Roy and Lisa Rose, Cult Classic’s founders, had a great desire to bring the fans of horror and cult classics together in one friendly space. Cult Classic Convention was born, and it is now recognized as Bastrop’s premier horror conference. It offers meet and greets with your favorite genre actors, a ton of interesting vendors, plenty of live music, and some delicious barbecue.
For some reason, the festivities got a start right on Valentine’s Day this year, and while I wasn’t looking for an alternative holiday experience, I figured, why not, let’s load up, and head to Bastrop! So, without further ado, let’s get into the good, the bad, and the ugly for Cult Classic Convention 2020.
THE GOOD:
Let me begin by saying I had a fantastic time, and there was never a dull moment at Cult Classic. If I wasn’t amazed by the various creations to be had on the vendor floor, I was outside taking in some sweet tunes with some fresh BBQ in hand. To put it ever so eloquently, Cult Classic had fuckin EVERYTHING!
The guests were amazing, but speaking of the variety though, I don’t think I’ve seen such a diverse as well as a satisfying group of talent at any function in a long time. I’m serious. Cult Classic offered everyone from Michael Berryman to local legend, Billy Pon. You name it, they had it here.
Speaking of Berryman though, I got a chance to chat him up for a bit, and I couldn’t have been more honored to talk shop with a nicer guy. He was so soft-spoken, which is funny considering the types of roles he portrays, but it was amazing to get to meet him and discuss one of my more recent favorites, The Evil Within. He gave some excellent incite to the legend that is Andrew Getty, and I’ll always cherish our lengthy exchange.
Beyond that, I bounced around with the cast and crew for the upcoming feature, Butcher’s Bluff. Director William Instone was on hand dressed as the killer of the film, The Hogman. Both he and writer, Renfield Rasputin, were in good spirits and appeared excited to get to work on the project. Speaking of Butcher’s Bluff, and this is random as fuck, but I can’t not mention him, Michael Fischer was also in attendance. While he wasn’t a guest per se, he should have been.
Don’t ask me how I discovered this guy, but one day this random-ass video appeared on my Facebook feed, and while I did laugh, I mostly thought to myself, “This guy gets it, and he is now my friend!” I looked him up, and I sent him a friend request. So yeah, Michael, we’re friends now. And Speaking of MY friend, Michael has appeared in The Leftovers, American Crime, and Robert Rodriguez’ upcoming release, Red 11. So, guys, he’s on the rise, you heard it here first.
THE BAD:
From what I gathered there was an issue during the showing of Circus of the Dead, and because of the problems, the decision was made to scrap that whole portion of the event. My issue isn’t with the fact that the screenings were canceled, my issue is with the communication or lack thereof.
I, myself, showed up for a screening of The Wild Man of the Navidad to support Duane Graves. I later spoke with Graves about the viewing and he was only told to come straight to the convention, there was no mention of the screening being terminated.
With just a quick look through the Cult Classic Facebook feed, you can see that there were quite a few people that were looking forward to some of the screenings. Sure, you can watch a lot of these films at home, but what is the fun in that? We want to watch horror films surrounded by other horror fans.
Again, my problem isn’t with axing this portion of the event, my issue is with the lack of communication. I spoke with people from the convention. I spoke with people from the hotel. I spoke with everyone. There were no updates. Nobody had an answer, and there wasn’t a solution… that is until Jake and Breezy arrived to the party!
Not only did they bring a movie, Toxic Tutu, for the handful of people that wanted a break from the convention floor to enjoy, but they were also kind enough to offer food and beverages to anyone in attendance. My hat goes off to both of those guys, wherever you are. While the “movie” was probably the worst thing I think I have ever sat through, these guys are some real heroes in my eyes.
THE UGLY:
I honestly can’t think of another complaint outside of the situation with the screenings. I mean, besides the fact that there were too many damn Funko Pops on the sales floor, I’ve got nothing.
In all seriousness, Cult Classic has grown a lot since I first attended, and I think it will continue to do so. This isn’t happening without effort though. The love and care that Roy and Lisa put into the convention is obvious, and the few obstacles that do arise seem to be addressed and adjusted from con to con.
I see this convention as one of the elite. While small, it packs a huge punch, and I think it is a true testament to not only the fans but the guests as well. There’s a huge spotlight on local talent and with Texas’ long-standing ties to horror movies, it’s only logical that an event like Cult Classic should continue to build on the legacy of horror in the Lone Star State.
The big question is, will I attend again? And the big answer is yes. Most definitely. I had a great time this year, and after missing last year it’s going to be hard to keep me out of Bastrop for any and all things horror related. I think I might even stay at one of the cabins next year. I’ve always wanted to, so who’s coming with me?
Jessie Hobson