UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students looking for a scare this fall can also find a conversation about faith, fear and the unknown. The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development at Penn State will host "Sacred Scares," a weekly series of horror film screenings followed by discussions of the religious and spiritual themes found on screen.
Screenings begin at 7 p.m. in 104 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the University Park campus. The series opens Friday, Oct. 2, with "Gretel & Hansel," a 2020 retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale.
Each screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion exploring how the films draw on religious traditions, spiritual beliefs and questions of good and evil, how different traditions are represented, and what those themes can reveal about how people make meaning in the face of fear.
“Folk horror explores the themes of the uncanny, especially in spiritual topics. It also often portrays minority religions in a grotesque light which can be a great place to start having conversations around representation and belief,” said Collin Wildridge, student advocacy specialist in the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development. “Our hope is that this series is not only fun for spooky season but also a stepping stone toward community religious literacy and engagement.”
Sacred Scares schedule
"Gretel & Hansel"
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 104 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
"The Feast"
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 104 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
"The Hallow"
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 104 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
"Midsommar"
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 104 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
"Starve Acre"
7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 104 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, a unit in the division of Penn State Student Affairs, supports students of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews as they explore questions of meaning, purpose and values. Based in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, the center offers programs, interfaith dialogue and community for the entire Penn State community. Learn more at studentaffairs.psu.edu/community-belonging/spiritual-faith.
About Penn State Student Affairs
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.