Jonathan Barkan Now Directing MENTAL HEALTH AND HORROR: A DOCUMENTARY
Former Dread Central Editor in Chief Jonathan Barkan has fully transitioned from horror journalist to horror filmmaker!
Also Read: Adam Egypt Mortimer & Jordan Crucchiola Will DESTROY ALL BOUNDARIES with New Initiative
Today brings word that Barkan is helming Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary! Fangoria got the exclusive.
Synopsis:
Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary, a feature-length documentary about the positive impacts and cathartic releases that horror can have on those living with mental illnesses, will feature interviews from horror fans, film critics, film historians, filmmakers, producers, writers, and professionals from the mental health world.
An initial Kickstarter will be launched on June 23rd. Several of the pledge tiers will see funds go towards supporting various mental health foundations and charities aimed at helping marginalized communities.
Barkan has assembled a dream team of contributing producers to create Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary including Andrew Hawkins (Jan Svankmajer’s Insect, In Search of Darkness: Part II), David Lawson Jr. (Spring, The Endless, Synchronic), Alice Collins (Fountaine and the Vengeful Nun Who Wouldn’t Die), Zena Dixon, and BJ Colangelo (Labrys, Deathcember).
Jason Kauzlarich will serve as Art Director, Shane Izykowski (Snaggletooth) is the DP, and Lindsay Ragone (Drag Race Canada) is the Editor. Confirmed participants include Michael Kennedy (Blumhouse’s Freaky), Rebekah McKendry (Tales of Halloween, All The Creatures Were Stirring), Kristina Arntz (Darlin’), Disasterina (The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula), Gigi Saul Guerrero (The Purge, Into the Dark: Culture Shock), Jed Shepherd (Host and Ghosts), Ave Rose (Steampunk’d) and Adam Egypt Mortimer (Daniel Isn’t Real), with more to be announced.
Also Read: Trailer: Dyatlov Pass Documentary AN UNKNOWN COMPELLING FORCE
“When the idea of this documentary came into my mind, it refused to let go. I have been dealing with mental illnesses for a long time and horror, which I’ve loved my whole life, has always been there as a means of support,” Barkan told Fangoria. “There are two goals with this documentary: the first is to let that person in the middle of nowhere, the one who loves horror but has no support system or access to mental health resources, know that they are not alone. The second goal is to actively fight against harmful stereotypes and stigmas that our community faces on a daily basis. Horror has been the black sheep of cinema and society for too long. It’s time we show how powerful, important, and helpful the genre can be for countless people around the world.”
The documentary is currently in production and will be shooting through 2021 with an anticipated Q1 2022 world premiere.
Are you excited to see how Mental Health and Horror: A Documentary develops? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican. Dread Central on Google News!
Categorized:News
