, and has worked on series and documentaries, such as 'The Unknown Hitman' and 'My Encounter with Evil'. Carlos tells strange yet amusing stories, capable of transporting audiences to unusual places.
ABOUT DUSKY PROJECTS & SPAC
Dusky Projects (@duskyprojects) produces genre projects, events, and workshops in audio, immersive theater, and film for adult and young adult audiences. The work focuses on inclusive storytelling and equity through the production and celebration of BIPOC artists.
South Philly Autonomous Cinema (@cinema_philly) is a collectively-run organization screening leftist, queer, and rare films in South Philadelphia.