Attention, filth fanatics and cult movie enthusiasts: HE’S BACK! The legendary John Waters, the Prince of Puke and the Duke of Dirt, is once again teaming up with Exhumed Films and The Mahoning Drive-In Theater to bring you another unforgettable weekend of sleazy cinema! And this year’s event stands to be even weirder and more wonderful than the last!
On September 27 and 28, Exhumed and The Mahoning proudly present THE JOHN WATERS FILTHY FILM FESTIVAL, PART II! Join us as we celebrate the bizarre and subversive creations of John Waters, the mastermind behind cult classics such as "Pink Flamingos," "Female Trouble," and "Hairspray." Brace yourself as we dive into John Waters’ diverse filmography, showcasing some of his most outrageous and influential works–as well as two insane bonus features curated by John himself. Witness the unforgettable characters, the jaw-dropping moments, and the taboo-shattering narratives that have solidified Waters' status as a countercultural icon.
John Waters will grace the drive-in lot with his irreverent presence, and will present a unique experience on each night of the program: Friday will feature John’s introduction/discussion of the films and an extended audience Q & A, and on Saturday John will do a special LIVE COMMENTARY during our screening of POLYESTER!
Listen in as John reveals behind-the-scenes anecdotes, spills cinematic secrets, and shares his unique insights into the world of underground filmmaking. Fans lusting after the ultimate John Waters experience will even have the opportunity to purchase a VIP ticket package which will include a special photo op with John and the opportunity to have JOHN SIGN ONE PERSONAL ITEM of choice!
The Filthy Film Festival will also feature photo ops (designed by John Demmer), costume contests, competitions such as the Demented Directors Short Film Contest (Friday), the Serial Mom Bloody Bake-Off (Saturday), and the return of John Waters Karaoke.
PLUS: this year’s event will also feature “The DirtBall Mall,” a freaky flea market featuring tons of vendors selling exactly the sort of oddball crap that any filthy film fan needs in their life!
And like all Exhumed/Mahoning events, there will be classic 35mm trailers, huge raffles each night, live DJs, and lots of other surprises.
So gather your friends, pack your barf bag, and get ready to embark on a wild journey into the twisted mind of John Waters. Experience the unhinged beauty of his films, soak in the infectious energy of his presence, and revel in the spirit of anarchy that oozes out of every frame! For fans of transgressive cinema, the "John Waters Filthy Film Festival Part II" is not to be missed!
**PLEASE READ BELOW FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS -- BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL TERMS BEFORE PURCHASING TICKETS!**
Tickets for this event will be available in three different tiers:
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: $50 PER NIGHT
The General Admission ticket entitles you to entry to THE JOHN WATERS FILTHY FILM FESTIVAL, including three films each night, John Waters’ commentary/Q & A, and access to all merchandise tables & contests, etc.
VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $100 PER NIGHT
The VIP Ticket Package entitles you to everything in the General Admission ticket, plus an exclusive event poster that has been pre-signed by John Waters! We will have two different, complementary poster designs for Friday and Saturday night, so you need tickets for both nights to take home what will surely be a pair of coveted collectors items! These special edition posters have been designed for our event by Jason Cortez/Sons of Thunder Studios and will ONLY be available with the VIP ticket packages!
As an added bonus, VIP ticket holders will get early admission to the event in order to secure the best spot on the lot and get first shot at the merchandise tables!
FILTHY VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $150 PER NIGHT
The FILTHY VIP Ticket Package entitles you to the ultimate event experience! You'll receive everything in the VIP Ticket Package, with a huge added bonus: a picture of you and John! Yes, in addition to receiving the exclusive signed poster and other perks of the event, FILTHY VIP audience members also get to participate in a safe, socially distanced, photo op experience where you can get a picture with John Waters!
Plus, every FILTHY VIP ticket holder will be able to participate in a limited signing session where John will sign one personal item of their choice! Bust out your posters and Blu-rays for this rare opportunity to have John Waters personally autograph your stuff!
As an added bonus, FILTHY VIP ticket holders will get early admission to the event in order to secure the best spot on the lot and get first shot at the merchandise tables!
Both VIP tickets are VERY limited, so get yours before they sell out!
Exhumed Films and The Mahoning Drive-In Theater have teamed up on many massive events in the past, and last year’s show with John Waters was one of the coolest shows we have ever put on together! We truly hope you will join us for what is guaranteed to be a filthy good time!
