Andrea Subissati is one of the premiere women championing all that is horror, horror journalism and amplifying the voices for women in horror at the iconic Rue Morgue Magazine and The Faculty of Horror.
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I don’t consider myself a film critic – my interest is in culture and how entertainment (specifically cinema) interacts with the way we live in the world. I believe horror to be the most interesting and constructive genre for that sort of inquiry because it tackles subject matter that most of pop culture isn’t willing to look at.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
I’m inspired by people who make things happen. If the outlet you would love to pitch to doesn’t exist, you need to start it. If your town doesn’t have a horror community, you can reach out to a rep cinema and start up a screening series. Women in Horror Month is an example of that! These are the creative spaces that are needed to level the playing field, and I encourage anyone with an idea to make it happen.
Women in horror have made great strides, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to make it a most inclusive genre. To you, what is the importance of a movement like Women in Horror Month?
I remember when Women in Horror Month first started, it’s very existence was controversial – which points to the fact that it was very necessary, and will remain so until the number of women creatives achieve an equal share of opportunities working in the field.
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a women as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
The boy’s club of horror is breaking down, and there’s no longer any point in trying to win over audiences who don’t resonate with your work. Keep doing the work in a way that’s most meaningful to you, and your audience will find you eventually.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
Criticism is an unfortunately inevitability for anyone doing creative work, and all the more so when you’re a women working in a male-dominated field. It’s important to remember that the opposite of love isn’t hate – it’s indifference. You don’t have to listen to the criticism but try to be grateful that you’ve got people that care enough to engage.
In honor of celebrating Women in Horror Month, who do you believe viewers should keep an eye on in terms of the creative ladies in horror?
A variety of talented voices are emerging on podcasts and YouTube channels – keep an eye out for creatives working in those spaces and support them!
Pop them links to follow your work here:
Rue Morgue Magazine: https://www.rue-morgue.com/
The Faculty of Horror: https://www.facultyofhorror.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyhellbat
Twitter: @necromandrea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/necromandrea/