Disability-Led Horror Fest Redefines Fear

Ariel Baska, transitioning from a 15-year teaching career, established Access: Horror, a groundbreaking virtual film festival. This initiative, co-directed by Heather Petrocelli, is dedicated to providing a platform for individuals with disabilities within the horror and experimental film genres. The festival, which ran online from October 4 to November 1, actively promotes representation both in front of and behind the camera.

Access: Horror specifically targets the horror genre due to its historical connection with themes of ableism and the portrayal of disabled bodies. Baska emphasizes reframing disability not as the source of horror, but as the target of ableism. The festival seeks to shift the narrative, making ableism the true horror by centering the experiences of disabled individuals and challenging traditional monster tropes.

The festival's programming included films like "Everhand," "Tal," and "A Fermenting Woman," showcasing emerging filmmakers. A key mission of Access: Horror is to enhance film accessibility. They provide filmmakers with assets such as content warnings, captions, and audio descriptions, encouraging them to integrate these elements into their future projects. This approach aims to educate emerging talent on accessibility best practices while creating a more inclusive viewing experience.