For years, horror movies have been accused of negatively affecting mental health. In fact, you’re parents probably told “Those movies are going to warp your mind,” at least once. God knows I’ve heard it a thousand times from mine. But is that really the case? A new documentary will explore the connection between horror fans, the films they love to fear, and mental health.
Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary, from director Jonathan Barkan, discusses the impact horror films can have. Since launching over 6 months ago, this project has added many voices from horror icons, fans, film critics, historians, directors, writers, and professionals from the mental health world.
New cast members have just been announced, including Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II, Nightbreed), Jhonen Vasquez (JTHM, Squee, I Feel Sick, Invader Zim), American McGee (American McGee’s Alice, Alice: Madness Returns), and Sara ‘Chibi’ Taylor (Lead Singer of The Birthday Massacre).
They join previously announced speakers Paddy Murphy (The Perished), Dave Sheridan (Scary Movie, Victor Crowley), LG White (Fine Artist, Vocalist of Caduta Massi), Ariel Fisher (Managing Editor of FANGORIA, News Editor at /FILM), Prince Jackson (Host of Knight Light: A Horror Movie Podcast), Kaci Hansen (Host of The Homicidal Homemaker), Rebecca-Lucia Wilcox (Frightfest “New Blood” Winner, Clubhouse Horror), Amy Beddows (Cognitive Behavioral Therapist), Blake Novy, M.D. (Psychiatry Resident), and Sydney Resendes (M.S. in Forensic Psychology), among others.
Besides the casting news, the trailer for the documentary has also been released today, giving us a glimpse at some of the interviews that are featured in Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary, along with clips from the horror films we all know and love.
“Over half a year ago, we broke ground and began production on MENTAL HEALTH & HORROR: A DOCUMENTARY. Since then, we have conducted nearly 30 interviews with people around the world. From horror fans to creators in the genre to mental health professionals who recognize the validity and positive impact that horror can have, our documentary is full of diverse, knowledgeable, passionate voices who have spoken their truths so that others don’t have to feel alone. The work we’ve done so far with MENTAL HEALTH & HORROR: A DOCUMENTARY has exceeded my wildest expectations and the response to our project has been overwhelming in the most beautiful and incredible of ways. There’s still so much to do but I promise you that we’re creating something that will touch the hearts of countless people. Join us and help be a part of something truly special.” Director Jonathan Barkan states.
In response to the support and demand for the project, the Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary team has launched an Indiegogo campaign to give fans and audiences the opportunity to support this documentary who may not have gotten the chance the first time. At the moment it stands at 162% funded.
To learn more please visit: mentalhealthhorrordoc.com
