Social Impact
As OMA is a psychological horror with focus on the themes of motherhood, female identity, social norms and psychological traumas, all explored through the female lens, it is the goal of this film to raise awareness of female identity and cultural restrictions as well as complications and psychological disorientation through rape and pregnancy.
In Collaboration with Miranda A. Sanders and DePaul University of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, we explore feminism and gender empowerment & representation in contemporary horror narratives, we explore feminism and gender empowerment & representation in contemporary horror narratives.
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The film challenges society's insistence that a woman's value lies in motherhood. It urges viewers to reconsider and expand their views on female identity. It blurs the line between perception and reality, proving that reality really is what one perceives it to be.
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Possible partnerships open for exploration are The American Pregnancy Association, March of Dimes, Postpartum Support International, National Birth Equity Collaborative, European Perinatal Health Report and Doula UK.
WHY NOW?
"OMA is an unsettling reflection of today’s world with exploration of trauma, repression, and control. As generational wounds, bodily autonomy, and religious influence dominate current collective narrative, OMA taps into these anxieties through eerie, gothic horror. Set in Austria’s rigid Catholic backdrop, it sheds light into the historical mistreatment of women, the weight of tradition, and the fear of losing control; both mentally and physically. With audiences craving socially charged horror like Hereditary and Saint Maud, and with the resurgence of European folk horror in films like Lamb and Midsommar, OMA is a timely, visceral experience that will linger long after viewing."
- Producer, Ilayda Cetinkaya
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​Psychological Horror as a Reflection of Trauma & Repression
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The Female Body as a Battleground
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Religious Symbolism & Oppression
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Mental Health & Neurodivergence
TARGET AUDIENCE
International appeal is driven by the universally relatable themes of human nature that transcend cultural boundaries.
Psychological horror often attracts audience who are drawn to deeper emotional and cognitive insight.
Women, teens-40s (primary)
Men, teens-40s
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Psychological horror movie Enthusiasts
This genre attracts a wide age range and cultural demographic globally. Audiences that enjoy films in the vein of Black Swan, Midsommar, Funny Games and Shutter Island as well as character classics such as House of Wax (1953), The House of Dr Caligarry or Suspiria.
Arthouse and European/International Cinema Enthusiasts
The international and arthouse elements are likely a good fit given the cerebral nature of the film. OMA appears to appeal to those who appreciate thought-provoking, visually rich films, similar to works from European directors. This audience, though more niche, tends to be loyal and enthusiastic about films that push boundaries in genre, style, and substance.
Historical/ Psychological connection to survival themes:
90% of horror movies/genre pieces are watched by women (age range: teens - late 40s)
A study and thesis statement by Writer/Director and female filmmaker activist Dawn Garcia shows that 90% of horror films addressing the themes of capture, survival, home invasion hit high success with a target audience of young women (teens-30s) as it is historically and psychologically connected to the mother & survival instinct that reaches back to the Stone Ages.
