A Convenient Parallel Dimension
BayCon’s theme for this year, “A Convenient Parallel Dimension”, invites you to step into a realm where the eerie and extraordinary merge. Drawing inspiration from cult classic films like Ghostbusters (1984), this theme celebrates the spookier side of speculative fiction—a dimension where paranormal, supernatural, and horror narratives converge with our own reality. Through immersive panels, screenings, and interactive experiences, BayCon will spotlight ghost stories, chilling supernatural encounters, and cross-genre offerings such as paranormal romance and spooky alternate histories, all designed to captivate and inspire creative storytelling.
The legacy of horror, paranormal, and supernatural storytelling dates back to the early 19th century, when Mary Shelley, widely regarded as the mother of speculative fiction, penned Frankenstein in 1818. Over the centuries, influential voices like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft expanded the genre across literature, film, television, and art. Today, iconic films such as Nosferatu and The Shining, along with groundbreaking series like The Twilight Zone, have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Moreover, cross-genre works—such as the paranormal romance phenomenon Twilight and the horror historical fantasy drama series Lovecraft Country—further broaden the spectrum of speculative fiction. In recent years, visionary filmmakers like Jordan Peele have redefined the genre with thought-provoking films such as Get Out and Us, while director Nia DaCosta has brought fresh perspectives with her critically acclaimed film Candyman (2021). Equally important are the contributions of women of color in literature: acclaimed author Nnedi Okorafor has enriched the genre with works such as Who Fears Death and Binti, while Tananarive Due has made her mark with the influential horror novel My Soul to Keep.
BayCon’s commitment to exploring this “parallel dimension” offers a unique platform to celebrate these diverse influences and inspire the next generation of storytellers.