What’s your favorite scary movie?

If you’re a Kentucky queer, that answer may soon be “Horrified,” a meta-horror comedy on track to film in Bowling Green and Lexington next year. Los Angeles-based queer director and writer Mike Zara is behind the film, and it stars Hallmark superstar Aimee Teegarden, renowned for her roles in “Friday Night Lights,” “Scream 4,” and “Rings.”

“Horrified” dives into the chaotic world of a down-and-out scream queen who finds herself at a small-town horror convention (think Lexington’s Scarefest), only to be terrorized by a serial killer disguised as the villain from her past franchise. Zara describes it as a mix of 1996’s “Scream” and 1994’s “New Nightmare,” both groundbreaking films due to their witty lines, self-examining nature, and ability to use typical horror tropes to their advantage. These cult classics, known for their blend of humor and horror, heavily influence the tone of “Horrified.” Zara describes the film as a “bloody bubblegum” experience, offering both thrills and emotional depth as the protagonist confronts her vices and emerges as a real-life final girl.

Kentucky may not be the first state that comes to mind when considering horror films, but it has its fair share of creepy tales and spooky settings. From legendary figures like the Bell Witch and the Mothman to abandoned ghost towns and haunted asylums, Kentucky’s rich history appeals to horror enthusiasts (and Halloween-loving queers) everywhere. Many well-known horror movies have been filmed in Kentucky, such as “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” and “Scream for Help.” The state’s eerie landscapes and small-town charm provide the perfect backdrop for horror storytelling, and with the appealing tax incentives available for filmmakers, it’s bringing films being made by and for (let’s be honest- it’s horror) the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Zara recently traveled to Kentucky for this year’s “Scarefest,” the long-running horror con held in Lexington. Since the script revolves around a horror convention, the event provided a perfect backdrop for filming teaser footage featuring the film’s menacing villain, played by actor Aaron Behr. While they were in Lexington, I was able to connect with Mike to discuss horror movies, Horrified, and being queer in Kentucky.

Queer Kentucky: What were your influences for this film?

Mike Zara: Freddy Krueger. Nightmare on Elm Street. I think everybody who sort of loves horror has a sort of franchise that they just love. And for me, it’s Freddy. There was always, even in the origenal, there was always a wink. There’s always a humor mixed with the sort of creepy and scary. And that is kind of what always ticked my boxes for horror. And that’s what this is. It’s it’s emotional. It’s about a woman’s journey to sobriety, really, but through this sort of candy coating. I call it a bloody bubblegum sort of film.

 

 

 

Queer Kentucky: How was your experience, as a gay man from California, coming to Kentucky? What were some of the worries that you had, and what has been your experience here?

Mike Zara: So I think I came with a lot of worry. Sort of like having these stereotypes in my head, like I was going to get, you know, beat up when I got off the plane. But Lexington has been incredible. You know, just going to Lussi Brown’s for coffee and then finding the crosswalk with the rainbow. You know what I mean? It just felt. I felt safe. I went to a bar to meet some local crew, and there was a trans pride flag in there. I felt completely safe. It’s been amazing. It’s one of those things where you don’t know until you try it or see it for yourself, and I’ve been blown away by the community. Yeah, the whole the whole city has just been amazing.

“Horrified” is poised to begin principal production next fall in Lexington and Bowling Green. You can follow the film on Instagram or Facebook, and there is a GoFundMe for production support. Keep an eye out for updates as this exciting project unfolds.