Women in Horror Recognition Month: Special Interview
Some women prefer chocolates for Valentines Day.
Others prefer a bouquet of flowers.
Maybe a teddy bear.
But we think the women behind Women In Horror Recognition Month might prefer something a little more exotic.
Or some cute plushie organs.
Maybe even a teddy bear WITH a chainsaw.
For more information, check out their websitehttp://www.womeninhorrormonth.com/#!
Den of Geek (DOG):What inspired you to start Women in Horror Recognition Month?
I guess its a theme for me.
DOG:Why do you feel that women have been excluded from the horror genre?
Especially after Mary Shelley practically invented it.
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H.F.:I dont feel that women have been excluded.
I know they have been excluded.
Major corporate Hollywood film studios are not interested in seeking out anything new or inspiring.
They are focused on one goal: making dollah, dollah bills, making it rain, cash money!
Men are considered the masters of horror: Craven, Carpenter, Hitchcock, Hooper, etc.
and to seek out anything out of the ordinary is just not in their monetary interest.
All the really amazing films these days are independent and fan supported.
They got so much support, leading to a deal with Universal Studios.
We need to let people know we exist.
As the years move on we aim to continue expanding our services to help as much as possible.
DOG:What are some of the challenges women face trying to break into the horror genre?
H.F.:Women face many challenges.
Its like red rover but only the men are being sent over.
DOG:How have roles for women in the horror genre changed since the beginning of the genre?
Where do you see it going in the future?
H.F.:We have taken steps forward and steps back simultaneously.
For example Heather Langenkamp was a great female character in the original Nightmare on Elm Street.
I do not mean that men cannot craft strong female roles.
I know they can.
I just wish more of them would exist.
DOG:What can we do to help increase gender equality in the horror genre?
H.F.:Support each other.
Women are conditioned to tear each other apart and compete.
Lets show the world that we can actually come together.
The world is waiting for us to fail.
So, the first step is women not hating on each other.
This is not what women need.
Or offer your help but dont assume its needed or wanted.
This may seem small, but its a huge thing.
Dont take away the voice of your female partner.
Gender equality in horror will only happen when we have gender equality overall.
Just never get complacent.
DOG:Who are some up and coming women in horror that youd like us to know about?
So yo only use this as a starter list!
DOG:What resources are available for female horror fans?
H.F.:It depends what you are looking for specifically.
There is also Planet Etheria which is a great resource!
H.F.:Getting the seal is super easy.
To get the seal just head over to our website and click Get the Sealhttp://www.womeninhorrormonth.com/#!get-the-seal
