Please introduce yourself.
Hi! My name is Najarra Townsend. I’m an actress who has been in the business since I was a kid. You may recognize me from films such as ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW, CONTRACTED and most recently THE STYLIST.
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
My love for the horror genre really grew when I realized what a incredible community the genre has. I’ve always been a fan of horror films but once I started making them and meeting the people who continually work in them along with the fans who love them, I really became hooked. Making a horror movie is always exciting because of the filming process with all the heightened emotions and special effects but also, knowing that once the film is released, there is a community who will love it just as much as you loved making it.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
When I was growing up I found a lot of my inspiration in the films I watched, celebrities I looked up to, music I listened to and books I read. But that’s really shifted as I’ve gotten older. I now feel I find my inspiration in my family and the people I’ve surrounded myself with. Some of the women I’ve worked with, who I am also lucky enough to call some of my closest friends, inspire me on a regular basis.
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?
Since working on my first feature over 20 years ago I’ve seen a steep rise in the amount of women in pivotal roles on set. This will be largely in part to movements like Women in Horror Month showcasing the work of talented women and showing the world you don’t need to be male to be a successful creative. For me the importance is to keep going and keep growing the numbers of women in these roles. Movements such as Women in Horror Month are vital to that.
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 world is changing. Stay strong, keep going.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
I actually just heard a piece of advice from Brea Grant that really struck a cord in me. You should approach every project with the mentality “what if this was your last film?”. That way you are always choosing work that you are passionate about and can be proud of.
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?
There are so many! But I have to point out two amazing women in particular.
Jill Gevargizian, who’s first feature film “The Stylist” has just been released. She’s an extremely talented lady to keep an eye on.
And Brea Grant who’s had an amazing last year with her films “Lucky” (which she wrote and starred) and “12 Hour Shift” (which she directed). She is definitely someone to look out for as a director, writer and actress.
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
My film THE STYLIST was just released on Arrow Player! I have another film, DEMENTIA PART II, being released very soon through Dark Star Pictures and Bloody Disgusting.
For all the latest information check out my social media.
Instagram & Twitter: @najarra
Facebook: Najarra Townsend