Nora Mandray – Director Statement
Murderabilia is a coming-of-age story in a capitalistic society, where mass shootings happen on a daily basis. Our protagonist Carli just turned 22 when she gets shot at the Aurora movie theatre, in July 2012. Back then, that massacre becomes known as the worst mass shooting in US history. But just a couple months later, it’s superseded by a new tragedy – the Newtown elementary school massacre. And, many more since – Charleston, Pulse, Las Vegas, Parkland, Uvalde… But nothing changes. With morbid regularity, a cycle of condemnations takes over the national conversation until the media cycle moves on. Meanwhile, the overwhelming success of the true crime genre shows another face of our cultural obsession with ‘evil’.
Murderabilia explores the fetishization of violence as we dive into that world through Carli’s eyes. Reality and fantasy blend to portray Carli’s surreal survival story. Interviews, vérité and archival footage come together with reenactments and animation. The film becomes a tool of healing for Carli herself, as she confronts, processes and takes control of her trauma.
Facts
2023: 657
2022: 647
2021: 690
2020: 610
2019: 417
Mass shootings, where 4 or more people are injured or killed, average more than one per day in the US.
The murderabilia phenomenon boomed together with the Internet. After being banned from eBay in the 1990s, independent sellers set up their own shops. Items like Charles Manson’s hair or Richard Ramirez’s letters sell for thousands: the more notorious, the more valuable their work. On the market, mass shooters are now slowly replacing serial killers. Prices range from $2 to $2,000,000.
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