A Blackbox Story: The Birth of Contemporary Art Horror

On June 15th, at the historic Clinton Street Theater, filmmaker Joachim Moore presents an immersive evening that blurs the line between cinema, performance, and visual art.

This is not a traditional screening.

The night begins with a 20–30 minute live lecture introducing Contemporary Art Horror—a genre that rejects conventional storytelling in favor of psychological immersion, abstraction, and emotional confrontation. Drawing from the history of cinema—from The Birth of a Nation to modern experimental work—this talk explores how film has been used both as a tool of oppression and a vehicle for reclamation.

Following the lecture, Moore will present his latest short film and the first of this genre:

“A Blackbox Story”

Set entirely within a theater, the film follows an actor preparing for a role, only to encounter a mysterious figure who begins to dismantle his sense of identity, performance, and reality.

Blending elements of stagecraft, psychological horror, and visual symbolism, A Blackbox Story transforms the theater into a living, breathing mind—where performance becomes ritual, and ritual becomes something far more dangerous.

The evening concludes with a live Q&A discussion with the filmmaker, exploring themes of:

• Artistic obsession
• The psychology of performance
• Violence and authorship in cinema
• The future of experimental horror

This event is for:

• Filmmakers
• Actors & theater artists
• Visual artists
• Writers
• Anyone interested in boundary-pushing cinema

Event Format:

• Lecture (20–30 min)
• Film Screening
• Live Q&A

Important Notes:

• This film contains intense psychological themes
• Seating is limited (~200 capacity)
• One-night-only screening in Portland; 1 of 12 cities!

Break the frame. Question the performance. Enter the blackbox.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The Inner Circle Arts Admin