A new documentary titled 1000 Women in Horror is set to shine a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in the horror film industry. Premiering at the Melbourne International Film Festival on August 21 and 23, 2023, the film is directed by Canadian filmmaker Donna Davies and is based on the comprehensive book by Australian film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas. This documentary aims to correct the historical invisibility of female filmmakers in a genre dominated by male voices.
Heller-Nicholas’s fascination with horror began at an early age. At just seven weeks old, she watched William Friedkin’s The Exorcist while being babysat by her aunt. Over the years, she developed a passion for the genre, secretly consuming classics like Suspiria and Psycho despite their prohibition in her household. As she immersed herself in horror, she became increasingly aware of the lack of female representation.
In her view, the contributions of women have often been marginalized. “Many people might not even realize they’ve seen a woman-directed horror before,” Heller-Nicholas stated, referencing notable films such as Mary Harron’s American Psycho and Mary Lambert’s Pet Sematary. This led her to compile 1000 Women in Horror, 1895-2018, an encyclopedic exploration of women’s impact on the genre, which has now been adapted into a documentary.
Davies shares a similar passion for horror, having established a witchcraft club in her youth. She believes the genre serves as a reflection of societal fears. “Horror processes trauma, gives voice to the voiceless, and provides catharsis,” she explained. Her frustration over the lack of recognition for female filmmakers fueled her desire to create this documentary.
The film explores various stages of a woman’s life, highlighting how each phase brings unique fears and strengths. For instance, Davies uses the experiences of school life and motherhood to illustrate how horror reflects real-life anxieties. Actress Kate Siegel, known for her role in The Haunting of Hill House, likens the fear of childbirth to body horror, revealing the psychological complexities often overlooked in mainstream horror narratives.
Despite the increasing visibility of women in horror, challenges remain. Mattie Do, a director from Laos, noted that while the horror community is generally more welcoming, most filmmakers in the genre are still men. She expressed the need to work “triple hard” to gain recognition. Heller-Nicholas pointed out that the landscape is improving, with dedicated film festivals such as the Etheria Film Festival in Los Angeles and the Wench Film Festival in Mumbai emerging to celebrate women in horror.
Australia has produced notable female filmmakers like Jennifer Kent, director of The Babadook, and Natalie Erika James, known for Relic. Heller-Nicholas highlighted the importance of these women in shaping the horror genre. Furthermore, she mentioned young filmmakers like Alice Maio Mackay, a 21-year-old transgender woman whose works are gaining international attention for their unique perspectives.
Despite these advancements, Davies emphasized that more work is needed. She advocates for increased representation of women in decision-making roles across the film industry. This includes not only directors but also producers, financiers, and distributors. “The stories that are told are determined by those who control the funding,” she noted.
Additionally, the education of future filmmakers is crucial. Davies argues that when film schools neglect the contributions of women in horror, they inadvertently create a new generation of gatekeepers unaware of these vital voices.
Heller-Nicholas underscored the collaborative spirit of the horror community, stating that the conversation about women’s contributions is not about “boys versus girls.” Both men and women share a love for the genre, and many male filmmakers are eager to engage in discussions about inclusivity.
The documentary 1000 Women in Horror promises to be a significant step in recognizing the vital roles women have played in horror filmmaking. It will not only inform audiences but also inspire future generations of filmmakers to embrace diverse narratives.
For those interested, the documentary will be part of the Melbourne International Film Festival, paired with screenings of cult classics directed by women on August 22.
