The contemporary resurgence of the horror anthology has come under a bit of scrutiny in its lack of representation in filmmakers, which then led to the now in-production XX, an all women-directed omnibus featuring Jovanka Vuckovic, Karyn Kusama and more. Still, the black horror filmmaker, and often the black horror fan, can remain overlooked. Which has now led to 7 Magpies, an exciting new film created by L.C. Cruell and featuring seven black women directors crafting tales of terror inspired by the nursery rhyme, One for Sorrow.
With Rae Dawn Chongwho starred in one of the great horror anthology segments (Lovers Vow, from Tales from the Darkside: The Movie)the latest to sign on as director, the roster now includes Meosha Bean, Chong, Cruell, Lary Love Dolley, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nicole Renee and Robin Shanea. The segments are written by Linda D Addison, Paula Ashe, Crystal Connor, Tananarive Due, Valjeanne Jeffers, Eden Royce and Sumiko Saulson.
7 Magpies is co-executive produced by Stacy Pippi Hammon, the Festival Director at Los Angeles Etheria Film Night, an annual event that promotes and showcases women in genre filmmaking.
Of the nursery rhyme inspiration, Cruell tells Indiewire’s Shadow and Act it represents “a form of oral storytelling key to many cultures of color and the perfect framework for the first all African-American female horror anthology feature.” This is great news for diversity in horror filmmaking, as well as what often seems the aim of horror itself, to clue viewers in to the fears and concerns of the artist. There’s no doubt these filmmakers have a lot to say.
For more on 7 Magpies, visit the official Facebook here.
