In Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (one of the many films in the franchise commonly referred to as simply “Jason”) there is a scene where this lovely black couple are singing to keep each other company while visiting the outhouse. Unfortunately, they are filleted by the man in the hockey mask before the opening credits finished rolling.
It’s a substantiated running joke that black people in horror films are the first to die. But through his films and upcoming Thrillerfest Movie Festival and Celebration, Edmund Darris is hoping to create a new trend for films – from right here in St. Louis.
“I had always been a big horror film fan anyway – it’s something that I like to write about,” Darris said.
“When you combine that with urban lifestyles and black culture, you have a different type of movie.”
He is presenting what just might be the first black horror film festival ever this weekend. And while he wants to scare the pants off of people who go to see his movies, he wants to open minds with respect to introducing the industry to the capacity of African Americans to making thought-provoking horror films and thrillers.
“Hollywood production companies are reluctant pick up black films with depth,” said Darris, organizer of the Thrill Fest fittingly taking place this Halloween weekend in St. Louis.
“If you have gangsters and women in sexually demeaning characters, you can sell a movie quick, but if you have a real plot and a serious message Hollywood tends to overlook new black directors.”
Serious movies with substance are scarce, but black horror films are all but absent. With the exception of Blacula and Vampire in Brooklyn (which is basically a remake of Blacula) not many come to mind. So when he set out to make films 10 years ago, Darris decided to create his own interpretation of an industry that he appreciated through the work of Alfred Hitchcock.
“It’s rare that you see a horror film that’s created by and stars blacks,” Darris said. “When it does take place, the films are usually done in a comedic way, and they are almost always done in bad taste.”
Darris, who will be screening the five films within his repertoire, features black female heroes and incorporate plot twists.
“Horror films demand more of the character dramatically,” Darris said.
“You have to really do some great acting to get over in a good horror film. You also have to write with the depth and mystery that will keep people intrigued and filled with the desire to keep watching.”
After immersing himself in the process of learning his craft, he had to deal with piles of rejection letters from major Hollywood studios. But Darris says St. Louis is the best place to be for him.
“There’s no competition here and everybody – especially the black community – is so supportive,” Darris said.
“We have great talent and great locations. My intention is to build a production company from the ground up and showcase our talent here and let Hollywood come to us.”
So in addition to screening his films and others – of all cultures and from around the country – within the genre, Darris is seeking to aid anyone who may be interested in the scary movie business. He is offering a workshop for aspiring writers, a casting call for aspiring actors and a celebration of local talent and a costume party to go out with a boo-filled bang at Janae’s West (7555 Olive) on Halloween.
“When I sit down and produce a film, I always want to make something that is going to provoke you to think about the message of the story,” Darris said.
“Real strong plots with ironic twists, so after you watched it you are thinking about how that plot twisted you at the end.”
ANI Entertainment’s Thrillfest will take place Fri. Oct. 30 – Sat. Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. at the Kranzberg Arts Studio (501 N. Grand), and the Masquerade Ball will take place at Janae’s West (7555 Olive) Saturday night at 9 p.m.. For more information, call (314) 437-4378.
