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[INTERVIEW] WIHM 2018: Jennifer Nangle

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Well, folks, February has come to an end, and just in time, iHorror caught up with the very busy indie actress, director, producer, and editor Jennifer Nangle. Learn about how she got involved in the horror community, and how she manages to wear all these hats seamlessly. One of her newest ventures Malvolia: The Queen of Screams has proven to be venturous, creepy, and downright fun, others have described this beautiful vixen as the new “Mistress of the Dark.”

Check out our interview below.

iHorror Spotlight: Jennifer Nangle 

Writer, Director, Actress, Producer, Editor 

G113 Photography.

Ryan Thomas Cusick: Can you please tell us about yourself and also where you are from?

Jennifer Nangle: I grew up in a small town just north of Boston called Danvers which is right next to Salem… So with that comes a lot of history and a lot of paranormal/ghost stories. I also grew up down the street from Danvers State Hospital (aka Session 9) and was obsessed with it. I guess horror has always been in my blood! I went to college at Niagara University in Western NY for theater studies/musical theater but ended up incredibly fascinated with television and film.

After doing some theater around Buffalo, I moved to LA and, for two years, studied the Meisner, Linklater, and Alexander techniques. Since then I’ve been auditioning, writing, producing, acting, directing, creating! I started out self-producing as a series regular and producer for a sci-fi comedy web series called “GUIDES” to where I then moved onto my dark comedy short film “Coat Room,” but I always felt incomplete. I finally bit the bullet and wrote, produced, and acted in “Demonic Attachment” my first horror short film based on the haunted house I grew up in Danvers, MA. It won some awards, but mostly I felt like I was doing what I really wanted to do! Horror!

RTC: What are the greatest challenges that you face as a woman in the filmmaking industry? How do you believe these challenges can be resolved?

JN: I feel like a lot of times I am treated like I’m inexperienced and/or don’t know what I am doing. I don’t know if some males feel threatened or insecure around women who aren’t afraid to speak their mind or know what they want, but I have been extremely lucky to find my core group of male filmmakers, producers, directors, writers who support women and me wholeheartedly and encourage me. With that said, whenever I am being questioned about my talent or experience, I will always listen, but then show in my actions.

G113 Photography.

RTC: What female filmmaker has inspired you the most? Has this changed over time?

JN: It’s hard for me just to pinpoint one filmmaker that inspires me. I take little things from many of them and form my own. I’m more influenced by women actress because acting is my first love. I always go back to Charlize Theron’s portrayal of “Aileen Wuornos” in Patty Jenkins’ “Monster.” Not only the transformation she went through but the emotional roller coaster – YES! Just YES!

RTC: Jennifer, we first spoke back in 2016, you have artistically grown so much since that time, what has that been like for you?

JN: Well, that is amazing to hear! Thank you! I just keep doing the doing! I didn’t go to film school; I studied theater. So cameras, lenses, lighting, writing, locations, editing, etc. is a work in progress for me. Learning as I go. I’ve learned so much from my mistakes, BUT mistakes lead to beautiful art! If anyone has seen “Demonic Attachment,” a lot of the ritual takes of my character were outtakes. One was even an eye blood test. It’s amazing what you can piece together and what story will result from it. I’ve also learned a lot from being on set with my other peers. I see what works and what I like to do differently. I found a flow that works for me. I like to make sure everything is set, all props and everything is ready to go, my shot list is complete – and then when I’m on set, we just work and have fun and create. Being so controlling with the end result will make a very controlled product. Just being in the moment is an incredible opportunity!

RTC: What does Women in Horror Month mean to you?

JN: For the longest time, I always felt that it was a month of celebrating hard-working women, which, don’t get me wrong, it totally is. But I feel like bloggers (like yourself) are showcasing the underdogs. Yes, celeb names are still and will always be celebrated because they have paved the way for us, BUT it’s refreshing to see new faces that I would have never known had someone discovered them and shared. It’s been beautifully overwhelming learning about all these ladies that hold positions all over horror – not just acting or directing. It’s really amazing how so many have embraced this month!

 

RTC: I have heard that you are going to be involved, maybe starring in your first feature this year? Can you elaborate, or is it hush hush? What do you have lined up for 2018?

JN: Well, it’s not my first feature because, besides little minor parts in others, “Irrational Fear” was my first feature. This year I will be working on my first feature as a LEAD! <insert happy dance> I will be playing “Woman #1” in the upcoming feature film “Inverted” by Deranged Minds Entertainment. It’s about a 1970’s women run cult that takes on 4 new individuals and puts them through a bunch of… Tests… To see who is fit. I’ll be playing the cut leaders right-hand woman who leads all these individuals through a ringer of mind-blowing exercises. It’s like “Saw” meets “The Manson Family” meets “Rob Zombie”. I keep saying it’s going to be a “wild ride” because it is! This is a role I have never been able to play and I hope that this shows others that I can really do these kinds of roles. I’ll be shooting another short film I wrote in May, I’m currently writing a found footage feature, and, of course, the Queen of Screams Malvolia will be coming back for Season 2. I’m ready to step back into that dress and get the blood flowing again!

RTC: Is there a female in the industry whom you’ve dreamed of working with?

JN: Barbara Crampton – I mean, no reason needed. Brooke Lewis – just to be able to act with her would be incredible. Definitely Megan Freels Johnson – I really dug “The Ice Cream Truck” because the characters were so complicated in a very simplistic way…. Deborah Voorhees – such a strong woman who is so focused and ready just to tear it all up! Jennifer Kent, Kathryn Bigelow, Mary Harron, Karyn Kusama, Patty Jenkins…. I’d love to have an opportunity to work closely with a woman director this year. We’ll see if I can cross any of these names off the list during 2018!

RTC: Are you going to be making any appearances this year? Where can fans find you on social media?

JN: My goal is to show up to as many horror conventions as Malvolia as possible this year! I’d love to meet as many people as possible! I really wanted to attend the New Jersey Horror Con for the “10/31” screening, but alas, money and distance makes it tough. I am really bummed about that! I’m really big about social media – so don’t be afraid to connect!

G113 Photography.

Social Media Links

Jennifer Nangle Website           Twitter          Facebook          Instagram

iMDB.com

Queen Malvolia Facebook          Queen Malvolia Twitter         

Queen Malvolia Instagram

 

 

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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