Bloody Women: Women Directors of Horror Victoria McCollum 9781611463071

Taking a theoretical, historical and critical approach to horror directed by women, Bloody Women considers how the gender landscape of horror filmmaking is changing. It unearths the long and rich history of female-fronted horror films that predate the better-known The Babadook. It explores whether the genre provides a perennial springboard for rising stars behind the camera and if the malleability of horror makes it a genre of choice for visionary film-makers eager to stretch their wings. Is there a way in which female-helmed horror films are distinct from male-led projects or do the unique experiences of womanhood of different directors lead them to create unique work? Are there defining qualities and characteristics that can be attributed to the horror of women directors and how are such unique voices shaping horror and influencing the industry? Women directors of horror are becoming increasingly more difficult to ignore. As Canadian horror filmmaker Jen Soska cautions, "A revolution has started."

Victoria McCollum is researcher and educator in cinematic arts at Ulster University.

Aislinn Clarke is award-winning writer and director.