Outside the Box [Office], Physical Media Society, and Lionsgate,
invite you and a guest to attend

A Special Theatrical Screening of

BLOOD DINER (1987)

Presented in 35mm + Q&A with Jackie Kong!!!

Directed by Jackie Kong
Written by Michael Sonye
Produced by Jimmy Maslon

Followed by a Q&A with Jackie Kong

7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

The Ray Stark Family Theater, SCA 108
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.
 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

35mm print provided courtesy of Harry Guerro
 

About Blood Diner (1987)

Blood Diner follows two cannibalistic brothers who operate a vegetarian restaurant as a front. Guided by their undead uncle's talking brain, they murder women to harvest body parts and resurrect an ancient, flesh-eating goddess named Sheetar.

"...Blood Diner (1987) is mandatory viewing. This neon gorefest follows two deranged brothers and their Uncle Anwar's brain in a jar, on a quest to summon an ancient goddess through a series of increasingly unhinged murders - all while running a health food restaurant. (Who says "hustle culture" started in the 2020s?) It's equal parts splatter, satire, and slapstick, with rubbery gore, physical puns, and the kind of "did they really just do that?" energy I longed for in every horror comedy I watched after. A midnight movie gem that earns every drop of its reputation. Bravo, Jackie Kong. I wouldn't be here without Blood Diner."

— Kimberly Leszak, Fangoria

Provided courtesy of Lionsgate. Running time: 88 minutes.

About the Guest

JACKIE KONG (Director, Co-Producer)

Jackie Kong is a director, producer, and screenwriter known for irreverent comedy and over-the-top horror films. In 1983, she made her feature film debut as director with the low-budget drive-in horror film The Being, which starred Martin Landau and Jose Ferrer. In 1984, she followed up by directing and co-writing the breakout comedy Night Patrol, featuring Linda Blair, about a Los Angeles policeman moonlighting as a stand-up comedian. Kong received a Platinum Video award from the RIAA for Night Patrol, which became a college-party film staple. Night Patrol was a major worldwide theatrical success, setting the stage for Kong to direct the comedic cult horror film Blood Diner, released in 1987.

Kong added her comedic flair to Blood Diner, changing the traditional horror film into a gore fest with outrageous effects and comedy, ultimately pioneering a new sub-genre of horror film. It is now one of the most beloved horror films of all time. The fact that Blood Diner was directed by a woman blew audience’ and critics’ minds. She followed that with another comedy, The Underachievers.

Jackie Kong launched KONG COMICS, as The Creator of the first in a series of Horror Comics entitled SPEND THE NIGHT, Kong brings her own brand of sick thrills to comics. KONG's new Comic-ISSUE #1 of  "SPEND THE NIGHT - The Curse of One-Eyed Jenny" was released Worldwide by Lunar Distribution to Comic book stores everywhere in 2023!

About the Physical Media Society

Physical Media Society is a Los Angeles film group dedicated to showcasing genre films exclusively on physical media through screenings, events, and vending markets. Founded in 2024 by Marina Sakimoto and Edwin Gomez on a shared appreciation for collecting and cult horror, PMS has exhibited analog film across Southern California — from Gardena Cinema and Lumiere Cinema in LA, to The Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo, to co-sponsoring the 70mm Film Fest in Palm Springs.

About Outside the Box [Office]

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. The series draws from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

To view the calendar of screenings, click here

To SUBSCRIBE to our MAILING LIST for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to: aago@cinema.usc.edu
 

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/

Contact Information

Name: Alessandro Ago
Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu