I spoke with filmmaker Blaine Morris, the writer, director and producer of The Ciguapa, as well as the editor for Hex The Patriarchy. The Ciguapa is a horror film following a Queer Latine couple that goes to a cabin for their anniversary, but a mysterious woman in the woods threatens to break them apart. Hex The Patriarchy follows demisexual and asexual best friends, Bex and Wren, who strike back with a bit of magic that has unintended consequences after being tired of being bullied.
Blaine was excited to bring both of these Queer horror stories to audiences at Outfest this year. Read on to learn more about Blaine’s favorite scene in The Ciguapa, what initially birthed the idea and why the horror genre speaks to her (like so many of us here at HorrorBuzz).
You’ve held many hats in the TV and film industry, from acting to now writing, producing, directing and more. How did you make that transition from in front of the camera to behind the camera?
The transition to behind the camera was a natural progression since I was not receiving auditions that spoke to me. I was always sent out for the ghetto Latina girl and found that unfulfilling and not consistent with my background. Before I got the role on Skins, I worked in the writer’s room part-time, giving feedback on scripts, and I fell in love with that process and wanted to learn more. I decided to go to college at Columbia University, and that environment inspired me to use my voice. I started writing and directing there and totally fell in love with the collaborative filmmaking process. I was also not waiting on anyone to give me permission to create. From there, I went to USC for grad school to learn the more practical skill side of filmmaking. I am now finding a balance where I can use all parts of my creativity, whether it’s in acting, directing, producing, writing or editing.
What initially birthed the idea for “The Ciguapa,” Blaine?
As a Latiné Bisexual actor and filmmaker, I grew up on genre films yet didn’t see any opportunities for us within that. I was talking with my close friend Alexander Flores, The Ciguapa producer who plays Manny, and we were so frustrated with the lack of people like us in the genre. So we decided to create our own and wanted to use a classic horror story structure but with queer characters and a Latiné culturally specific monster.
Most genre cinema recycles the same monsters and creatures over and over. How many more times can we make Frankenstein? There are so many exciting folklores in Latin America that are waiting to be brought to audiences. During my research, I came upon the Ciguapa and thought she was such a great introductory creature for audiences. She’s basically a forest siren, a mermaid on land. I thought she would be a wonderful conflict for a gay and bisexual man in a relationship and to bring up bisexual prejudices within the queer community. I love history and mythologies and am excited to keep creating films in the Latiné folklore space.
Is there a favorite scene or shot you remember from shooting, Blaine, and if so, why?
Finding someone for the role of the Ciguapa was very hard. I needed the specific look of long hair, Latina, and could go from damsel in distress to an otherworldly monster. I cast the role only two days prior to the shoot, the fabulous Claudia Serven, and was worried we didn’t have enough prep time. But she was fully committed from the start, immediately dying her black and getting her nails done as long claws. For the climax of the film, she showed up with incredible ideas, contorting her body in ways that are hard to put into words. It was so thrilling as a director to have an actor who never speaks in the film so committed and creative with the role. Every time people see that scene, people ask if we used special effects, but it’s all Claudia.
Why are you drawn to horror, and what do you enjoy exploring in the horror genre?
The horror genre is a rich space to explore social issues while still being entertaining. I think people are sick of being lectured to, and horror allows you to slip in commentary about the world while you’re screaming. It’s one of the most active viewer experiences where you’re compelled to put your phone down and be present. It’s a wonderful space to play in as an independent filmmaker where you can focus on characters and be wildly creative.
Talk a little bit about “Hex The Patriarchy,” how did you get involved with this project, Blaine, and what stuck out on it for you?
Hex the Patriarchy was a USC project some friends of mine were doing. I’m always looking to work with other queer and female collaborators, and it seemed like such a great team, led by Heather Muriel Nguyễn, Anne Brashier, and Xan Churchwell. I also can never turn down a witchy moment. The story is funny, witchy and queer while tackling bullying of queer youth. You really cheer for the main characters, and it was such a delight to make a joyful queer film. During the editing process, they really let me bring forward my ideas and get weird with the spellcraft sequence. I also love editing comedy, and seeing the crowds during the Outfest Fusion Gala laughing in delight was a moment I’ll hold on to for a while. I can’t wait to see the reactions of the Outfest audiences.
What are you most excited for audiences to see in your work at Outfest?
I’m excited for audiences to see the full breadth of queerness that can be in the genre space. I want audiences to scream, laugh and cheer for these characters while being thoroughly entertained. Queer content can be for everyone, and I hope this will be a stepping stone for these projects to reach broader audiences.
Can you tell us about some of your upcoming projects, Blaine?
Right now, I’m working on The Ciguapa feature, which expands on the folklore and brings in more characters. Later this year, I have my psychological thriller feature Dark Obsession which I wrote, produced and starred in featuring Mena Suvari and Adriana Barrazza coming out. I am also working on a feature about Aztec vampires.
To keep up with Blaine’s work, follow her @blainems on Instagram. You can also check out her website and IMDb.
