Movie Madness University at PSU Presents "What is Camp?"

Monday June 15th 2026 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Divine holds a book open while Tab Hunter explains something
Location
Lincoln Hall Studio Theater, LH 115
Cost / Admission
$45 (General Public); $30 (Member); Free to PSU Students

Camp contains multitudes - it's a noun, an adjective, and a verb. Slippery in its definition by nature, they say you know camp when you see it, and you'll see and know it in droves in this class, as we cavort through the histories, definitions, and most iconic and instructive examples across cinema history, from BARBARELLA to BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER.

We'll explore what the alchemy of camp and cinema make possible, why some films have been dubbed 'camp classics', and the inextricable relationship between queerness and camp, especially as an aesthetic survival multi-tool in the face of oppression. Expect to giggle, wink, and double over with laughter, tears, and meaning in equal measure.

This class will be taught by Max Swanson, a filmmaker, performance artist, writer, curator and educator based in Portland.

Class will be held in room LH115 in Lincoln Hall, at 1620 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201 on the Portland State University Campus.

PSU Students are free with valid student ID! Present ID at door for admission - no ticket needed.