Private Project

A Raven's Call

Set in the early 18th century, two Cherokee Indian friends encounter a sinister entity based on a real Cherokee legend: the Raven Mocker.

  • Corbin Rowell
    Director
    Chime, Sutherland, Batman: Dawn of Fear
  • Corbin Rowell
    Writer
    Chime, Sutherland, Batman: Dawn of Fear
  • Corbin Rowell
    Producer
  • Xavier Velasquez
    Producer
  • Taylor Wachacha
    Key Cast
    "Tawodi"
  • Rachel Blythe
    Key Cast
    "Yona"
  • Michael Jacobson
    Key Cast
    "Richard"
  • Jamie Virostko
    Key Cast
    "Mary"
  • Marcus Lawrence
    Key Cast
    "John"
  • Mark Jeter
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Thomson"
  • Brittany Myra Smith
    Key Cast
    "Raven Mocker"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Period, Drama, Thriller, Suspense
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 25, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Corbin Rowell

Corbin Rowell is an award-winning indie filmmaker based in Richmond, VA, with expertise in directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing. Known for his innovative storytelling and meticulous craft, Rowell has earned recognition for creating atmospheric, thought-provoking horror films that captivate audiences.

Rowell’s journey as a filmmaker began in 2019 with 'The Collector’s Chest', a horror short crafted for the Richmond 48 Hour Horror Film Project. The film swept the competition, earning five awards, including 2nd Place Best Film, Audience Choice, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound Design.

In 2022, Rowell’s short film 'Sutherland', shot at a 200-year-old Civil War-era farmhouse, received the Best Virginia Film award at the Magic of Horror Film Festival. It also became a finalist for Best Cinematographer at the Montreal Independent Film Festival and won five awards at the Hollywood Blood Horror Fest, including Best Mystery, Best Director, Best Acting Duo, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design.

Rowell recently completed post-production for his ambitious period horror film 'A Raven’s Call', a gripping tale set in the early 18th century that explores Cherokee folklore. The short film follows two Cherokee friends confronting the sinister Raven Mocker, a legendary evil force. Years in the making, 'A Raven’s Call' premiered at a sold out screening at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, VA on September 13. The film is set to premiere in Cherokee, NC on Saturday, October 25, as part of the district's Qualla-ween fall festival.

Blending horror and comedy with a focus on tension and atmosphere, Rowell’s work avoids cheap scares, opting instead for stories that linger with the audience. Off set, he is a devoted cat dad, husband to his high school sweetheart, and a passionate movie buff and gamer, always drawing inspiration from the stories he loves.

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Director Statement

In many films, Indigenous Americans are typically subjected to tropes & cliches, such as the usage of Indian burial grounds or delivering superstitious exposition. So we decided to break the status quo.

I wanted to tell an original story with native lead characters, where they faced a threatening entity that wasn't just another skinwalker or wendigo. After researching various Cherokee legends, I chose the Raven Mocker as the foundational piece to this film. I was captivated by the stories surrounding this legend - a spirit that could seemingly live forever by absorbing the life force of its victims.

'A Raven's Call' was produced by an award-winning team of filmmakers based out of Richmond, VA. From the props & wardrobe, to the natively spoken dialogue, we worked closely with Indigenous artists & talent to make this film as authentic as possible.

Following a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over $15,000, 'A Raven’s Call' completed production in mid-November 2023. The film wrapped post-production in June 2025 and had its world premiere at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, VA on September 13. In collaboration with the Cherokee Historical Association, my team and I are honored to premiere our film at the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee, NC on October 25, 2025.