Michael Phillips is a man. At least that's what his father has informed him on the day of Michael's fourteenth birthday. The year is 1928, and the fidgety, unsure boy waits his turn to experience a family tradition that has been a rite-of-passage in his family for generations. As the night progresses, his anticipation is met with terror, as he navigates expectations and a millennia of wrongdoing.
“An immersive but suspenseful story. It catches the viewer’s attention from the very beginning. The performances are incredible and very remarkable.” – Venezia Shorts
“The suspense builds beautifully… Sensuous and unsettling to the end.” – Indie Shorts Magazine
GALLERY
Starring: Carlos Cameron and Tiffany Cornwell
Featuring: Jamieson Rhyme and Emma Rose Maloney
Written and Directed by Susan Ruth
Produced by John Penney and Susan Ruth
Executive Produced by: Otto Meriwether, Paul Benton, Brad Pastore
M.A. Robkin, Susan Ruth, John Slicer, and Bob Sellers
Director of Photography: Jake Macpherson
Editor: Bryan Wilson
Production Design: Arnella Barbara
Costume Design: Laura L. Brody
Casting: Esther Seznie, CSA
Sound Design: Andres de la Torre
Practical Effects: Eric Fox & Cheryl Holtzman
Awards:
Best Cinematography (Short)
Rehoboth Beach Independent Int’l Film Festival (2024)
Trump-l'œil Award
Portland Horror Film Festival (2024)
Best First-Time Filmmaker -
Toronto International Women Film Festival (2024)
Best Fantasy Short
Best Costume
Most Original Idea
Fright Night Film Festival (2024)
Best Written Short - Nightmares Film Festival (2024)
Best Horror Short
Nashville Independent Filmmakers Festival (2025)
Nominations:
Best Short
Rehoboth Beach Independent International Film Festival (2024)
Official Selection:
2024 Rehoboth Beach Independent Int’l Film Festival
2024 Toronto International Women Film Festival
2024 Screamfest
2024 Nightmares Film Festival
2024 Fright Night Film Festival
2024 Portland Horror Festival
2024 Midnight West Fest
2025 Blow-up International Arthouse Filmfest
2025 Nashville Independent Filmmakers Festival
2025 Seattle International Film Festival
2025 Kalakari International Film Festival
2025 Der Phantastiche International Trashfilm Festival
2025 Indy Film Fest
Additionally:
2025 Cannes International Film Festival – Shorts Corner
Semi-finalist - Blow-up International
a Dark Arts Entertainment/Six Foot Umbrella production
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