*THIS IS AN ALL-WEATHER EVENT--NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES!
* * *
Due to very high demand for this event, we will be adding additional steps for the ticket checkout process:
**Names are required at checkout. This is to avoid any scammers or scalpers!
•Ticket holders must show ID at the gate in order to verify purchaser. You may purchase multiple tickets under one name, but must arrive in the same vehicle!
•There is a LIMIT OF 5 TICKETS per purchase--this is to avoid mass purchase. PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY ONLY PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS IN YOUR VEHICLE!
Ticket levels are as follows:
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: $50
Your ticket includes:
One (1) General Admission ticket for Friday or Saturdays activities, including John’s Q & A /movie commentary, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and three film screenings each night. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
General admission parking spot--one spot per vehicle
7:00PM Entry begins at Mahoning Drive-In box office for General Admission ticket holders. General Admission ticket holders may not begin lining up at the box office before 6:30 PM in order to avoid long backups onto the road.
VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $100
Your ticket includes:
One (1) General Admission ticket for Friday or Saturdays activities, including John’s Q & A/movie commentary, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and three film screenings each night. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
One (1) 11 x 17 commemorative poster pre-signed by John Waters! You will receive your poster from the box office at check-in. NOTE: there will be a different poster designed by Jason Cortez for Friday and Saturday night! These posters will ONLY be available with the VIP ticket packages!
4:00PM Entry begins at Mahoning Drive-In box office for VIP ticket holders to allow for prime parking, and early access to vendor tables. VIP ticket holders may not begin lining up at the box office before 3:30 PM in order to avoid long backups onto the road.
NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP ticket for the event.
FILTHY VIP TICKET PACKAGE: $150
Your ticket includes:
One (1) General Admission ticket for Friday or Saturdays activities, including John’s Q & A/movie commentary, access to vendors and contests/giveaways, and three film screenings each night. PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE ADMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
One (1) 11 x 17 commemorative poster pre-signed by John Waters! You will receive your poster from the box office at check-in. NOTE: there will be a different poster designed by Jason Cortez for Friday and Saturday night! These posters will ONLY be available with the VIP ticket packages!
One (1) photo op with John Waters. John will pose for outdoor photo ops with FILTHY VIP ticket holders ONLY in socially distanced photos six feet apart on a recreation of the “Lobstora” attack scene from MULTIPLE MANIACS!
One (1) item signed byJohn Waters. John will participate in a limited signing session with FILTHY VIP ticket holders ONLY. Ticket holders can bring one item for John to sign, free of charge. PLEASE NOTE: John reserves the right to refuse to sign any bootleg/unauthorized merchandise.
All FILTHY VIP ticket holders will be entered into a drawing to win a FILTHIEST PERSON ALIVE prize package! One winner will be selected randomly on Friday and Saturday night.
4:00PM Entry begins at Mahoning Drive-In box office for VIP ticket holders to allow for photo op **FILTHY VIP ONLY** lineup, prime parking, and early access to merchandise tables. VIP ticket holders may not begin lining up at the box office before 3:30 PM in order to avoid long backups onto the road.
NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP for the event.
EVENT SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28:
Friday, September 27, 2024 w/ John Waters in person:
4:00PM VIP EARLY ACCESS – For VIP ticket holders only. Box office open for VIP check-ins. Signed poster distributed at box office. NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP ticket for the event.
4:00PM - CLOSING – “Dirtball Mall” vendor tables open on drive-in lot.
4:00PM - CLOSING – Walk-up snack bar window open - serving a snack menu including burgers, hot dogs, fries, candy, popcorn, soda/water, & more!
5:00PM - Line-up begins for the John Waters photo op session *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*
5:30-7:00PM - John Waters Photo Ops & signing session for *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*. Photos will be socially distanced (six feet apart) on a recreation of the “Lobstora” attack scene from MULTIPLE MANIACS! NOTE: Be on time for the photo op, as it will end once all guests in line have taken their picture and latecomers will not be accommodated. The limited signing session will begin once the photo op has ended, and *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only* will have the opportunity to have John Waters sign one personal item of their choice for no additional charge.
7:00PM - Entry for General Admission - General Admission ticket holders may start to check in at box office.
