New Horror Short: Underbelly // Interview with Dom Penna

By: Myriam Akbar

Being a life-long horror fan, there’s moments where I feel like I’ve seen it all in terms of plot concepts. Every now and then, I am reminded how expansive horror is and am impressed by the creativity of writers who push for innovation in the genre. This has happened a few times in 2025, solidifying why it’s my favorite film category and filling me with inspiration as a writer. 

I got the chance to ask Dom Penna some questions about his upbringing, devotion to the craft, and inspiration for his new horror short Underbelly. The plot follows famed hit-man Carlo DiLorenzo, who finds that his latest target isn’t what he expects when a routine hit turns into a nightmare. This Neo-noir Mob/Supernatural Horror crossover is currently available to watch on YouTube.

Penna is a 29 year old independent writer, actor, and filmmaker from New York. However, he is relocating to Georgia to be closer to a growing film market where he can further immerse himself in the industry. He would describe himself as confident, passionate, and versatile. “I’m the kind of person who doesn’t wait for permission – I make things happen,” says Penna. 

Also known as HorrorMovieMafia on his social media platforms, Penna makes Tiktok content to directly connect with horror fans and build an audience for his work. His favorite part of that aside from instant contact, is seeing people react to the ideas he pitches. “TikTok has become this creative testing ground for me and it’s insanely motivating,” he shares. 

Like many filmmakers, their journey begins with the enjoyment of watching movies and derives from childhood memories. “I remember watching Scream way too young and being totally hooked by the suspense and atmosphere,” Penna says. He wasn’t just fascinated by the final product, but how films were made. He’d rent DVDs so that he could study the special features and director’s commentary. “I knew early on that I didn’t want to just watch movies, I wanted to make them,” says Penna. 

Although he considers horror his go-to genre and it’s the one that inspires him the most creatively, he is also drawn to crime thrillers, psychological dramas, and science fiction. He says, “I love stories that explore human darkness, trauma, revenge, and obsession.” He is motivated to build a career that stays within an emotionally intense space, regardless of the genre label. Penna wants to examine the darkness within us all in his writing, tackling themes of grief, vengeance, mental illness, guilt, and survival. “I’m interested in how trauma shapes us and what people are capable of when pushed to the edge,” he states. 

Underbelly was written, produced, and funded by Penna. He also played one of the lead roles, a character named Carlo. “It’s one of the most ambitious things I’ve done so far and it’s only the beginning,” he says. The story is inspired by his curiosity about what happens when organized crime is met with the supernatural. Penna describes the overall film-making experience as the closest thing to alchemy he’s ever experienced. “There’s something magical about watching your ideas become a reality on set,” he says. The parts he enjoyed most were hearing the lines he wrote delivered with emotion, seeing practical effects work in action, and knowing something raw and visceral was captured. On the other hand, Penna explains that the challenges were juggling his many roles in the project and working with a tight budget.  “Any obstacles made the result that much more rewarding. We pulled it off with passion, sweat, teamwork,” he shares. They most certainly pulled it off, solidified by winning Best Horror Short in the Valkyrie International Film Festival. “I’d like to thank my mother and grandmother for believing in me and my dreams. I want to be a staple in horror films and I’ll always keep pushing until that gets accomplished,” says Penna. 

Looking forward, Penna plans to continue to build his brand as a filmmaker that explores bold and original stories. Some of his goals are to work with streamers and studios, write and direct feature films, as well as create a slate of projects that are both emotionally resonant and terrifying.