Alice Maio Mackay: 6 Features at 21 – Interview
Alice maio Mackay: The Gen Z Filmmaker Redefining Horror
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(Left to right): Avalon Fast, Alice Maio Mackay, and Alexandra McVicker
Alice Maio Mackay is a name quickly gaining traction in the horror film world, and for good reason. This young filmmaker isn’t just making movies; she’s building a vision, fueled by a childhood spent on set and a clear-eyed understanding of the industry’s challenges. At 21, Mackay embodies a refreshing blend of ambition, pragmatism, and a dedication to telling stories that resonate with a new generation.
From TV Sets to Directing: A Prolific rise
mackay’s path to filmmaking wasn’t conventional. While her peers navigated high school lunch breaks, she was often found chatting with seasoned professionals on TV production sets. This early exposure instilled not only a technical understanding of the craft but also a keen perceptiveness, evident in her focused gaze and thoughtful approach. She readily admits she’s more comfortable with the “song and dance” of the film industry than traditional teenage milestones like prom.
This early immersion fostered a maturity and a proactive mindset. Having a plan, she asserts, is a presentation of self-respect. And Mackay has a plan – a remarkably prolific one.
Mackay is acutely aware of the hurdles facing minority filmmakers. ”There are definitely so many issues, and so many filmmakers who are minorities working really hard to compete with mediocre straight white guys – and that’s heartbreaking,” she explains. “It shouldn’t be surprising, but every time I hear about it, I think, ’That’s someone’s heart and that’s their life.’ It’s tragic.”
Though, she balances this realism with optimism, highlighting the positive changes happening within the genre. “Simultaneously occurring, places like Fantasia and companies like Dark Star and Shudder are uplifting filmmakers from different areas and that’s also really great.” This acknowledgement of both the problems and the progress demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the landscape.Mackay’s own success is part of that progress. She’s sometimes criticized for her rapid output, a critique she finds perplexing, especially when coupled with the assertion that each film is deeply personal.This speaks to a double standard often faced by female and emerging filmmakers – expected to deliver consistently and profoundly.
“The Serpent’s Skin” and a Passion for Genre
Her latest project, “The Serpent’s Skin,” described as a “Ginger Snaps” for gen-Z, is heading to FrightFest in the UK, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star.Mackay’s work isn’t afraid to explore darker themes and push boundaries, appealing to a generation hungry for authentic and provocative storytelling.
beyond her own projects,Mackay is a passionate consumer of genre films. On her 21st birthday, she expressed a desire to collaborate with Bella Thorne, and enthusiastically recommends Janell shirtcliff’s “Habit.” “It’s my favorite film ever made,” she declares. “It’s incredible. It’s pulpy. It’s everything. She basically has sex with God.” This willingness to champion bold and unconventional work underscores her artistic sensibilities.
Future Visions: from ALEXA Mini to Comics and Beyond
Mackay’s ambitions extend beyond directing. She has a specific technical goal in mind: acquiring an ALEXA Mini. “It’s the camera for this genre,” she emphasizes, demonstrating a commitment to quality and a clear understanding of the tools of her trade. She also harbors a desire to write and publish comics, showcasing a broader creative vision.
Of course, like any autonomous filmmaker, funding remains a key challenge. Her current project, envisioned to be shot on location in Italy, represents a significant step up in scale and ambition. But Mackay remains undeterred. She believes the future of filmmaking isn’t confined to established hubs; it exists wherever a passionate storyteller is willing to create.
“I want to tell the same stories, only bigger,” she states. “So many men get to do those kinds of films, and I worked so