Meet The Team

Founder & Executive Director
ELIZABETH LLOYD
Elizabeth is a horror filmmaker and genre lover who frequents haunted hotspots in and around Texas with her paranormal investigation team. A horror film festival seemed like the next logical step so she set up Ethereal Horror Fest in 2019 so horror/genre lovers can celebrate and dominate October in Austin TX.

Director of Community & Strategic Development
MARINA CANTU
Marina, born in Austin, TX, is a powerhouse in the entertainment world. A talented actress, director, producer, and screenwriter, she's been a vital part of Ethereal Horror Fest since year two. Now the Director of Community & Strategic Development, Marina brings her multifaceted skills to elevate the festival experience, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the art of horror and community.

Creative Producer
JANELLE AUSTIN
Janelle has loved horror since the '80s, growing up on her favorites, Fright Night, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Thing, and An American Werewolf in London. While her writing often leans into drama and comedy, she co-wrote a horror short, The Road to Gonzales, which won Best Script at the 2024 Ethereal Horror Fest. Her work has also been recognized by Austin Film Festival, Big Apple Film Festival, Comedy Film Festival, Austin Under the Stars, and Austin Revolution Film Festival. As Creative Producer, Janelle will bring 20 years of event production experience to the team, and is eager to help enhance a festival already known as one of FilmFreeway’s best.

Director of Programming
GABBY ESTRINGEL
Gabrielle Estringel is a writer and filmmaker with a passion for horror and a focus on elevating women’s voices in the genre. She co-wrote The Veil She Wore, currently in development, which won Best Script at the Ethereal Horror Fest in 2024. Inspired by bold genre storytellers like Coralie Fargeat, Gabrielle uses horror to challenge norms, confront fear, and empower through storytelling. A passionate supporter of indie cinema and film festivals, she celebrates the horror community as much as the craft itself.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor
VICKY ADAMCZYK
Vicky is looking forward to stepping up into the role of EDI advisor, and will bring with her all her experiences to date to be the voice and representation of LGBTQ+, BAME, disabled and learning disabled diverse filmmakers. Vicky's goals are to create a 5 year EDI strategy and ensure Ethereal Horror Fest is inclusive and representational of all the marvelous creative wonderfully diverse filmmakers out there.