Private Project

Behind the Darkness

Rory and Guy have lived together their whole lives. Rory is a hopeless romantic searching for meaning and someone to share it with - something Guy seems determined to take from him. They've always managed to co-exist but things are about to change when Guy tries to strip everything that makes Rory happy.

  • Tyrel Haight
    Director
    Betsy, The Name's Slim
  • Tyrel Haight
    Writer
    Betsy, The Name's Slim
  • Ana-Maria Butcura
    Producer
    Fragile Seeds, A Beautiful Peace, The Name's Slim
  • Mia Golden
    Producer
    Fragile Seeds, African Rifles, A Beautiful Peace
  • Daniel Govia
    Producer
    Locked, Sway, Goliath, Neon Lights
  • Nikko Tek Oey
    Key Cast
    "Rory/Guy"
  • Ezra Golden
    Key Cast
    "Liz"
    Christmas Under the Lights, Smoke, Closing Walls
  • Karl Campbell
    Key Cast
    "Karl"
    Reacher, Brother, The Umbrella Academy
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 8, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Red
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Cinematic European Film Festival

    Romania
    October 31, 2025
    World Premiere
    Best Actor Special Award (Nikko Oey)
Director Biography - Tyrel Haight

After graduating from the Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts and retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces, Tyrel relocated to Vancouver and started a production company, Soldier First Productions. Using his background of film and television and military experience, he branched out in many aspects of film and television. Ranging from military advising, weapons wrangling, props, fight choreographing, stunts and acting. Now his focus is on writing and directing for film and television. He received many festival awards, including best director, for his debut “BETSY” a short film he wrote and directed. His follow up short film “THE NAME’S SLIM” received many awards in the festival circuit including a Best Screenplay nomination. His short script “MORAL TRIAL” won best short script at the LA based Wiki Screenplay Competition. His feature script “AFTER DAWN” was a semi-finalist in the ReelHeart Screenwriting Competition.Tyrel continues to work as a military advisor, writer, director, and producer. He is currently working with producers and creators from L.A., Vancouver and Toronto on some notable projects.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I was approached by the producers to write a film that would showcase a new up-and-coming actor, Nikko. I wrote a short film designed to highlight his range and ability on screen. The concept was inspired by classic Hitchcock films and incorporates themes of mental health.

Shot over just two and a half days on a shoestring budget—and with a first-time film actor—it took an exceptionally talented crew to bring everything together. I hope you enjoy the film.