WHITCH
Filmmaker Hoku Uchiyama delivers the magic with SXSW 2025 short horror comedy WHITCH. A mother named Aura reads her young daughter a bedtime story, then finally takes a breath from her long day. Suddenly, a mysterious woman appears in her house, encouraging her to make haste. With five minutes until midnight, the woman begins a ritual in the living room, challenging Aura to join in.
Alicia Blasingame is a superb foil for her onscreen rival. There is a comfort level that makes you buy into Aura from the moment you see her. Rosemary Hochschild is magnificent in her final film role as Gladys. Her fearless performance sends chills down your spine, then giggling with delight. What a pleasure to witness this level of talent.
Kenneth F. Wales‘ camera work is fantastic. Immersive POV shots pull you in immediately. The original music by Anton Patzner is playfully sinister. The closing title is perfection.
WHITCH subconsciously makes fun of women who call themselves witches, but in reality, they love the ideas and decor, not the literary canon. Would I adore a feature-length version? The answer is a resounding YES. Do I also believe it is delicious in its current form? It has undoubtedly cast a spell on me.
DIRECTOR BIO:
Hoku is a lover of fantasy films, horror, and animation. Over the past decade he’s worked as a director (sometimes with Adam Bolt) and editor on music videos, documentaries, and advertising. Clients and collaborators include, Katy Perry, They Might Be Giants, National Geographic, and YouTube.
Director: |
Hoku Uchiyama |
|---|---|
Producer: |
Kelly King |
Screenwriter: |
Hoku Uchiyama |
Cinematographer: |
Kenneth F. Wales |
Editor: |
Hoku Uchiyama |
Production Designer: |
Adam Henderson |
Music: |
Anton Patzner |
Principal Cast: |
Rosemary Hochschild, Alicia Blasingame, Nora Harriet, Carol Merrill-Mirsky, Joy Mamey, Geffen Aviva, Kindred Gottlieb |
Additional Credits: |
Costume Designer: Caroline Allander, Production Sound Mixer: Dan McCoy, Key Makeup and Hair: Stacey Hummell, Unit Production Manager: Courtenay Sherwood, 1st Assistant Director: Kate Lord Schnepf, Post Production Sound Mixer: Vicki Lemar, Color Grader: Marco Mauti, Costumer: Azucena Dominguez, Intimacy Coordinator: Jazlyn Lewis, Casting Associate: Jillian Seither |
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