FEATURED SHORT: "THE FIRST"
Written and Directed by Susan Ruth
Michael Phillips is now 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.
Starring: Carlos Cameron, Tiffany Cornwell
and featuring Jamieson Rhyme and Emma Rose Maloney
“An immersive but suspenseful story. It catches the viewer’s attention from the very beginning. The performances are incredible and very remarkable.” – Venezia Shorts Italy
“The suspense builds beautifully... Sensuous and unsettling to the end.” – Indie Shorts Magazine
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
2005 Chicago Horror Film Festival
2025 Der Phantastiche International Trashfilm Festival
2025 Indy Film Fest
2025 Raindance - UK
2025 Waco Independent Film Festival
Additionally:
2025 Shorts Corner & Showcase - Cannes, France
Semi-finalist - Blow-up International Arthouse Filmfest (2024)
We Have Some News
A woman decides to blow up her life and love the ones who love her.
Written and Directed by Julia Christgau
Cinematographer - Adam Foster Jacobs
Starring - Liesel Retief, James Eckhouse, and Chris Gardner
Produced by Amber Neukum and Christina Jundt (Juice Box Films)
Executive Producer - Susan Ruth, Six Foot Umbrella
The Legacy of Zyzzyx Road
Documentary on the making of Zyzzyx Road with never before seen footage, writer/director commentary, and interviews in celebration of the 20th anniversary Collector's Edition of Zyzzyx Road.
Written and Directed by John Penney
Cinematography (documentary) by Jake Macpherson
Produced by Hughes Barbier
Co-produced by Susan Ruth
