Fem Fatale

When you think of obvious clichés of the modern horror film, one of the first to pop up is the frightened, screaming woman about to be bludgeoned. Someone, or something, is always hunting a nubile young thing and trying to kill her. While female actresses are an important cog to the promotion and the on-screen talent, they've been underrepresented behind the scenes as writers, producers and directors in the lucrative horror genre. If you find that irritating, you might want to check out the Underground Horror Film Fest 2.

The creator and organizer of the Underground Horror Film Fest 2 is Art Sunday and he wants to rectify the shortchanging the ladies have gotten in the horror world through the years. It's about time.

"There's a need to expose the role of women in this genre," Sunday recently told me via a phone interview. "It's surprising how little focus there is on women, even though on the screen there are always women getting killed. We're trying to show people that there are talented women making underground horror films as well as being in them."

This will be the fourth installment of Sunday's festival devoted to underground horror. Previous versions held at the Rose Bowl concentrated on vendors, appearances from horror luminary and bands. With his festivals, Sunday attempts to combine a spirit of community to the passionate fan base that embraces their love of horror so completely. It's more of a lifestyle choice than a movie genre.

While the Underground Horror Film Fest 2 will have vendors, prize giveaways and some guests showing up [Shannon Lark, Craig Lamb, Mudd Miller], this is all about the films. Approximately five hours of horror short films will be screened and every one of them written, produced or directed by a woman. The films run the gamut, ranging from small town Oklahoma connections to as far away as Poland. All the films are independently made which suits Sunday and his audience just fine.

"This generation is looking for their own independent, underground film-watching experience," Sunday explains his love for the underground. "I'm trying to show things in this film festival that will never be shown in Oklahoma. Anyone can go watch some mainstream horror film in a multiplex. I'm more excited about showing things that people might not ever get to see unless they come to the festival."

Sunday estimates that he had a turnout of just under a thousand people in the first installment of his Underground Horror Film Fest and he expects an even bigger turnout for part two.

"What surprises people when you talk about horror films, is just how popular they are with women. Women love watching these movies as much as guys, so it's about time we get to see some of their creativity behind the scenes," Sunday says about the lineup of shorts that will be screened.

Underground Horror Film Fest 2 takes place from 4pm to midnight on August 13 at The Marquee. Tickets are $10 at the door. Go to undergroundhorrorfest.webs.com for more information on the films, speakers and vendors.