MENTAL HEALTH AND HORROR: A DOCUMENTARY Launches Kickstarter Campaign
I love horror movies, the horror genre is a favorite of mine. I know a lot of people think that some of the films I like are twisted and disturbing, but these horror films can actually have a positive impact.
There’s an interesting new documentary that just launched a Kickstarter campaign titled Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary, and it explores “the positive impact & cathartic releases that horror can have on those living with mental illnesses.”
The doc is being created by Jonathan Barkan (The Horror Collective, DREAD, Bloody-Disgusting), who has teamed up with producer Andrew Hawkins (Jan Svankmajer’s Insect, In Search of Darkness: Part II). It will also will feature interviews with horror icons, fans, film critics, historians, directors, producers, writers, and professionals from the mental health world.
Barkan will be writing and directing and Andrew Hawkins will executive produce. Barkan said in a statement: “When the idea of this documentary came into my mind, it refused to let go. I have been dealing with mental illnesses for a long time and horror, which I’ve loved my whole life, has always been there as a means of support. There are two goals with this documentary: the first is to let that person in the middle of nowhere, the one who loves horror but has no support system or access to mental health resources, know that they are not alone. The second goal is to actively fight against harmful stereotypes and stigmas that our community faces on a daily basis. Horror has been the black sheep of cinema and society for too long. It’s time we show how powerful, important, and helpful the genre can be for countless people around the world.”
Hawkins adds, “Mental health and Horror, to me, is extremely important. As someone who has dealt with abuse, mistreatment, bullying, loss, and hardship; horror has always been an escape and a comfort. I grew up in a family that loved horror as much as they did drama, comedy, and every other genre of film. Horror was communal and horror meant safety with family and togetherness. I have always kept that with me through times of stress, anxiety, and depression; and more than anything, I want to see this documentary help everyone who needs it.”
I can 100% relate to both of what these creators are saying in their statements, and this is a doc that I’d very much like to see, so I’m happy to help promote it. They are looking to raise $30,000 to pay the crew and offset its interview costs.
The cast for the doc includes Linnea Quigley (Return of the Living Dead, Night of the Demons), Gigi Saul Guerrero (El Gigante), Geretta Geretta (Demons), Lucky McKee (May), Tom McLoughlin (Friday the 13th Part VI), Issa López (Tigers Are Not Afraid), Jed Shepherd (Host), Adam Egypt Mortimer (Daniel Isn’t Real), Dr. Rebekah McKendry (All The Creatures Were Stirring), Michael Kennedy (Freaky), Kristina Arntz (Darlin’), Chet Zar (Darkman, The Blob), composer Simon Boswell (Shallow Grave), Ave Rose (Sado Psychiatrist), Disasterina (Boulet Brothers' Dragula) and Abhora (Dragula: Season 2), Kelli Maroney (Chopping Mall, Night of the Comet), Preston Fassel (Our Lady of the Inferno), Alex Noyer (Sound of Violence), Paul Komoda (Harbinger Down), and Marcus Pinn (Pinnland Empire).
Below you’ll find a video featuring Barken explaining what the doc will explore. If you want to support the doc and donate click here.
Source: /Film