PopHorror Let's Get Scared
If you know me, you know that I go all out for Women in Horror Month and this year I’ve decided to do the same for Pride Month, which is equally as important to me. Representation Matters. I know so many people who belong to the LGBTQ+ community who are killing in the horror scene and it’s important to represent and support their work.
To kick off Horror Pride Month, I decided to interview one of the best horror gals I know, horror enthusiast and writer Danni Winn. She has an endless passion for horror and you can see that in everything she does, especially her writing. She also has a fantastic job at the Alamo Drafthouse which is a cinephiles dream come true. Recently, she was asked to host a special night for Pride Month. Learn more about the film she picked, why this event is important to her, and more!
PopHorror – Hey Danni, it’s about time I get to interview you! Thanks for taking time to talk with me. So, what is your favorite thing about working at the Alamo Drafthouse?
Danni Winn – Thank you so much for your time and consideration, Tori, and thanks for starting off with an easy question! My favorite thing about the National Treasure that is the Alamo Drafthouse would probably be how much owner/founder Tim League, my co-workers, and our guests, absolutely LOVE movies. My passion for film, for horror, and for craft beer is so incredibly embraced here, that I would probably shrivel up and die elsewhere.
PopHorror – Seems like destiny. How did you feel when they asked if you would like to host a special night for Pride Month?
Danni Winn – Honestly, it didn’t quite sink in at first. Then Lauren Knight, my Creative Director for the Phoenix area Alamo Drafthouses was like, “No, seriously, how would you like to host a night for Pride Month?” My love of horror is no secret whatsoever and I’m sure they knew I was going to pick a horror flick, but to have my superiors approve of screening one of my modern favorites, have it evolve into a benefit and all the love, well that was tear inducing.
PopHorror – That’s so fantastic and humbling! Why did you pick High Tension also known as Haute Tension?
Danni Winn – Like I noted before, High Tension is a modern favorite and is so, for multiple reasons. One being that it showcases a lesbian main character without relying on gratuitous sexual escapades depicted on screen. It deals with unrequited love and mental illness, pains that are so completely universal, knowing no bounds. Also, man, do I love me some gore! I really admire this debut from Alexandre Aja, the dedication and hard work from him and his team to nail so much on such a small budget and helping give birth to the incredibly influential wave of French extreme horror. High Tension has always remained one of my favorites. It’s a film that is celebrated, hated, and unfortunately unseen by many, so here I am prompting it on our Big Screen to bring all of us together and raise some funds.
PopHorror – It’s one of my favorites as well. This screening is to support the at-risk LGBTQ+ Youth community. What is Mulligan’s Manor?
Danni Winn – Mulligan’s Manor is one of only three group homes in the entire country that offer a loving, supportive, and structured home setting for LGBTQ+ youths.
PopHorror – Oh wow, I never knew about until now. That’s awesome. Why is this specific organization important to you?
Danni Winn – Mulligan’s Manor, the proper, supportive housing of youths in group homes and the like is a huge cause to me. I don’t care if the kid is gay or straight, they deserve love, acceptance, an education, and to have what is necessary to thrive as an individual. I pretty much grew up in various treatment centers and rehabilitative housing focusing on those in their formidable years. Unfortunately, the bulk of my time spent in these establishments was not productive, further damaging me and watching my fellow residents suffer in the same ways was almost unbearable. Mulligan’s Manor is nothing like what I had to spend time in and to be handed an opportunity to try and make a difference, to create awareness for something that is often sadly overlooked… I can’t even begin to articulate how important this is to me.
PopHorror – I can tell. You have such a big heart, and it shows. When is the screening?
Danni Winn – The screening of High Tension begins at 8 p.m. on June 13th at the Alamo Drafthouse Tempe location, but please, for those that are in the desert and can attend, please come early so we can mingle, celebrate, and give out all these rad raffle items donated, in a style that is relaxed and true to the Drafthouse vibe.
PopHorror – You heard the lady! How can people get involved?
Danni Winn – Thank you for asking, Tori! If you don’t live anywhere near Arizona but would like to support Mulligan’s Manor and its cause, you can kick the kids some cash here. It is so appreciated; every little bit helps!
by clicking HERE. Or, if you’re a small merchant, artist, or fellow fan that is willing to donate an item to the raffle, please reach out to me!
PopHorror – Where can people buy tickets?
Danni Winn – Folks can get tickets at https://drafthouse.com/market/tickets/HIGH+TENSION/1902/13069/showtimes?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=webedia&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=1902 with $1 of each sale going to Mulligan’s Manor as well.
PopHorror – A lot of people in the community have donated money or items to go towards this project. Does that make you feel proud?
Danni Winn – Beyond proud and this further demonstrates that horror has a big fucking heart. I’m blown away by the raffle item donations that have continued to come in, the words of encouragement and well-wishers for the benefit. I can guarantee a bloody good time on the 13th.
PopHorror – I’m proud of our community coming together for this as well. So… bare with me, I gotta be cliche for a moment. Tell me… what’s your favorite scary movie?
Danni Winn – It may be easier for me to choose a limb to live without. I’m the worst at this. I have a tried and true list of top favorites that I have rarely deviated from. I love The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, A Clockwork Orange, Sleepaway Camp, Hellraiser, They Live, The Shining, Alien, Aliens, Hatchet, The Thing, The Exorcist, John Carpenter’s Halloween, Scanners, Labyrinth, A Serbian Film, Jaws, Lost Highway, Dead Snow, The Hills Have Eyes, Battle Royale, Poltergeist, American Psycho, Boxing Helena, Blade Runner, Edward Scissorhands, Night of the Living Dead, A Nightmare On Elm Street 3, Gremlins, Nightbreed, Hardware, Ichi The Killer, Rebel Without A Cause, Maniac and obviously High Tension. These are the films that I can watch again and again and girl, do I.
PopHorror – Now for some silly but important questions. Favorite alcoholic beverage?
Danni Winn – Is this a trick question? I am very passionate about well crafted beer.
PopHorror – (Laughs) Favorite snack to watch during a movie?
Danni Winn – Chocolate and popcorn!
PopHorror – Thanks Danni for all your great answers and I wish you the best of luck at the High Tension event. For more information about this event, please check out Danni’s Morbidly Beautiful Article, which is a must-read.
