DIN

24SF01H

Short Film
Medium: Single Channel 6.5K Film (color & black and white) in 5.1 Surround Sound
Duration: 10:01
Released: October 2024

A thief checks into a motel.

The Film

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When a malevolent spirit (the personification of guilt, perhaps) whispers a static murmur into a young woman's ear, she searches for the source of the sound and her way out of her terror and remorse.

The film contains moments of stillness and extreme violence. Din is an experience-driven film exploring a territory I call “active viewing.” In an “active viewing” film, the audience is thrust into a world textured in sound, psychology, and time. Time dilates and bends. The result is a work equally immersive as it is demanding.

Realization

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This film was micro-budget, but I love that challenge. It provides a space for creativity and experimentation to thrive. I crafted props and filled the thiefs hotel room with curated props.

Sound

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Every scrape and shuffle, whimper plays in contrast with gunfire. After picture lock, meticulously fabrics and foley recorded in ambisonic and finalized in 5.1 as well as stereo.

Exhibition & Distribution

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Din premiered at the Hallucieana Film Festival (France) and the LA Film Awards.

Din also premiered to limited audiences in a black and white version. While the aspect ratio focuses us to the character, the mind fills the room and a deeper psychological connection forms.

Distribution: TBD

Press & Awards

Winner - Best Sound — Hallucieana Film Festival
Winner - Best Sound Design — Los Angeles Film Awards
Finalist - Best Horror or Thriller — FilmHaus
Finalist - Best Cinematography — FilmHaus
Finalist - Best Low Budget Film — FilmHaus
Semi-Finalist - Best Directing — FilmHaus

Credits

Writer / Director / Cinematographer / Edit / Sound Design - J.W. Higley
The Theif - Corrinne Mica
The Shadow - Nick Genta
Special Effects Makeup - Kayla McKeon
Special Thanks - Jackson Smith
Soundtrack - “Born to Win” courtesy Allexion X and SHSHA