The First

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

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)

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

you never forget your first time

you never forget your first time

GALLERY