Black History Month: Horror Edition – Interview with Writer and Creator, Comika Hartford

Comika Hartford is one of my favorite horror creators. She’s incredibly talented, smart, supportive, and super easy to chat with. She recently had time to catch up with me about her career, her favorite Black creators, and more for Black History Month: Horror Edition.

PopHorror – It’s great to catch up with you, Comika. How is 2021 treating you so far?

Comika Hartford – I’m just wrapping up a horror micro-short called The Interview with my partner in crime, director Torian Allen for WIHM in March.

PopHorror – That’s exciting. I can’t wait to see it. Have you seen any good films lately?

Comika Hartford – I really loved #Alive on Netflix, it had such a sweet theme and gave me feels which is unusual for a zombie flick, lol!

PopHorror – I’ll have to check it out. Since it’s Black History Month, who are some of your favorite Black filmmakers?

Comika Hartford – AvaDuVernay is amazing and I’m a huge Jordan Peele fan, also SO excited to see Nia DaCosta’s Candyman.

PopHorror – ME TOO! Speaking of which, do you have any favorite films created by black filmmakers or heavily influenced by Black characters?

Comika Hartford – Of course, I will never get over Get Out, I have still nightmares about waiting for Rose to get those keys! But one of my lesser-known favorites is Eve’s Bayou by Kasi Lemmons that has an amazing cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Jurnee Smollett, and Lynn Whitfield.

PopHorror – Ohhh I’ll have to check that out! What about books by Black authors? I’m always looking for recommendations.

Comika Hartford – I’m about to dive into James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, his work is incredibly prescient. *He also wore the hell out of a cravat!*

PopHorror – Marking it down! Do you think Black creators get overlooked in the industry and what would you like to see happen more as a creator yourself?

Comika Hartford – I think that the current representation norm is white directors and writers writing for Black actors, these stories almost always feature a lighter-skinned woman and darker-skinned man and are always hailed as ‘inclusive’. We can do better. Hire Black writers and directors. Hire actors whose attractiveness isn’t linked to proximity to European beauty standards.

PopHorror – YESSS! Do you have any new projects in the works from you?

Comika Hartford – I’m looking forward to putting my limited web series The Grey Area on the Rizzle platform and I just signed on to help Morningstar Paranormal produce their next episode.

PopHorror – That’s exciting. Anything else that you’re looking forward to this year?

Comika Hartford – This year I’m just looking forward to finally seeing my friends and just hugging their heads until their skulls are dented!

PopHorror – Me freaking too!