by Tori Potenza, Staff Writer

July is Disability Pride Month. This month is an important month because of how so many people living with disabilities have felt the need to hide them or feel shame because of how they move through the world differently than others. So the opportunity to reclaim these parts of themselves, embrace them, and share their stories with others is important not only for them but for everyone to see and have a better understanding of how so many people live. We are all unique and understanding the intersection of our varying identities is an important part of creating a more equitable world.

Historically speaking, horror has been a mixed bag when it comes to disability representation, so people reclaiming disability in the horror sphere is exciting to see. To many of us, the horror community is a place where we feel we can be our whole selves. Queer, BIPOC, and women taking a lead in the community is amazing to see, and involvement from the disability community will only help make it a more inclusive community. So that is one reason for the existence of Access: Horror, a virtual event happening this weekend, July 8-9th. If you have some time this is a great event to support. 

Access: Horror is a two-day event packed full of academic panels, short films, and talks exploring and celebrating the history, impact, and future of disability in the horror genre. To see what the line up is for this coming weekend and to look at ticket prices you can visit their event page.  The event is hosted by Ariel Baska, an award-winning, multiply Disabled queer horror and documentary filmmaker. Ariel is an important creator in the horror sphere and she was able to answer a few questions about the upcoming event. 

Tori: What was the inspiration or need you saw when you came up with Access: Horror?

Ariel: I really felt that there wasn’t a lot of conversation happening about media representation of disability outside of disability-specific places. I wanted to broaden the conversation to the whole horror community in a really meaningful way, and I did that by starting with important conversations I felt we needed to have, between noted genre creators and disability advocates. I’m also proud to be partnering with accessible film festivals, including Final Girls Berlin, Fantastic Fest, and Superfest Disability Film Festival, which did a tremendous job curating short films that explore disability and horror.

Tori: What do you hope folks come away with after this weekend?

Ariel: If nothing else, I hope folks have a new perspective on media representation and what it means, and a renewed appreciation for the importance of disabled storytelling.

Tori: For those who are new to discussions around disability representation, what would you like them to know about the importance of this event, and why it is an important conversation to have in the horror community?

Ariel: For those who are new, welcome! This a space to explore and learn and grow. It’s so important to have spaces where you’re not instantaneously judged for not knowing everything. We want Access: Horror to be an inclusive event that allows folks of many different identities to participate and see themselves represented. I would say the importance of the event comes from the way that we lead with important conversations with visionaries in the disability and horror spaces, but lasting change requires that people come with open minds and open hearts.

Tori: What plans do you have in regard to the future of Access: Horror?

Ariel: We would like to see it grow to be an in-person event in 2025. The George A. Romero Foundation has already pledged its support, and we have big dreams for what it can be, including a celebration of multiple disability art forms through horror, not just filmmaking.

Tori: Is there anything else you would like to speak to or that you want potential attendees to know?

Ariel: We have a lot of kinds of accessibility covered by staying in the virtual space this year. We are providing captions and ASL for panels and filmmaker Q&As, as well as financial accessibility for folks who can’t afford the $20 entry fee. We recognize that times are tough and want to give people as much access as we can. All the content will also be available for two weeks after so that anyone can catch up on anything they missed.

Most importantly, my team on Access: Horror has worked tirelessly to make this program a success. It’s my vision, yes, but without the amazing thought partners and producers I’ve had on this project, including Andee Arches, Yaara Kedem, Kiah Amara, and Becky Emmert, nothing could happen in this space.

Knowing that Ariel and her team have worked so hard to create this event and make sure it focuses on accessibility, while also being accessible is exactly what the horror community needs. If you love horror, supporting indie films, and hearing thought provoking panel discussions this is an event you will not want to miss. There is still time to buy tickets, so consider supporting this event so that Access: Horror’s inaugural event can be a huge success and can be expanded in future years.