It’s rare that there are women of color fronting horror films, and it’s even more rare that the history, pain and trauma of women of color is explored within the film. Parker Brennon’s HAUNTOLOGY not only gives us all of that, but puts queerness front and center onscreen. Four individual stories float within the overarching tale of two sisters. Venus, who’s self-doubt and feelings of invalidation have her choosing to pull away from family, Jazmin, who’s trauma and pain has pushed her to depend on her little sister to fight her inner and outer demons.

We got to sit down with Parker to shed light on their inspiration for the film.

Mo Moshaty: There’s so much richness right away as we view the trailer, that this isn’t just a few ghost stories, its the exploration of family trauma and family bonds. Could you tell me where the inspiration for the main characters came from?

Parker Brennon (writer/director): Jazmin was the first character to come to life, inspired by Lindsey McDowell, who I met after being impressed by her work in the web series “MisSpelled.” Originally intended for Lindsey, Jasmine was later portrayed by Samantha Russell, with Lindsey taking another lead role. Venus (Jaidyn Triplett), was initially this blank slate, which evolved when I, as a non-binary person, infused aspects of my identity into the character. Over many drafts, Venus became more relatable, and the film’s stories became for meaningful.

MM: I think that infusion makes the story very self- aware of our culture today. It’s important to see on screen the kind of conversations and self-discoveries that people may have in their lives.

PB: And for me, there are pieces of dialogue that just take this weight off my shoulders, and I hope for other queer people who watch the movie. Because especially, I mean, Venus is only 12 years old, it can be challenging to really understand. I didn’t understand my gender identity until I was in college. That really bled into the first segment of the film.

I didn’t want to include it in the movie because it felt too revealing and weird, and I just remember I sent the script to all of my closest friends and people who I trust. And everyone said no, like, you gotta keep that one. You gotta keep that one in there. So, I kind of begrudgingly said, “alright.”. I had to allow myself to feel vulnerable.

MM: I just appreciate the visibility aspect so much and it’s rare we see one if not many women of color fronting horror films these days. So, I thank you!

PB: I really hope everyone enjoys it, it’s been a big part of my life for over five years.

**Stay tuned for our extended interview with Parker Brennon as they share further insight on the location’s haunted past, the team behind the film and the journey to Hauntology being born.

MAIN SCREEN
FRIGHT FEST
FRIDAY 23 AUGUST – 11.00 PM

Director: Parker Brennon.
With: Nancy Loomis, Samantha Robinson, Naomi Grossman, Zoey Luna.