Set in 1928, a nervous and naive Michael Phillips is brought by his father to participate in the family's rite-of-passage tradition. He struggles to understand his place, as he navigates terrifying 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 Winner - Portland Horror Film Festival (2024)
Best First-Time Filmmaker
- Toronto International Women Film Festival (2024)
Best Fantasy (Short), Best Costume Design, and
Most Original Idea - Fright Night Film Festival (2024)
Best Written (Short) - Nightmares Film Festival (2024)
Semi-finalist - Blow-up International Arthouse Filmfest (2024)
Semi-finalist - Nashville Independent Filmmakers Festival (2025)
Nominations:
Best Short - Rehoboth Beach Independent International Film Festival
Official Selections:
2024 Rehoboth Beach Independent 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
2025 Blow-up International Arthouse Filmfest
2025 Kalakri Film Festival
2025 Der phantastische internationale
2025 Nashville Independent Filmmakers Festival
a Dark Arts Entertainment/Six Foot Umbrella production
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