Please introduce yourself.
I started out as an actress, with varying degrees of success over the years. When I realized I wouldn’t get cast in things I wanted to do, I decided to start writing and producing my own work for me to star in. On my second short I decided to direct as well. It’s been a journey!
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I kind of accidentally fell into horror, but it was one of the best accidents of my life! Horror fans are the best and the horror community in general has been very welcoming to me.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
Other filmmakers doing what I do or try to do, are very inspiring to me. I am also inspired by artists of all kinds and also people who seem to have their life together and are happy.
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 think it’s important to lift voices not heard often, especially in the horror genre where women’s voices have been largely silenced over the years. Any time you can devote a month or a season to raise those voices, definitely helps in the long run to create inclusion and opportunity for all.
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?
I would say that the world is changing. Slowly, but it is changing. I would say don’t let others dictate what you can and can’t do. The only person in your way is usually yourself.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
I learned to never be the smartest person in the room and to surround myself with people who know more than me. I never want to be the one who knows the most. I want to learn and challenge myself.
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 great women in horror I’d be afraid to leave someone out. But off the top of my head I would say keep your eye on Michelle Iannantuono, Lisa Ovies, Brittany Brock, Jennifer Trudrung, Sam Kolesnik, Robbie Barnes-Kyriakides, Sarah Wisner, Sophia Cacciola, Laurel Vail, Izzy Lee, Gigi Saul Guerrero and so many more that it would take me all day to list!
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
I’m working on two feature scripts right now. One is a feature version of my short, Boo. And one is a ghost possession/witch story called New Mom. I hope to be able to raise money and shoot my short Eden as well. We received a small grant from Love Your Shorts Film Festival, so hopefully we can raise more money to get it done.
Pop them links to follow your work here:
Watch Jax in Love on Amazon Prime or Vimeo on Demand here.
Watch Boo on both of Alter’s pages:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z_3I03XbMag
Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/watch/?v=2690640477919365
You can keep up to date with me via facebook and instagram as well as our Cyclamen Films website: www.CyclamenFilms.com
Other Social Media:
Facebook.com/booshortfilm
Facebook.com/cyclamenfilms
Facebook.com/rakefetabergel
Instagram.com/cyclamenfilms
Instagram.com/kef827
Twitter:
@boofilmofficial
@rakefet27
@cyclamenfilms