Women in Horror Month Interview with Podcaster/Blogger Elizabeth Acosta

As you may know, February is “Women in Horror” month. To celebrate, PromoteHorror.com asked women from different professions if they would like to answer some questions about being a “Woman in Horror,” and more. One of those women, who was kind enough to answer our questions, was podcaster, and blogger Elizabeth Acosta. Lets see what she said about being a “Woman in Horror”…

-PH: When did you first become a horror fan?

-Elizabeth: When I was a teenager I loved strolling around Blockbuster, I liked to rent films that I remembered watching trailers for when I was younger and ones that had interesting covers. There’s was always something intriguing about knowing that you would get scared but loving every second of it.

–PH: Was there a specific moment when you realized that you wanted to go from being a fan of horror to a woman who contributes to the genre, or did it just kind of happen naturally?

-Elizabeth: Around 8 years ago my friends and family got together to watch the film Lake Mungo and afterwards we had a discussion about the film. It was during this get together that I thought wouldn’t be cool to create a group where people can share their love of horror with one another? This was the beginning of the Horror Society Of Orlando, which is now The Orlando Horror Society. We plan events like playing horror themed board games, watch advanced screening of films, or attend local shows. Whenever time allows I love to support local horror artists, performers, events etc that occur in the city and surrounding areas on our FB page. I love the genre and celebrate it in many ways, I cosplay, dabble in sfx makeup, and recently began a podcast with my boyfriend where we discuss horror in all of it’s facets.

-PH: What does having a “Women in Horror” month mean to you?

-Elizabeth: WIHM is so important to the genre, because women have contributed to the genre in so many ways through out the decades, from women like writer Daphne Du Maurier (The Birds, Rebecca) to Jamie Lee Curtis who just recently broke the record for highest grossing film starring a women over 55. Women like these broke molds and people’s mind frames of what women are capable of within the genre and out of it.

-PH: Is there a woman in horror who you consider a role model?

-Elizabeth: Debra Hill. She was one of the most influential women of her time in the industry, she was a screenwriter and a producer for both film and tv. She began doing this in the 70’s and broke many barriers in an industry that is male driven. She created an independent production company in the 80’s and mentored both sexes up to the day she passed away.

-PH: How do you think the role of women in horror has changed over the years?

-Elizabeth: In film, we’ve gone from running around naked and being the damsel in distress to someone who can handle her own and take back control of the situation. In regards to film making even though the percent of women within the genre is small there are women out there who are making their way and holding their own in a male driven industry.

-PH: What do you think the future holds for women in horror?

-Elizabeth: I believe the future holds what we want to get out if it. How do we want to be represented within the genre and what stories we want to tell. I am hopeful to see more female writers and directors, and to see what new horrors they can bring to the screen. As a woman of Spanish descent I hope to see more women of all races and creeds bring their culture into the genre.

-PH: If you could serve a role in horror that you’ve never done, what would it be?

-Elizabeth: I would enjoy set design, every time I watch a film especially those set in a different time period I always study the sets. I have thrown several themed horror parties and try recreate a scene or a feeling that is set in the particular film I have chosen. I believe it all comes down to the details, I love to create something out of nothing.

-PH: Who is your favorite final girl, and favorite female villain?

-Elizabeth: My favorite modern Final girl is Sydney Prescott. One really sees her develop from a victim to a survivor throughout the series. My favorite villain is a tie between Alex Forrest from Fatal Attraction and Hedra Carlson in Single White Female. These actresses bought raw real emotions to their roles I felt sorry for them but yet shared the fear others had for them. Both women in these films are real women not ghosts or demons just women who lose it. Can you think of anything scarier?

-PH: Being that this is PromoteHorror.com, please feel free to plug your current/next horror project.

-Elizabeth: I am trying to expand my reach within my community and beyond by creating my podcast, Jumpscare! with the help of my boyfriend. We are in hopes of creating a visual experience through our Youtube channel. The Orlando Horror Society will try to continue in bringing lovers of the genre together and provide support to those who want to expand their own reach. Feel free to reach out on Instagram jumpscare_podcast, FB, blogger, and Horroramino. Jumpscare can be located at iTunes, Podbean, and Youtube.

https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoHorror/

Please like and subscribe

https://jumpscare.podbean.com
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jumpscare/id1436554914?mt=2

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH00Ygf2EQQOmqmo5_RsEyg

Check out our blog!

https://thehorrorsocietyoforlando.blogspot.com

We would like to thank Elizabeth Acosta for taking the time to answer our questions, but more importantly for her contribution to horror!

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