RespectAbility’s Vanni Le with Entertainment Lab Alumni Ariel Baska and Kiah Amara, who both spoke on a SXSW panel, Disability & Horror: Identity & Community at SXSW.
The history of disability representation in horror has been full of questionable portrayals, but why do so many people with disabilities love horror movies? In this conversation, moderated by Rabia Sitabi, three award-winning horror filmmakers with disabilities will discuss how their disability identity has shaped their work in genre cinema as well as their craft. Additionally, they will discuss the relationship between the horror community and the disability community, and how gatekeeping of identities still prevents both of these spaces from becoming truly inclusive.
Look out for Access:Horror, coming this July, a three-day event packed full of academic panels, short films, and a gala concert exploring and celebrating the history, impact and future of disability in the horror genre. Hosted by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (author of 1000 Women in Horror, critic, and FANGORIA columnist), the event will feature various luminaries in the horror and disability advocacy communities. Confirmed guests include a host of established genre filmmakers including Peter Strickland, Rebekah McKendry, Mattie Do, Amanda Kramer, and Brea Grant.
