Experiencing Interruptions?

A Bitter Murmur

When Sam's struggle with loneliness and isolation brings the return of a haunting presence from her childhood, she is forced to question what is real and what isn't.

  • Manuel Baeza
    Director
  • Manuel Baeza
    Writer
  • Anjini Taneja Azhar
    Producer
  • Cailyn Rice
    Key Cast
    "Samantha"
  • Mary Carrig
    Key Cast
    "Therapist"
  • Matanya Bar-Shalom
    Key Cast
    "Old Dead Woman"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Horror
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Dances with Films
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    June 11, 2022
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • NoHo CineFest
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    October 2, 2022
    Screening
    Official Selection. Nominated "Best Thriller Short"
  • Georgia Latino International Film Festival
    Atlanta, GA
    United States
    October 1, 2022
    Screening
    Official Selection
  • SoHo International Film Festival
    New York, NY
    United States
    October 7, 2022
    East Coast Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Portland Film Festival
    Portland, OR
    United States
    October 15, 2022
    Screening
    Official Selection
  • San Diego Latino Film Festival
    San Diego, CA
    United States
    March 16, 2023
    San Diego Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Austin After Dark FIlm Festival
    Austin, TX
    United States
    April 2, 2023
    Texas Premiere
    Official Selection, Nominated Best Horror Film
Director Biography - Manuel Baeza

Manuel Baeza is a Mexican-American filmmaker from Brawley, a small town in California a few hours east of Palm Springs. While living in San Diego, he gained an interest in filmmaking. Armed with a Canon 7D and a passion for cinema he embarked on a journey to write and directed his first short film with no budget and no crew. This film proved to be fruitful as he gained the skills of directing, cinematography and editing. After a short hiatus, Manuel has returned with his latest film, a horror short titled "A Bitter Murmur".

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Director Statement

"A Bitter Murmur" is a very special film to me. I wrote this during the COVID-19 lockdowns when I, myself, was feeling very lonely and isolated from the world. My anxiety was high and I was tense most days. The only way I felt I could really heal was to write. So, I put all my anxieties and fears into a short horror story. This is what came of it. It was very therapeutic.

Finally, when things got safer, I set out to film this story. The budget was tight so I was only able secure one day of production and one location. It was a challenge but my team and I had such a great collaborative attitude that we were able to make our day without cutting anything. I think the end result expresses exactly what I was feeling when writing this story.