About Tara
Tara Garwood (she/her) is an award-winning filmmaker, and owner of Tarakata Films. She specializes in telling women’s stories through the lens of horror. Garwood's background as an actor and former horror theatre Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director informs her work as a director, writer, and producer.
Garwood’s short films "Lonely," "The Lake," and “The Strangle of Ivy” have appeared in several festivals, with "The Lake" and “The Strangle of Ivy” receiving awards for independent short, directing, acting, and more. She received the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from the Television, Internet and Video Association for her work with the organization as well as her mentorship and volunteering efforts. Garwood is also an award-winning actor and a voice over artist.
Director’s Statement
“In 2022, women comprised 24% of directors, writers, producers, editors and cinematographers working on the top 250 grossing films.”
- “It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World 2022” report by Dr. Martha M. Lauzen, San Diego State University's Centre for the Study of Women in Television and Film
According to the same report, women account for 43% of horror film protagonists. Representation in the horror genre has been improving. Yet, women are still often relegated to tiresome, stereotypical roles--virgins, whores, and monsters.
Horror is ripe with potential to bring more women’s perspectives to the screen. Women must have more varied roles in front of the camera and greater input behind the camera if we are to strive for gender equity in the genre.
That’s what I’m here to do. And I want you to join me.
