Photo Credit: Peter Mickelsen
Please introduce yourself.
I’m an actor/writer/director and visual artist originally from Germany. Film is my absolute passion – it’s on my mind every day! My favorite genre is horror, specifically sci-fi and folk horror. A few years ago, I branched out from acting and also started working on numerous film sets behind the scenes, adding knowledge and skills as a filmmaker. The dark comedy short ‘The Appointment’ was my writing and directorial debut in 2015. My latest ‘baby’ is the horror comedy ‘Things We Dig’, which is now in film festivals!
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I just gravitate to it naturally… maybe it’s my upbringing in Germany and my dad’s work in the funeral business! Everybody has a dark side and some like to explore it more than others. I simply find that genre much more interesting than, say, romantic comedy.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
I’m mostly inspired by people who don’t give up, who are so passionate about their work and let nothing stop them, even their own self doubt. I admire that drive and core belief in themselves.
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 great – let’s keep it going and support each other by promoting our work! Re-tweet or share your friends’ great news and updates. Celebrate their successes and cheer them on! I know there’s a lot of competition out there, but I don’t think you diminish your flame by sharing the light! Or darkness, if you will! (laughs)
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?
Don’t give up. Do your thing. Be professional. Ask for advice and listen, but don’t let people intimidate you. Follow your gut.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
The fact that your film will have three lives: The movie you write, the movie you film and finally, the movie you wind up with after editing is done. You have to keep that in mind and be flexible throughout the whole filmmaking process!
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 female horror creators out there, I don’t know where to start! Don’t limit yourself to only film directors – think painters, writers, musicians, podcasters and other artists that are walking the dark side! I find a lot of them just browsing social media, especially instagram for visual artists.
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
Right now, my horror comedy short ‘Things We Dig’ is still in the mostly virtual film festival circuit. We just won ‘Best Horror Film’ at the 2021 Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival – I’m still pinching myself! The next screenings are at Night Terrors Film Festival in Denmark, and as far as I know they are still planned as in-person events. They’re scheduled for March 5th in Copenhagen and March 11th in Aarhus. After that… I’m still waiting to find out, but once I do, I’ll post the info on all my social media. I’m also in early pre-production for my next short film I wrote, a dark comedy ‘The Test’. I can’t wait to film it!
Pop them links to follow your work here:
Oh goodie! Here, knock yourself out.
Read my blog and updates on www.piathrasher.com
Watch the trailer for “Things We Dig” on my Vimeo channel https://vimeo.com/437211609 or on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bKZybqskM8g
Follow @piathrasher on Twitter and Instagram, and see my art projects on www.herdarkhalf.com!
Thanks so much for having me! Stay bloody healthy out there!