Renowned African horror screenwriter and entertainment journalist Osarfo Anthony is encouraging millennials who enjoy horror films to pay attention to the didactic elements embedded in their narratives.
With a deep passion for the genre, Osarfo challenges the notion held by some critics that horror movies merely depict and promote violence, dread, and gore without offering substantive messages. He acknowledges that while the primary aim of horror stories is to terrify audiences, they often convey deeper themes.
“The essence of horror stories is to terrify the audience,” he stated, but added, “even though they are crafted to scare, it doesn’t stop there.” He pointed out that this misconception has led to the label of “elevated horror” for films by directors like Ari Aster, Jordan Peele, and Robert Eggers. For instance, Peele’s “Get Out” addresses systemic racism in America through metaphorical storytelling, while “A Quiet Place” emphasizes family bonds and protection. He also noted that the classic film “I Spit on Your Grave” explores themes of poetic justice.
“It’s unfortunate that some horror enthusiasts focus primarily on the terror,” Anthony remarked. “This inspires me to explore themes such as loyalty, revenge, betrayal, and racism in my scripts. I urge millennials who love horror movies to enjoy them, but pay attention to the didactic elements.”
Anthony advocates for greater contributions from African filmmakers to the global horror community and encourages African cinephiles to embrace the genre.
With nearly two decades of experience, Anthony is an award-winning supernatural horror screenwriter. His screenplay, “The Night is Awake,” earned him a spot at the prestigious Nostos Screenwriting Retreats in Tuscany, Italy, where he was one of eight distinguished screenwriters selected worldwide for an intensive program focused on collaboration and script development.
Recently, he was appointed as an international judge for the 2024 US Presidential Service Center (USPSC) International Film Festival, which highlights films and series centered on the first families and White House stories.
Source: TheDotNews