Karen Lam

Not to be confused with Karen Lam (researcher).
Karen Lam
Born
Brandon, Manitoba
Occupation(s)Film director, Film producer, Screenwriter
Years active2000–present
Websitehttp://karenlamfilms.com/

Karen Lam is a Canadian director, writer and producer. She is known for the horror film Evangeline (2013).[1]

Life and career

Karen Lam grew up in Brandon, Manitoba. Lam's father, a professor, would show his daughter horror films that she cites as an influence for her work. Lam also lists Gothic literature and Asian horror films as influences.[2]

After receiving a law degree from the University of British Columbia, Lam began working at BC Film. From there she started producing films which lead to writing and directing.[3] Lam's first featured-length film was Stained (2010), a thriller starring Tinsel Korey. A year later the horror revenge short Doll Parts (2011) was released and distributed, which Lam credits for paving the way for Stained to get viewership in the United States.[4]

Evangeline

Main article: Evangeline (2013 film)

Karen Lam wrote and directed Evangeline, a revenge horror film based on the Pickton murders, and the Highway of Tears murders in British Columbia, as well as violence against women in general.[2] It stars Kat de Lieva as a university student seeking revenge against those who beat her.[1] At the 2013 Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival the film won Best Cinematography, and for Lam, Best Director.[5]

Armageddon Road

Karen Lam wrote and directed Armageddon Road, a dark comedy that takes place in Las Vegas in 1976, where an ex-con is hired by a mob boss to drive his girlfriend around for an evening, only for her to die of a cocaine overdose and have her body taken over by one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It stars Natalie Grace, Willie Aames, Brian McCaig, April Telek, and Landon Liboiron.[6] The film uses a combination of LED volume walls and miniature sets created by Gary Young.[7]

Filmography

Year Title Role Awards and nominations Notes Ref.
2007 The Cabinet Director, writer Short Film [8]
2010 Stained Director, writer First feature film [4]
2011 Doll Parts Director, writer Short Film [8]
2013 Evangeline Director, writer Blood in the Snow Film Festival Award for Best Director
Nominated for Toronto Female Eye Film Festival Jury Award for Best Canadian Feature 		[5][9]
2015 Chiral Director, writer Blood in the Snow Film Festival Award for Best Short Film Short Film [10]
2017 7 from Etheria Co-Director Short Film Showcase [11]
2020 The Curse of Willow Song Director, writer, producer Best BC Film, 2020 Vancouver International Film Festival [12]

References

  1. ^ a b Furminger, Sabrina (October 29, 2014). "Director Karen Lam directs anger into 'Evangeline'". Vancouver Courier. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  2. ^ a b Roberta Stanley (2013-06-01). "Q&A with Karen Lam". Vancouver Magazine. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  3. ^ Warner, Andrea (March 7, 2012). "Karen Lam rattles bones - and loves it". WE Vancouver (March 8, 2012): 6. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  4. ^ a b Spiderbaby, Lianne (February 2012). "Karen Lam: Filmmaker of Many PARTS". Fangoria (310): 81. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  5. ^ a b "2013 Blood in the Snow Film Festival". Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  6. ^ Vlessing, Etan (2024-05-13). "'Eight is Enough' Actor Willie Aames, Natalie Grace Topline 'Armageddon Road' Dark Comedy (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  7. ^ Christie, Brendan. "Karen Lam brings Armageddon Road to B.C." Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  8. ^ a b "See How They Work: Vancouver horror filmmaker Karen Lam". February 20, 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  9. ^ Barnard, Linda (June 13, 2014). "Horror films showcased at Female Eye Film Festival". thestar.com. Toronto Star. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  10. ^ Alexander, Chris (December 2, 2015). "Canadian Horror Fest BLOOD IN THE SNOW Announces Winners". ComingSoon.net. Evolve Media. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  11. ^ Boiselle, Matt (August 7, 2017). "Interview With 7 From Etheria Director Karen Lam". Dread Central. Dread Central Media. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  12. ^ Dana Gee, "Genre-loving director is back with some good, creepy fare for this year's VIFF". Vancouver Sun, September 25, 2020.