Meet Virginia Powers Hendry:
To start, please introduce yourself:
Hi! I’m Virginia Powers Hendry, but all my friends call me “Gina.” I’m so excited to be part of this celebration of Women in Horror Month! Thank you for having me. I was born in Memphis, but after my parents divorced, my mom married a Methodist minister and we moved around a bit with his appointments, so I grew up in different cities in Florida. I have been living in LA for twenty years; moved out here after I graduated from film school (University of Central Florida). My very first job was as a PA on a David Lynch commercial, but I’ve also worked for a talent manager and two major studios, and now I’m focused on filmmaking and raising two future final girls, ages seven and nine.
What is horror to you, what makes a work of art one in the horror genre?
I think horror usually involves a story that reflects darker moments and attitudes in our society at a given time. I think the best horror entertains and informs through metaphor. It often begins in the characters’ safe spaces, and then moves them (us) into a dangerous space, where their true selves are revealed. It will shake you out of your comfort zone and make you consider worst case scenarios, and follow along the characters’ journey to see how certain choices might play out. My favorite horror involves conquering fear through bloody catharsis.
What made you want to work in horror?
Perhaps it’s my tiny rebellion as a preacher’s kid, but I have always loved darker stories. I wasn’t allowed to watch R rated movies in my house, so I used to watch them at slumber parties. I loved the shared emotional roller coaster of watching spooky stories with my friends while safe in our sleeping bags. I think I also learned about the power of storytelling from watching my stepdad preach every Sunday, and seeing how the people were connected in community while they sat together and listened to the sermons. I never really felt spiritually connected in church, but I did feel it when I watched and experienced horror with my friends. I think the film that really made me want to make horror specifically was “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” That film really scared me when I first saw it. I even had a “Freddy” poster above my bed. My mother did not like that at all, but to her credit she did let me keep it up there. But I love that horror was a place where women could be heroes. I love the horror community, and the shared empathy of watching these movies together, especially in a packed theater. And people who love horror can’t ever get enough of it, and it’s really fun to get messy and bloody making those films.
Where do you get your inspiration?
The news. Right?? Right now I’m researching a horrible historical moment that we haven’t really heard about in American History. I think while some people are trying to erase certain terrible truths from American history books, I want to use my voice to help tell stories that remind people of why it’s important to never forget. I can’t be more specific about that project at the moment, but mostly over the past few years, I’ve generally been inspired to write and create cathartic horror where we can watch women and people from marginalized groups seize an oppressive system and burn it to the ground.
What would you like your legacy to be in the genre (or elsewhere)?
I want to make scary films that matter. I want to make films that continue us on a path to better represent women and minorities in bigger ways and stronger roles than we are used to seeing them. I love to entertain people, but I also want them to chew and marinate on ideas, and inspire people to maybe think of ways they can make society better. And I always try to have a sense of hope at the end of my films.
What is Women in Horror Month to you and why is it still important this many years later?
In addition to making awesome films, I think it’s important to lift up these filmmakers, and to acknowledge the specific struggle and success of women working in genre. In my experience, it’s a lot harder to convince people as a woman to take me seriously as a horror writer and filmmaker than in other genres, and that I truly love and am knowledgeable about horror in a way that certainly informs my filmmaking to the extent that I can create something just as scary and just as bloody as a male filmmaker. And I can’t imagine that I’m the only woman who feels this way. The women making genre films right now, and in the past, are bold and blood-soaked, and their films are audacious and punk rock, and feel fresh and inclusive. What’s not to like and celebrate about that?
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?
It was super emotional for me this year to see Coralie Fargeat nominated for an Oscar for “The Substance.” Obviously. Also I am so inspired by Toby Poser for being a mom making genre films with her family. #momgoals. Personally, I have been so inspired by the women in genre I have met in Los Angeles, that have really welcomed me into their coven: Anastasia Washington, (my sister in horror -filmmaker and actor), Shannon Brown, (filmmaker), Julia Marchese (filmmaker, actor and podcaster), Teri Gamble (actor and podcaster), Alison Star Locke (filmmaker, The Apology), Fayna Sanchez, (actor,Tenants), Chelsea Stardust (filmmaker, Satanic Panic), Brea Grant (filmmaker, Lucky), and many more. These women not only inspire me with their talent and intelligence, but also because they are kind and gracious and generous, and we support and celebrate our successes (every single day!)
What are you currently working on that you can tell us about?
Currently I am enjoying a festival run with my latest short “Gaslighter.” We premiered at Screamfest, won an audience award at HorrorHaus, and a best director award at Renegade, and we’re so happy audiences seem to be connecting with it. Our next festival is Salem, and we screen Saturday, May 3, in the 2:30pm block. Later this Spring, I’ve been asked to direct a short film, called “Marked” that I’m really excited about; and I am also currently looking for financing for my first feature film “Love to Watch You Bleed.” Just trying to keep moving forward!
Where can readers keep up with you?
Please follow me on IG: @virginiapowershendry
