The Boulet Brothers at the Overlook Film Festival 2026
Horror took center stage at the Overlook Film Festival 2026 as renowned drag artists, television producers, and horror nightlife icons, The Boulet Brothers, led a panel.
Held on April 11 at the Pyrtania Theatre, the discussion explored horror hosting, a tradition in which a costumed, often campy personality introduces horror movies with commentary and humor. Moderated by Katie Rife, the discussion moved between past and present, spotlighting figures such as Vampira and Elvira while tracing the evolution of the genre from late-night television to its modern-day resurgence.
"We developed these characters and our aesthetic in the nightlife scene in LA for years. And then we had a party, which we knew was just unbelievable. It just dominated. We brought it to San Francisco, Austin, and Brooklyn, and it would sell out. I really think our presence of mind and our force of will made that manifest," said television personality Swanthula Boulet, based in Los Angeles, CA.
The Boulet Brothers pointed to their long-running Halloween ball and nightlife events as foundational to their success as they reflected on their own rise within the scene.
Building on that foundation, they emphasized how their work bridges drag performance and the genre tradition of horror hosting.
"I mean, for us, there is shared DNA between drag and horror hosting. One doesn't exist without the other. There are a million different ways to express yourself. Drag is an art form," said Dracmorda Boulet, a television producer who is also based in Los Angeles, CA.
"Stepping in front of the camera while producing the show and being the characters was the smallest part, but maybe the most joyous part, the most fun part. And we got to celebrate something we've always loved, which is the spirit of Halloween, horror movies, the camp, the ridiculousness," Dracmorda Boulet said.
Last year, The Boulet Brothers served as Grand Marshals of the Overlook Film Festival's second line parade and participated in a panel discussion, making this year's return feel like a natural continuation. According to organizers, the idea to host another discussion this year came from the duo, with their schedules aligning with the timing of the Overlook Film Festival.
"A discussion is really good when you forget that the audience is there, and I forgot the audience was there," said Katie Rife from Jersey City, NJ, who moderated the panel. "It felt like just chatting with friends," she said.
At the end of the panel, the Boulet Brothers mentioned there is a potential Boulet Brothers movie in the works. Originally intended to be a comic book, the concept evolved into a movie idea and is currently in the process of being plotted out.
"I'll just tell you this. Most of it
doesn't take place on Earth," said Swanthula Boulet.
