Horror Film Elements in Children's Films

Marjo Kovanen, fresh from completing her PhD, brings an interesting and probably not enough discussed point of view to the table: how horror elements in children’s films are not just about scares but about crafting stories that resonate deeply with young audiences. Marjo's research explores how fear, when paired with themes of resilience, bravery, and imagination, becomes a tool for emotional growth, offering children a safe space to navigate complex feelings.

Joining Marjo is Oskar Lehemaa, an Estonian film and animation director-screenwriter known for his precise, tactile filmmaking and a signature streak of dark humor and horror elements. His breakout short film, Bad Hair (Karv, 2019), toured major festivals, and he co-wrote and co-directed The Old Man Movie, a feature-length stop motion comedy which rattled the Estonian audience and travelled the world. In our conversation, we’ll focus on his latest playful stop-motion short for children, The Mystery of Missing Socks, and the hint of horror beneath its charming, handcrafted world.

Together, they’ll unpack the cultural and psychological layers of these elements, exploring why they continue to enchant young viewers whilst challenging conventional notions of what’s “appropriate” for children. Let's see what happens when the academic world meets real-life filmmaking.