Karen Lam is a Canadian director, writer and producer. She is known for the horror film Evangeline (2013).
Life and career Karen Lam grew up in Brandon, Manitoba. Lam's father, a professor, would show his daughter horror films that she cites as an influence for her work. Lam also lists Gothic literature and Asian horror films as influences.
After receiving a law degree from the University of British Columbia, Lam began working at BC Film. From there she started producing films which lead to writing and directing. Lam's first featured-length film was Stained (2010), a thriller starring Tinsel Korey. A year later the horror revenge short Doll Parts (2011) was released and distributed, which Lam credits for paving the way for Stained to get viewership in the United States.
Evangeline
Karen Lam wrote and directed Evangeline, a revenge horror film based on the Pickton murders, and the Highway of Tears murders in British Columbia, as well as violence against women in general. It stars Kat de Lieva as a university student seeking revenge against those who beat her. At the 2013 Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival the film won Best Cinematography, and for Lam, Best Director.
Armageddon Road Karen Lam wrote and directed Armageddon Road, a dark comedy that takes place in Las Vegas in 1976, where an ex-con is hired by a mob boss to drive his girlfriend around for an evening, only for her to die of a cocaine overdose and have her body taken over by one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It stars Natalie Grace, Willie Aames, Brian McCaig, April Telek, and Landon Liboiron. The film uses a combination of LED volume walls and miniature sets created by Gary Young.
The film premiered at the Fantaspoa 2026 film festival. The film's theatrical release began in September 2026 with screenings in Canada, including a screening at the Revue Cinema in Toronto with Lam and cast..
Filmography Short film Year Title Director Writer Ref.2007The Cabinet2011Doll Parts2015Chiral20177 from Etheria
Feature film Year Title Director Writer Producer Ref.2010Stained2013Evangeline2020The Curse of Willow Song2022Bring It On: Cheer or DieDana Gee, "Genre-loving director is back with some good, creepy fare for this year's VIFF". Vancouver Sun, September 25, 2020.2026Armageddon Road
Awards and nominations Year Title Award/Nomination2013EvangelineBlood in the Snow Film Festival Award for Best Director Nominated for Toronto Female Eye Film Festival Jury Award for Best Canadian Feature2015ChiralBlood in the Snow Film Festival Award for Best Short Film2020The Curse of Willow SongBest BC Film, 2020 Vancouver International Film Festival
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