Simon Aeppli, a documentary filmmaker and lecturer in film production from Carrickfergus, notes that the region's history, religion and landscape shape its outlook on horror.
He suggests the answers to questions about this perspective could be found at the Belfast International Horror Festival, which is currently in its seventh year.
The event began on Wednesday and continues through Sunday, presenting six horror movies across four locations in the city.
While Hollywood titles are available, a strong presence of local talent competes in the festival's short film competition with distinctive interpretations of the genre.
Nathan Hughes from Belfast is among the few directors premiering his work, The Widow's Ring, at the festival on Friday.
His documentary, Operation Bogeyman, explores folklore, folk horror and black propaganda during the Troubles.
McClean highlights the expansion of the film industry across the island, stating that creators now have more opportunities to tell their stories than a decade or two ago.
Examples cited include Lee Cronin's The Mummy Evil Dead Rise movies and Damian McCarthy's Hokum.