Mike P. Nelson on Beware Boiúna, Filming in the Amazon, and Finding His Voice as a Filmmaker | Interview
Bloody Good HorrorShow Notes
Director Mike P. Nelson joins us to talk about Beware Boiúna, his new theatrical horror film set deep in the Amazon rainforest.
Mike discusses the real-world environmental conflict that inspired the film, the folklore behind Boiúna, and the decision to create a fictional indigenous tribe. He also talks about balancing mythology, science, and mystery, and why leaving certain questions unanswered can make a monster more frightening.
We go behind the scenes of one of the film's biggest creative choices: actually shooting in the Amazon. Mike talks about the heat, bugs, flash floods, disappearing sets, and unpredictable environment that became an unexpected part of the filmmaking process. He also explains how putting the actors directly into that environment shaped their performances.
Finally, Mike reflects on his evolution as a filmmaker and the personal themes that continue to find their way into his movies. He talks about letting go of the idea that he needed to have a carefully defined filmography, bringing his own voice to unexpected projects, and finding the freedom to simply follow the work.
Since this interview was recorded, Mike has been announced as the director of the next SAW film.
Beware Boiúna opens in theaters October 2nd, 2026.
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00:00 — Mike P. Nelson on the Making of Beware Boiúna 02:31 — Blending Documentary Photography With Fiction 04:30 — The Folklore Behind Boiúna 07:48 — Balancing Mythology, Science, and Mystery 10:26 — The Characters Who Enter the Amazon 11:05 — Why Shoot a Horror Movie in the Amazon? 11:36 — The Reality of Filming in the Jungle 15:52 — Putting the Actors Into the Environment 16:18 — Finding Performances in the Amazon 19:16 — Looking Back on a Career in Horror 19:58 — Finding His Voice as a Filmmaker 22:08 — Making Films That Feel Personal 23:29 — The Personal Side of Beware Boiúna 24:45 — Mike P. Nelson on What Comes Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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