Meet writer, director, festival director Shannon Thompson:
To start, please introduce yourself:
It’s such a pleasure to meet you and be part of one of my favorite celebrations—Woman of Horror! I’m Shannon Thompson, a writer and director with Rock with Siren, LLC. As a fellow female filmmaker in horror, I’m all about supporting our community. I recently stepped into the role of festival director for the Buried Alive Film Festival in Atlanta, GA, and I also run the Atlanta Horror Society, a space where horror filmmakers and fans can connect, collaborate, and celebrate all things spooky.
Looking forward to chatting more and geeking out over horror together!
What is horror to you, what makes a work of art one in the horror genre?
Horror is rebellion. It’s the art of confronting the things we’re told to fear—death, monsters, the unknown—and turning them into something powerful. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, the genre that can make you scream, laugh, and think all at the same time.
To me, horror isn’t just about blood and jump scares (though, don’t get me wrong, I love a good practical gore effect). It’s about tension, atmosphere, and pushing boundaries. A work of art belongs in horror when it unsettles you, challenges your perception of reality, or lingers in your mind as you leave the theater. Horror makes the invisible fears of life visible, and that’s what makes it so thrilling.
What made you want to work in horror?
Honestly? I didn’t really have a choice—horror picked me! Growing up, I was obsessed with horror movies, Halloween, and anything spooky. I loved the feeling of being scared in a way that was fun and safe. But what really sealed the deal was realizing how freeing horror is as a filmmaker.
There are no rules in horror. You can be as weird, creative, and bold as you want. It’s a genre that embraces the outcasts, the misfits, and the dreamers who want to tell stories that don’t fit into a neat little box. That’s why I love it. IT’S FUN!
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere! Old horror movies, urban legends, haunted places, weird dreams, and just observing the world around me. I love digging into the psychology of fear—why certain things scare us and how horror can be used to explore real-life struggles in a cathartic way.
Music is also a huge source of inspiration for me, especially darkwave. There’s something about how it makes me feel, melancholic melodies, and the stories it tells in just the rhythm that just feels like the soundtrack to a great horror film. Whether it’s classic bands like Bauhaus and The Cure or modern acts keeping the genre alive, darkwave taps into that perfect mix of beauty and unease that I love to explore in my own work.
Also, other filmmakers inspire me constantly. Working on Buried Alive Horror Film Festival means I get to watch some of the most unique and daring horror films from around the world, and that always fuels my creativity. Seeing how different artists interpret fear and tension pushes me to keep experimenting and evolving in my own storytelling. I am these filmmaker’s biggest fan!
What would you like your legacy to be in the genre (or elsewhere)?
I want to be remembered as someone who helped create space for new voices in horror. Whether it’s through my own films, festival work, or Rock with Siren, I want to uplift and support filmmakers—especially women and indie creators—who have fresh, bold ideas.
I’d love my legacy to be one of community, creativity, and making horror fun. Because at the end of the day, that’s why we do this—to scare, to entertain, and to create unforgettable experiences.
What is Women in Horror Month to you and why is it still important this many years later?
Women in Horror Month is a reminder that women have always been part of this genre, from Mary Shelley to today’s fearless indie creators. It’s a chance to celebrate the incredible work of women in horror—not just directors, but writers, producers, FX artists, cinematographers, and everyone in between.
It’s still important because, even now, the industry isn’t always great at recognizing the contributions of women in horror. Visibility leads to opportunity, and Women in Horror Month shines a light on creators who deserve more recognition. But honestly, every month should be Women in Horror Month!
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?
There are so many incredible women in horror! I look up to filmmakers like Karyn Kusama (Jennifer’s Body), Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night), and Nia DaCosta (Candyman). These women have pushed boundaries and reshaped what horror can be, telling bold, thought-provoking stories that stick with you long after the credits roll.
And of course, Jamie Lee Curtis—she’s not just a scream queen; she’s the face of resilience in horror. She represents strength, survival, and evolution within the genre. Her career has shown how horror can empower its heroines rather than just victimize them, and she continues to be a vocal advocate for the genre and its fans.
I also have to mention Coralie Fargeat (The Substance). Her unique vision and fearless storytelling bring something fresh and unsettling to horror. She isn’t afraid to get under your skin—literally and figuratively—and that’s what makes her work so exciting.
But I also want to shine a light on the indie women in horror who are grinding every day to make amazing films with limited resources. The women I’ve met through BAFF and Rock with Siren are some of the most talented and hardworking people I know. They’re shaping the future of horror right now, and I want to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
What are you currently working on that you can tell us about?
Right now, I’ve got my hands full with some very exciting projects! Buried Alive Horror Film Festival is growing in some amazing ways, and I’m also developing new horror film projects that I can’t quite spill the details on yet—but trust me, they’re going to be wild.
I’m also working to expand Rock with Siren’s production services, helping bring more horror projects to life. Between that, festival planning, and my own films, let’s just say there’s never a dull moment!
Where can readers keep up with you?
You can follow me and my businesses here:
Buried Alive Film Fest / Atlanta Horror Society :
Instagram: @buriedalivefilmfest and @atlantahorrorsociety
TikTok: @buriedalivefilmfest
Website: www.buriedalivefilmest.com
Email: shannon@buriedalivefilmfest.com
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Rock with Siren, LLC. :
Instagram: @rockwithsiren
TikTok: @rockwithsiren
Website: www.rockwithsiren.com
Email: shannon@rockwithsiren.com
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Personally
(Where I share behind-the-scenes looks at my projects on a more personal level):
(Where I share behind-the-scenes looks at my projects on a more personal level):
Instagram: @awomanofhorror
TikTok: @Womanofhorror
Email: shannon@womanofhorror.com
