Cleveland filmmaker slashes horror norms with queer cinema

• Conners describes it as an "LGBTQIA+-themed slasher film" that is an "unabashedly queer piece of cinema."

What they're saying: "If you're a fan of the horror genre and you're queer, you've felt underrepresented," Conners tells Axios.

• "My goal from day one was to make a horror movie for queer fans of the genre and a movie reflecting the Cleveland queer scene."

Flashback: Conners' life in the arts began as a teenager at Cleveland's Near West Theatre. He went on to star in several independent horror films, earning the proud moniker of "Scream Queer" from his peers.

• Conners directed his first film, "Rebirth," in 2020 before turning his attention to "Meat."

The plot: A friend circle lets one of its own take the fall after a night of debauchery that leaves one of them dead.

• Years later, a killer named "The Stud" — whose look takes inspiration from fetish wear and queer culture — begins murdering the group members one by one.

Zoom in: Conners shot most of the movie with primarily local talent in downtown Cleveland and a mansion in Hocking Hills.

The big picture: The timing of the movie's release is important for Conners, given the obstacles currently facing the LGBTQ+ community.

• "There is a movement against us for whatever reason," he says. "Visibility is important and telling queer stories is important."

If you go: Tickets for Thursday's premiere are $11. Showtime is 7pm.