Atlanta Film Festival 2025 (Day 6) Creative Conference - Horror and Society: Reflecting Modern Fears in Film

From the venue:

Horror and Society: Reflecting Modern Fears in Film

This panel explores the dynamic relationship between contemporary horror films and the societal fears and anxieties they reflect. Horror has always served as a mirror to societal tensions, and today's films are no exception. Our panelists will discuss how modern horror addresses issues such as human rights and technological advancements. Drawing on their experiences making and analyzing horror films, they will delve into how they and others use horror to comment on and critique the world around us, making this genre a potent tool for social reflection and change.

Moderator:
Melissa Simpson

Melissa Simpson is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Film Impact Georgia, the Education Director at the Atlanta Film Society, and produces independent projects. She has worked for many film festivals across the state of Georgia and is heavily involved in the Atlanta film community.

Panelists:

Jenna Kanell

As an action actor, Jenna Kanell has performed while riding motorcycles, stunt driving cars, airborne in harnesses, underwater, hanging from a helicopter, with weapons, and in countless fight scenes.

These credits include everything from the protagonist of the cult classic Terrifier, to a villain in the recent Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Jenna is also a TEDx speaker, writer, and director.

Hannah Alline

Stacey Palmer