Horror Hangout Podcast Bonus Episode : Interview with Frankie, Maniac Woman Star Dina Silva & Director Pierre Tsigaridis

In this bonus episode of The Horror Hangout, host Ben Errington interviews co-creators Pierre Tsigaridis and Dina Silva about their upcoming serial killer horror comedy, 'Frankie Maniac Woman,' set for a limited theatrical release on April 24th at Panic Fest. The film follows Frankie Ramirez, a plus-sized aspiring singer-songwriter in L.A. who snaps after enduring years of childhood trauma, internalized misogyny, and body-shaming in the music industry, spiraling into a year-long murder rampage. The creators discuss the film’s fever-dream aesthetic, its blend of dark comedy and visceral horror, and its deep thematic roots in body image, societal pressure, and female rage. They reveal how the project evolved from a decade-old friendship and a shared love of cult horror, with Dina embodying the role of the killer while also writing and performing the film’s original songs. The film’s iconic mask—crafted from Dina’s own face—serves as both a visual metaphor and narrative device, evolving from a symbol of aspiration to one of decay and delusion. The creators emphasize the film’s intention to be experienced in communal settings, with audience reactions at festivals like Panic Fest and Grimfest proving the film’s unique emotional and visceral impact. They also highlight the empowering resonance the film has had with plus-sized women in the audience, who saw Frankie as a cathartic figure of resistance against systemic beauty standards. With a sequel already in development and plans for broader distribution, the team expresses gratitude for the growing support and excitement around their labor of love. The episode underscores the film’s bold subversion of traditional slasher tropes by centering a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist whose violence is framed as a response to systemic oppression rather than inherent evil. The creators draw comparisons to 'The Substance' and 'American Psycho' but stress that Frankie is not a villain—she’s a victim of a society that devalues her. The film’s score, blending Dina’s band Tia and the Shapeshifters’ original music with orchestral arrangements by composer Mateo, adds a Bond-like grandeur to the horror. Ultimately, 'Frankie Maniac Woman' emerges as a genre-defying, emotionally charged work that challenges viewers to confront their own biases while celebrating the power of self-expression and resistance through art.