Marissa Pona is a veteran to the Gallery WIHM event. She is a Podcaster and Content Producer- Jersey Ghouls, Dark Hills Gaming, and Mise En Scream.
What motivates you to do what you do?
My love of horror drives everything I do. Growing up in the heydey of 80’s slashers, I grew up watching amazing final girls battle figurative and literal monsters. Horror not only gives me an outlet to battle my own demons, but it also allows me to fight for women and bring a uniquely feminist lens and voice to everything I do. I am also motivated by all of the other women out there who are doing so much great work.
Who is your favorite woman who does what you do?
Wow, this is tough, because there are so many. I would feel remiss if I did not mention some pioneers for WIH, including Shirley Jackson, Mary Shelley, and Kathryn Bigelow. I am also so blessed to be a part of an amazing network of modern Women in Horror who are kicking ass and chewing bubble gum. Shout-outs to Melissa Hannon at Horror Geek Life, writer-director Sam Kolesnik, and my partner in crime, Jacki Giorgianni, who all bet on me and gave me a foot in the door. These women, and so many more, inspire me daily.
If you had one wish for women in your space in 2020, what would it be?
For everyone to keep doing what we are doing. The fight for representation for all marginalized groups is far from over, and future generations are counting on us!
Share a practical tip for a woman who wants to do what you do.
Trust your instincts and those who share your visions. Every door that has been opened for me has been held by a person who believed in me and my art.
Inspire someone who is not where they want to be in the industry yet.
You are exactly where you need to be. Do not chase money, fame, or likes. Create.
Scare the crap out of us with something you have done or plan on doing!
Deadlines.
What projects do you have coming up?
Dark Hills Gaming has so many exciting programs coming up, including my writing debut at our Night of the Living Dead event. We are also working on our first-ever fictional podcast!
Marissa is my favorite horror podcaster! Her strong feministic views are powerfully insighful and always well conceived. Truely, she and her fellow podcasters, Jacki, from Jersey Ghouls and Katie from Mise en scream are leading the way to a horrifically, enjoyable listen.