Experiencing Interruptions?

AMOK

A Rom-Thrill-Com. AMOK is a playful short film blending comedy, romance, and thriller elements, that explores whether one disastrous date can reignite a relationship. Hot on the heels of a heated argument, Sam and Edie are determined to salvage their anniversary dinner, but their night goes from silly to scary when they’re forced to stop at a mysterious mansion. What begins as a speedy detour quickly spirals into a bizarre, spooky adventure. Is this eerie encounter a gift from the universe, a sinister setup, or just the strangest date night ever?

  • Kahli Gaskin
    Director
    Moment in Time (1998)
  • Kahli Gaskin
    Writer
    Sycophant Novella
  • E. Bennett Walsh
    Producer
    Kill Bill, Mortal Kombat, Men in Black: International, Amazing Spiderman 2
  • Isabelle Scott-Fullerton
    Producer
    Unsolved Cases
  • Brittany Gallasch
    Key Cast
    "Edie"
  • Alexander Lloyd
    Key Cast
    "Sam"
  • Kori Hayes
    Key Cast
  • Jules Wurm
    Cinematographer
    The New Boy, Firebite, Mystery Road
  • Andrew Shanks
    Editor
    Love, Guns & Level Ups
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Thriller, Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 4, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital: ARRI Alexa Mini
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kahli Gaskin

Kahli Gaskin, a seasoned writer and director, holds a commanding presence in the film industry with a career that spans decades and continents. From her early roles as a Costume Assistant on Eyes Wide Shut and working locations on films such as The King’s Speech, The Imitation Game, and Contagion, to more recent contributions to critically acclaimed productions like Hotel Mumbai, Escape from Pretoria, Stateless, Cargo, 2067, and Desert King, Kahli’s extensive track record speaks volumes.

It is in the realms of writing and directing, however, where Kahli’s brilliance truly shines. Starting as a songwriter, she has since crafted numerous short films and commercials, in addition to her feature project VENUS, which has been showcased at local cinemas. Kahli also directed the 1998 documentary Moment In Time, which chronicled the twentieth anniversary of the Sydney Mardi Gras and aired on Australian television.

Beyond her work in film, Kahli’s creativity extends to literature. Her diverse body of work includes the debut novel Sycophant Novella, enchanting children’s books, and the award-shortlisted visionary concept Violette World. Her boundless imagination and dedication to storytelling are evident across her vast and varied portfolio.

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Director Statement

When I set out to direct AMOK, I wanted to depict how hideous it can feel to be actively participating in the death of a romantic relationship. I was also excited by the absurdity and tonal shifts of a genre-clash. In a world where we are bombarded with insta-friendly fakery, I wondered how bonding it might be for two people to be thrown into a strange situation where they only have each other to rely on. And figured it would result in either an end, or a new beginning.

Visually, I drew inspiration from the lo-fi charm of films like Another Round and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, aiming to create an atmosphere that feels both familiar and offbeat. I want the audience to feel like they’re right there with Sam and Edie, sharing in their loneliness, desperation, fright and revelation.

At its heart, AMOK is a celebration of love, in all its quirks and unpredictability, finding humour in the darker moments, the lessons we learn and the shared history that's created along the way.