I like scary movies. As soon as I was able to make decisions about what films I wanted to watch, I leaned towards horror and thrillers. I can perhaps attribute this to hiding behind the couch in my parents’ basement at age 7 while my mom watched Candyman. Forever traumatized, but intrigued!

When I got to junior high I found a good pal who was as fascinated with scary stuff as I was. We rented the classics: Halloween, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and were on a constant search for the elusive IT (Blockbuster never had it in–some kind of weird anti-clown conspiracy). At this point, I was hooked. I’ve watched a lot of good movies in the years since, and just as many bad ones. I suppose that’s the only thing that really gives me any sort of authority on the topic of horror–I try to see a lot of it, put up with the lesser films, and celebrate the great ones.

This Saturday I’ll be part of a panel on women in horror. This event is part of the Women Making Waves, a weekend of screenings, forums, panels, and networking opportunities centered around women in the film industry.

The other women on the panel are dauntingly awesome (the panel is being moderated by Donna Davies–whoa), so I’m a little freaked out about my paltry contribution. We’ll see how it goes! I’m hoping to learn from their experience in the industry… most of my favourite directors and writers tend to be male, so I’m looking for a different perspective.

If you want to come check out this event, it’s at 3:45 PM at MSVU (Seton Building) this Saturday. Believe me, it should be fun! And until then… unpleasant dreams…

Lauren always aims for the head. Follow her on Twitter @laurenoostveen.