Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival Returns to Durham
The 11th annual festival will showcase horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films directed by women at the Varsity Theatre.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Science Fiction
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The Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival is set to return to the Varsity Theatre in Durham on October 9-10, 2026. This 11th annual event celebrates horror, sci-fi, and fantasy cinema created by women.
Why it matters
The festival was established to provide a dedicated platform for women working in horror, science fiction, and fantasy genres. It requires that all screened films feature a woman in a primary creative role.
The festival marks its 11th year of operation, supported by a founder with 20 years of filmmaking experience. Notable works include the 2024 film Dead Weight and the 11-minute short film Autonomous.
The players
Christine Parker
She is the founder of the Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival and has worked as a filmmaker for 20 years.
Virginia Root
She is a director who created the 2024 film Dead Weight.
Jennifer Mosier
She is a director known for the 11-minute short film Autonomous.
The details
Founded by Christine Parker in 2016, the festival highlights films where women hold primary creative roles. Attendees can access the event at the Varsity Theatre through a sliding donation scale.
Timeline
The Sick Chicks organization was founded in 2012.
The film festival was established in 2016.
The festival takes place at the Varsity Theatre on October 9-10, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival operates within a broader Hollywood movement toward gender parity in independent horror and science fiction production. It counters traditional industry imbalances by prioritizing female-led narratives in spaces historically dominated by men.
Residents in Durham can attend the screenings at the Varsity Theatre using a sliding donation scale. Festival participants are encouraged to check local listings for the specific showtimes scheduled for October 9-10.
The takeaway
This festival highlights the importance of inclusive programming in the independent film circuit. Attendees can support local filmmakers by participating in the annual showcase during its October dates.
Further reading
Explore more local Science Fiction developments on our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Tar Heel.
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Do you believe gender-specific film festivals are necessary to support women filmmakers in your area?
