• Short Films

Cut Short Interview with Zena Dixon, Director of “SHE”

In the short film SHE (streaming on Vimeo or watch below), director Zena Dixon proves that a little homicide can add some spice to any Friday night out at the bar.  It’s the type of twisted humor that those who know her horror blogging have have come to expect.  At Real Queen of Horror Dixon publishes news, reviews, and original content while over at Dread Central she writes the Period Blood column, which unsurprisingly comes once a month.  Through all of her work, Dixon brings a sense of macabre glee that never fails to shine through, so I’m excited to feature her in this month’s interview.
 
What sparked the idea for SHE? 
One night, my phone kept chiming. Then, the idea sparked. 
 
Viewers will probably recognize a lot of familiar faces from women in the horror writing community. How did you picture their involvement when you were making the movie? 
I love these horror ladies! I’ll include more for the full feature. 
 
Do you like creating original content more than writing about horror? 
Depends on the mood. A story is always in my mind, but I equally adore sharing others’ works! 
 
You seem to specialize in making very short films (2-5 minutes). What’s the motivation for keeping your films that concise? 
I’m testing my style. Viewers will either want more or rejoice that it’s short! 
 
What made you get into film making? 
From a young age, I created films with my siblings. 
 
Who (or what) is your biggest influence in film. 
My mom. She instilled my love for horror. 
 
What’s your favorite movie.  
NIGHT OF THE DEMONS with the cartoon opening, 80s music and iconic outfits. 
 
What are some overlooked films that you think more people should see?
PIN and THE WOODS.
 
What scares you the most? 
Psychological horrors 
 
What scares other people that doesn’t scare you? 
Gory scenes. I watch them like a champ! 
 
Zena is already working on her next short film, so keep up with her at her website or follow her on Twitter (@lovelyzena), Instagram (@mrszenasade), and Facebook.  She’s also got some exciting articles this year with Dread Central so be sure to visit her author page.
The director may have some other stuff in the works as well, but she said she’d have to kill me if she told me and, after watching SHE, I’m inclined to believe her.
  
 

 

Read More

Get The Grim Reader.
Rue Morgue's free newsletter.
Editor's notes.
Cultural insight.
Curated horror across film, books, music, and art.
First looks.
Select previews.
No algorithms.
Join Free

Advertisement

In Print Since 1997

Issue 231

Rue Morgue #231 Jul/Aug 2026

Plus

Inside Rue Morgue #231 – Summer Slasher Issue FEATURES Filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun’s TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA guts the slasher formula from the inside out, turning it into a romance about the horror of becoming who you were always meant to be. Plus! GILLIAN ANDERSON and HANNAH EINBINDER unpack Schoenbrun’s radical dismemberment of…

Issue 230

Rue Morgue #230 May/Jun 2026 – RARE

Plus

Inside Rue Morgue #230 FEATURES Filmmaker Curry Barker transforms a simple wish into a spiralling nightmare of love, possession, and bloodshed in his breakout feature OBSESSION. Plus: The story of Barker’s found-footage shocker MILK & SERIAL, which turned a micro-budget experiment into a viral horror breakout. Hollywood made it a monster. History tells a different…

Issue 229

Rue Morgue #229 Mar/Apr 2026

Plus

Inside Rue Morgue #229! FEATURES A nerve-shredding found-footage thriller built around sound, UNDERTONE signals the arrival of a terrifying new voice in Canada’s booming independent horror scene. Plus! Meet the new breed of independent Canadian horror filmmakers behind DREAM EATER, SWEETNESS, HANGASHORE, THE LAND OF NOD and THE CURSE OF GHOST ISLAND. Part post-punk, part…

Issue 228

Rue Morgue #228 Jan/Feb 2026

Plus

Inside Rue Morgue #228! FEATURES He fascinated audiences in 2001 with the French period martial arts horror film BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF. Then he followed it up in 2006 by bringing the eerie world of SILENT HILL to cinematic life. Now, visionary director CHRISTOPHE GANS unleashes his latest nightmare with RETURN TO SILENT HILL. Plus!…