7:15PM - 8:15PM - Karaoke hour
8:15PM - Costume contest on stage & announce winners of “Filthiest Person Alive” prize and the “Demented Directors Short Film Contest”
8:30PM John Waters intro to films and Q & A – set up your chairs on the lawn for a great view!
9:30PM - MULTIPLE MANIACS (1970)
11:30PM - CECIL B. DEMENTED (2004)
1:30AM - Special Third Feature curated by John Waters: KILLER JOE (Dir. William Friedkin, 2011)
* movie starting times are approximate
Saturday September 28, 2024 w/ John Waters in person:
4:00PM VIP EARLY ACCESS – For VIP ticket holders only. Box office open for VIP check-ins. Signed poster distributed at box office. NOTE: all audience members in a vehicle must be VIP ticket holders in order to enter with early access. The only exception to this rule is that each VIP adult ticket holder may travel with up to two children (aged 16 or under)--all children must possess either a GA or VIP ticket for the event.
4:00PM - CLOSING – “Dirtball Mall” vendor tables open on drive-in lot.
4:00PM - CLOSING – Walk-up snack bar window open - serving a snack menu including burgers, hot dogs, fries, candy, popcorn, soda/water, & more!
5:00PM - Line-up begins for the John Waters photo op session *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*
5:30-7:00PM - John Waters Photo Ops & signing session for *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only*. Photos will be socially distanced (six feet apart) on a recreation of the “Lobstora” attack scene from MULTIPLE MANIACS! NOTE: Be on time for the photo op, as it will end once all guests in line have taken their picture and latecomers will not be accommodated. The limited signing session will begin once the photo op has ended, and *FILTHY VIP ticket holders only* will have the opportunity to have John Waters sign one personal item of their choice for no additional charge.
7:00PM - Entry for General Admission - General Admission ticket holders may start to check in at box office.
7:15PM - 8:15PM - Karaoke hour
8:15PM - Costume contest on stage & announce winners of “Filthiest Person Alive” prize and the “Serial Mom Bloody Bake-Off”
8:30PM John Waters intro and live commentary during POLYESTER– set up your chairs on the lawn for a great view!
8:45PM - POLYESTER (1981) w/ live commentary by John Waters
11:30PM - SERIAL MOM (1994)
1:30AM - Special Third Feature curated by John Waters: MOM AND DAD (Dir. Brian Taylor, 2017)
* movie starting times are approximate
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
*PHOTO OP/SIGNING POLICY*
Social distancing of at least six feet between you and John must be maintained during the photo op--no hugs, handshakes, or hi-fives, unfortunately! No more than two adult fans and two children (under age 16) per photo. For the signing, the item will be handed to an Exhumed Films staff member, who will bring the item to John’s table for signing and then will return the item to the guest. Again, no hugs, handshakes, or hi-fives!
No audience pictures or video recordings are allowed during the photo op/signing event.
*INTRO/Q & A/COMMENTARY POLICY*
The Q & A/live commentary will be broadcast in stereo sound on the drive-in radio only. Attendees are encouraged to gather around the stage and set up their own chairs for the intro/Q & A/live commentary. Video recording of the INTRO/Q & A/COMMENTARY event is strictly prohibited.
*EXTENDED PASS POLICY*
No oversized vehicles (large campers/RVs) are permitted for this event.
Those with extended pass option must vacate the drive-In lot no later than 12:00 noon on the day after the event. Audience members who have extended passes for both nights may remain setup.
*COMPLIANCE WITH MAHONING DRIVE-IN POLICIES*
Please visit The Mahoning Drive-In website at www.mahoningdit.com to review and read the FAQ page for answers to other questions or concerns you may have about operations.
Exhumed Films and The Mahoning Drive-In Theater reserve the right to deny entry to the event or eject audience members from the lot for failure to comply with stated policies or procedures. No refunds will be issued for individuals who are denied entry or otherwise removed from the event due to non-compliance or disruptive behavior.
FB event graphic created by Andrew Kern
Photo credits for FB event graphic:
John Waters = Greg Gorman
Multiple Maniacs = Lawrence Irvine
Cecil B Demented = Abbot Genser
Polyester = Larry Dean
Serial Mom = Phillip V. Caruso
**Artists and vendors interested in participating in the "DIRT MALL" can request apps at [email protected] - please allow some time for response and information.