THE HEX, 3min., USA
Directed by Chephrena Mbouombouo
After finding out her boyfriend was unfaithful, Samara Nerium performs a hex spell that goes a little too well.

https://www.chephrena.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
May or may not have been inspired by true events...to make a long story short, i was betrayed by someone that I thought I could trust and that I thought cared about me, but was cruelly proven wrong. Was very new the witchcraft still at that point but decided to do what they call a "return to sender spell" which was described to me as being not as potent as a hex spell but would still send the the pain back to the person that caused it. While the consequences in my short film were a lot more fatal, I'd say my real life spell was a good in between.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Planning only took a couple weeks, the idea was very potent and clear. The shoot itself took maybe 5 hours!

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Sweet revenge.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
My own insecurity about being DP, I'm much more comfortable directing and handing the camera reigns of to someone else but for this short I felt like I really wanted to overcome that.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Haha I was so happy and surprised that so many people enjoyed it! It felt so nice to have a lot of people talking about and appreciating my work.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
It was very bizarre, I was watching Titanic for the 50th time and suddenly it hit me—I want to be a director, I want to tell stories that are powerful and have massive impacts on the world.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Ooooh I several comfort movies that I always circle back to, a couple of them are: Jackie Brown, Midsommar, Fargo, Rear Window and Some Like It Hot.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Honestly what you're doing already is amazing!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Love the site! It's such a great efficient way to submit to and find out about other festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Could always go for a chipotle bowl or an authentic Bavarian pretzel.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes! Actually about to start shooting a horror short about Squishmallows!