Sink your teeth into the throbbing vein of queer vampire films. 

Friday, October 28, 2022, FACETS explores the queerest of all horror subgenres, the vampire film, with Daughters of Darkness (1971) and The Hunger (1983), while also spotlighting two luminous French actors, Delphine Seyrig and Catherine Deneuve. 

The tradition of queer vampire films goes all the way back to Universal Pictures’ Dracula’s Daughter (1936), inspired by Carmilla (1872), the classic Gothic horror novella by Sheridan Le Fanu that also inspired Hammer Film Productions’ ambitious Karnstein Trilogy in the early 1970s. With Hammer’s offerings and Jean Rollin’s early trio of lesbian vampire films—The Rape of the Vampire (1968), The Nude Vampire (1970), and The Shiver of the Vampire (1971)—fresh in the public consciousness, along comes the even more decadent and polished Daughters of Darkness with extra layers of queerness. The Hunger dazzles with savage vampires played by international stars Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon, who take an incredible risk that results in one of the most singular horror films of the 1980s. 

Daughters of Darkness and The Hunger each star an iconic French actor on the cusp of middle age with astonishing grace, beauty, and power. These performances of Delphine Seyrig and Catherine Deneuve are riveting, seductive, and boldly, confidently, marvelously queer. 

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP  

On the same night, FACETS is partnering with Gerber/Hart Library and Archives to bring you a special exhibit of vintage horror erotica from the Gerber/Hart collection. This one-night exhibit will be in the FACETS Lobby from 5:00pm to 11:00pm. 

SPONSORED BY 

This event is made possible by Howard Brown Health.

PROGRAMMER 

Daughters of Darkness and The Hunger are programmed by John McDevitt, FACETS Community Engagement Coordinator, and Bucket O’ Blood Books & Records.