Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Wright.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a screenwriter and director and have been in the film industry for about 20 years now. I started submitting my own work to film festivals around 2014 and noticed a huge disparity in the number of women compared to the number of men at these events. I met a fellow screenwriter, Samantha Kolesnik at one of these festivals and we discussed this gender gap and the need for more visibility on women creating content in genre film. Words became action after a phone call in the fall of 2016 when I called Samantha and said “let’s do it! Let’s launch a film festival dedicated to showcasing women creatives in horror!” And the Women in Horror Film Festival was born.
Samantha has since left the festival to pursue other creative endeavors, however, I am still heading up the fest as the sole festival director and programmer. We are going into our 3rd year and we are very excited to be showcasing the amazing work of these independent filmmakers.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think any road to success is smooth. There have been bumps and challenges, but all have been met with hard work and perseverance. Putting on an event costs a lot of money, as does making a film 😉 The biggest issue is always finding that funding and support. Atlanta is a thriving place for film and it has been the best location for this festival. I believe so strongly in the mission of creating more visibility and inclusion for disparaged groups, even beyond gender, and it is evident that the public feels just as strongly about the mission. We have gotten a ton of support from local businesses, film industry veterans, celebrities and artists alike. So, even though the road has been bumpy, and will continue to be at times, it’s all worth it, if just to see a budding filmmaker see their film on the big screen for the first time with an audience. It’s a precious experience and we honor it the best we know-how.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have completed three short film projects which have finished their festival runs, including a fully authorized Stephen King adaptation. I recently received my first contract to write the script for a re-imagining of a 1973 film and I am currently in development on a feature western that I am writing with Edward Santiago, which I will be directing.
As a filmmaker myself, it seemed a natural fit to create a platform in the community to showcase the work of other indie filmmakers. Atlanta has a thriving indie film scene and it was important to me to nurture that community with this festival. Unlike other female-driven festivals, we designed a criteria for submission that promotes balance, rather than exclusion. Women do not want to exist and compete in a vacuum. It didn’t make sense to only allow films that were directed by women, as so many other creative roles contribute to the completion of a film. The end goal is an equal and level playing field for all filmmakers. If we discourage films directed by men, we may lose an opportunity to showcase the female cinematographer and even writer on the team, thus negating their contribution. The Women in Horror Film Festival is about inclusion, diversity, equality… and horror.
What were you like growing up?
I was a very curious child… and still a very curious adult. I loved Halloween and scary movies and creating elaborate playtime scenarios with my friends. Once I grabbed hold of a camera, those elaborate playtime scenarios became rudimentary films. I was writing and directing before I even realized what I was doing. I wasn’t an athlete, my interests were in the arts. I started in music, then explored photography and theater. I focused on writing, as creating stories was the one thing that fulfilled me, creatively. I was also enamored with the process of bringing to life on screen, what was once only written on paper… I still am.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WIHFF.com & www.vanessaiontawright.com
- Email: wihfilmfest@gmail.com
- Instagram: @wihfilmfest & @kreepygrrl
- Facebook: @WIHFF & @kreepygrrl
- Twitter: @WIHFF & @kreepygrrl
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