Mexican Murders Are Inspiration for Horror Movies

In 2005 the book "The Killing Fields: Harvest of Women was published based off of the investigative results of author Diana Washington Valdez. The book tells the story of how a number of female corpses have been surfacing for years in the Mexican border region of Ciudad Juarez. The estimated body count is around 470 women, though the Mexican government calls these public reporting an exaggeration.

The killings still continue despite efforts and arrests that Mexican officials have claimed to have made. In an attempt to get the story out and stay true to her passion for the material Valdez optioned the rights to her book to filmmaker Gregory Nava for free. The film made is entitled "Bordertown", starring Jennifer Lopez, it was released in a limited span on August 31 2007. Another film starring Minnie Driver involving the murders was: 'The Virgin Juarez." A documentary about the incidents was made last year entitled "On the Edge."

Aside from more factual and dramatic film adaptations of the events, these murders have already inspired horror filmmakers. Released in August 2007 was the movie Borderline Cult, which has meet with harsh critical opinions. Considering the promotional value of being able to say one's horror film is based on actual events, these killings in Mexico will most likely be the basis for fictional horror for years and years to come.