Five FrightFest Facts with Hayden Hewitt of ‘Cara’

As Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 draws to a close, the horror and fantasy film fans in attendance are still reeling from the intense lineup that has graced the screens over the past few days. On Sunday, August 25th, one film in particular left audiences shaken and stirred – Cara, a pitch-black psychological horror that delves deep into unsettling themes with unflinching honesty.

Directed by Hayden Hewitt, Cara is not your typical horror movie. It’s a bold exploration of trauma, mental health, and the dark corners of the human psyche. We caught up with Hayden to discuss the making of this provocative film, his journey into filmmaking, and his thoughts on the FrightFest experience.

Hayden Hewitt, writer and director

1. Tell us about your film

Hayden Hewitt: CARA is a pitch-black psychological horror film which was fully intended to make audiences uncomfortable and even flinch. I wanted to tackle certain topics head-on, without compromise, and tell a story I found absolutely fascinating without being at all preachy. It’s hard to be objective about your own child, but I feel like we achieved what we set out to do. It’s not a roller coaster horror movie; it’s not at all “safe,” but it’ll leave a mark, and sometimes that’s good.

2. How did you get into making movies?

Hayden Hewitt: I started out as a special makeup effects artist when I was 19. I worked on one feature film and a couple of TV pilots before realizing the industry wasn’t for me. I loved the work; I just didn’t want to join a larger machine. After years out doing many other things, I found my way back into commercial video and then—after meeting Ken Sunter, the other Black Octopus—the foundations were laid for making films. We made four shorts before taking the dive with CARA. I love film, I love making them—including all the rough bits—and working with actors. I can’t wait to do it all again soon.

3. What film would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?

Hayden Hewitt: Oh, tough one. If the crowd was sufficiently “hydrated,” I’d love to watch Evil Dead 2 or Bad Taste on the big screen again. Terrifier 3 would have been cool though!

4. If you could create your own award to give at FrightFest, what would it be and why?

Hayden Hewitt: After following the groups online, I think an award for the most organized and sharing FrightFest goer would be perfect. Those guys have some military precision planning going on with the films, and they share it freely to help others wring every second out of the festival. Unsung heroes.

5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?

Hayden Hewitt: It would be called Mostly Sitting Down, it would star John Cena, and it would feature some excellent “Nodding off in an armchair with a PSVR2 headset on,” which people would find very compelling.

Hayden Hewitt’s Cara made a striking impression at FrightFest, continuing the festival’s tradition of showcasing bold, boundary-pushing horror. As the final day of Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 unfolds, Cara remains a standout, a film that leaves audiences reflecting on the darker aspects of the human condition long after they have walked out fo the cinema.

Cara will receive its digital release on 3 February 2025 courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films.