To start, please introduce yourself:
Hi there! I’m Aimee Kuge, a Japanese-American filmmaker based in NY/NJ. I hold a BA in Studio Art and a BFA in Filmmaking from the University of Colorado Boulder (Sko Buffs!). I grew up in Colorado and moved to NY in 2017 to pursue my creative endeavors. My previous work spans from unit photography on Castle Freak, Puppet Man, and Eight Eyes to story producing for MTV’s Teen Mom: The Next Chapter and co-producing Scooter McCrae’s Black Eyed Susan. My debut film, Cannibal Mukbang will be out on VOD March 25th and Blu-ray April 22nd via Jackrabbit Media.
What is horror to you, what makes a work of art one in the horror genre?
Horror is incredibly important to me. Why do we crave terror? And why do we feel the urge to bottle that terror and share it with audiences? I find comfort in humankind’s capacity and drive to elicit emotions through art. There’s something powerful about how filmmakers can craft stories that capture various fears and present them to audiences willing to feel uncomfortable or scared.
I believe almost anything can be horrifying, depending on how you look at it. Come and See (1985, directed by Elem Klimov) is technically a Soviet anti-war film, but it’s one of the most horrific movies I’ve ever seen. On the flip side, 50 First Dates (2004, directed by Peter Segal) is sweet and funny, but its premise is genuinely nightmarish. That’s why horror is such a fun genre—it inspires filmmakers to combine genres and experiment.
What made you want to work in horror?
My mom introduced me to horror at a young age. I think the first horror movie I watched with her was The Cell (2000, directed by Tarsem Singh). It scared the absolute hell out of me. Growing up with horror shaped my early experiments in filmmaking. One of the first films I made was a genre mashup parodying American Psycho, Peeping Tom, and Psycho. I won’t name it because I acted in it (and I really don’t enjoy acting!).
Ever since, I’ve been drawn to horror. Every story I write or idea I develop seems to lead back to the genre.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from personal experiences and conversations with friends and loved ones about what excites, unsettles, or scares them. I also make it a point to consume as many films as possible, whether at home or, preferably, in theaters.
I’m part of a film-loving group affectionately called The Regal Bitches because we all have Regal Unlimited passes. Watching blockbuster releases has become a fun way to stay in touch with mainstream Hollywood trends. I also frequent NYC’s incredible independent theaters like IFC, Film Forum, The Roxy, Nitehawk, Angelika, Metrograph, Village East, and Film Noir Cinema.
Additionally, since 2021, I’ve worked as Communications Manager for the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, where I’m spoiled with access to amazing independent horror films. Inspiration can come from anywhere, but for me, it mainly stems from personal experiences, conversations, and watching as many movies as possible.
What would you like your legacy to be in the genre (or elsewhere)?
Oh wow, I would be honored if I had any bit of a legacy in the horror genre. Honestly, if my films resonate with people and illicit any emotion, positive or negative, I’d be happy. My goal is to show independent filmmakers that no matter their background or circumstances, it’s possible to create films on shoestring budgets. The most important thing is to get your work out into the world. Don’t hold back! As Lloyd Kaufman says, “Make your own damn movie!”
What is Women in Horror Month to you and why is it still important this many years later?
Women in Horror Month is important to me because despite female filmmakers like Coralie Fargeat, Karyn Kusama, and Ana Lily Amirpour finding success in the horror genre, according to Variety, “Women Directed Just 16% of 2024’s Top 250 Grossing Movies”. That number is much lower than it should be when there are so many incredible femme filmmakers dishing out fantastic work. The industry needs to create more opportunities for women in horror, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Imagine the twisted, fun, and horrifying stories we’d get if we gave women more resources to make their films!
Who are some of the Women in Horror who you look up to and who do you want to bring attention to in your field or others?
I admire Karyn Kusama so much. I had the opportunity to meet her after a panel at the 2023 Austin Film Festival when Cannibal Mukbang screened there. She is so intelligent, thoughtful, and humble. The way she approaches storytelling is fascinating and hope that I can one day be as accomplished as she is in the industry. I also adore French filmmakers Julia Ducournau and Claire Denis. They aren’t afraid to make their audiences uncomfortable and I admire them for that.
I’d also love to spotlight Australian filmmaker, Alice Maio Mackay. She’s a trailblazer in independent, crowd-funded filmmaking with an impressive filmography—11 films (features and shorts) at just 20 years old! I hope more people discover her work, and I dream of collaborating with her someday.
What are you currently working on that you can tell us about?
I have finished a new feature length horror comedy script that I’m beyond excited about directing. I’m currently looking for funding if any executive producers are out there reading this! A short I produced called Doom Scroll (directed by Hayley Zalkin) is on the festival circuit now! I’m also in pre-production for a new short film shooting this July and have two shorts I produced and assistant-directed currently in post-production.
Where can readers keep up with you?
You can find me on Instagram and X at @meltyfeelings, on Facebook as Aimee Kuge, and on my website, meltymedia.com.
