Graveyard Shift Sisters

NYC/Yonkers own Mika "Madness" Kenyah (@MikaKenyah) is an award-winning actress, writer, poet, and yes, game changer. Her years of experience in the entertainment industry has led her to developing Sugar & Spikes Casting, an agency that provides a variety of support for the aesthetically alt artist and casting directors in need of the talent. Along with her own unique sense of style and inspired love for the horror genre, Mika is breaking through on critically acclaimed shows ("Orange Is The New Black") as well as with her impressive, innovative, and funny as hell (literally) Vine videos.

What feels like the millennial Beverly Bonner (of Frank Henenlotter Basket Case fame), Mika Madness is the bright spot of red and rampage in the intersection of horror and comedy. Do yourself a favor and check out Shuga Brown the Demon Hunter to gain some laughs and appreciation for this talented artist that I have no doubt will continue to prosper with her autonomous vision.

I'm deeply intrigued by a new, independent science fiction film on the horizon. Brute Sanity is host to a blend of sci-fi, psychological horror, and "the battle of science over tradition." I hope emphatically to see this film in its entirety as it leans towards desiring that the audience ask questions more than receive answers, a tactic I find endearing about cinema as a whole whether intentional or not.

This cerebral approach is only heightened by its star Adjovi Koene (above) who plays Keradin, "an FBI-trained neuropsychologist [who] teams up with a thief to find a reality-altering device while her insane ex-boss unleashes bizarre traps to stop her." I'm certain much discussion will be had here in regards to how Keradin's identity and the dynamics of it interweave with the obstacles she faces.

A photographer suffering from a sleep disorder experiences strange occurrences in her apartment which begin to blur the line between reality and the supernatural.

Written & Directed by R. Shanea Williams (@rshanea722)

That isn't the best summary. But after you get a chance to see Paralysis for yourself, you'll thank me. Assessing a film usually benefits a reader by offering very little information. Magnify this sentiment when considering a short. Many of my musings about films at any length rely heavily on a "post-mortem" chat where the revelation of plot beats prompt wider insight on any given topic it inspires. What can be challenging is discussing clues as to what you may experience that reveal just enough to feign interest in the overall narrative and how it might make you feel. Paralysis is one of those films.

By Mya Lairis (@MyaBlackkoda)
Some time ago in a writers group far, far away, writers, Dahlia DeWinters, Kenya Moss-Dyme, Eden Royce and Mya Lairis joined together and reveled in a mutual love of scares, thrills and ominous lit. Stories were shared and beta read, and much discussion was to be had. One reoccurring tale was of how difficult it was to find diverse works in dark lit at conventions, at the book stores and even online. Considered to be fringe at best and given worrisome looks at the worst, the decision to band together was an easy one.
The first Colors in Darkness event was planned for October 2015. The call went out seeking writers of diverse horror, paranormal and dark fantasy for the Facebook bash which covered Halloween’s Eve through to the Day of the Dead. Some of the authors chiming in to participate I knew, but many others I did not. Folk came out of the woodwork and so too did a few sponsors. It was a magical time with prizes, games, free reads and trivia. I was bo…

A recent college graduate with a bright future ahead of her suddenly finds herself with child she has given birth to, but has no recollection of.

*slight spoilers ahead*

A short film with a bundle of ambition, Afterbirth carries an injection of eeriness, fun, and potent originality that the horror genre so desperately needs. Writer and director Eboni Boykin's storytelling is only strengthened by the performances, especially from Afterbirth's lead, Erika (Jacqueline Nwabueze) whose arc consists of topics like self-care, career, Black motherhood and discriminatory youth education systems, and the trials of young adulthood. All balanced with some shadowy, gruesome appearances, and sinister decisions that add even more weight as an intersectional horror text.

By Eden Royce (@EdenRoyce)

In my quest to find other Black women writers of horror, I occasionally go outside of my comfort zone and reach out to an author for an interview. While I’ve had extremely positive experiences doing these features, it always gives me a little jitter when I hit that send button.

I needn’t have worried with Miracle Austin. She was wonderful right from the start: enthusiastic and prompt in responding. The face that she had a new release was a bonus.

Doll is Miracle’s first full-length novel and it is a fantastic start for an author who has previously published short stories. I had immediate cover love and when I realized it was a YA novel, I enjoyed the read even more. The number of diverse books for young adults is creeping up, but I still see a deficiency in the number of multi-cultural horror novels intended for younger readers.

Check out the book trailer for Doll on Miracle’s Amazon page here.

But don’t think that Doll can’t be enjoyed by adults. Austin…