Cal M. Butnaru is a Romanian-born, British filmmaker based in London, who is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of short-form horror cinema. With a deep-rooted passion for directing that began in childhood, Cal was first captivated by the craft after watching behind-the-scenes footage of legendary directors like Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg. The collaborative spirit and creative synergy on set drew him in, fostering a lifelong dedication to filmmaking.
His passion for cinema was further ignited by exposure to international films such as Park Chan-wook's Oldboy (2003), Akira Kurosawa's Ran (1985), and Agnès Varda's Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962). These films expanded his cinematic horizons and solidified his desire to tell stories through the lens of a director.
In pursuit of his dream, Cal studied Film Studies at Queen Mary University of London, where he graduated with a BA in 2022. The program, known for its excellent blend of theory and practical modules, provided him with a solid foundation in the technical intricacies of filmmaking. During his time at university, Cal honed his skills by taking on paid work in advertising and corporate videos, as well as serving as a part-time videographer for the Student's Union. In this role, he produced over 20 self-shot and edited videos, promoting various societies and events.
After graduation, Cal immersed himself in the art and craft of filmmaking, exploring every aspect of the process—from directing and producing to discovering his own unique voice. His journey led him to focus on the horror genre, where he identified a gap for character-driven, psychologically unsettling narratives that linger long after the credits roll.
Cal’s work is deeply influenced by his passion for the Philosophy of Mind, which he weaves into his films to create stories that delve into the true essence of terror. As an LGBT+ immigrant, Cal is committed to amplifying diverse and underrepresented voices in his work. He is particularly inspired by the horror genre's history of challenging norms and breaking barriers, both in front of and behind the camera.
His latest project, SOMN, is a testament to this ethos. The short film features a Thai actor, with dialogue exclusively in Thai, and was created by an international team from countries including the Netherlands, Germany, and Romania. The film's Kickstarter campaign was a resounding success, reaching its goal within just four days, thanks to Cal's meticulous planning and outreach efforts.
SOMN is currently making its way through the festival circuit, while Cal actively seeks funding and partnerships for several other horror projects designed to unsettle and engage audiences. He is also in the early stages of scripting and planning an ambitious, unconventional feature-length horror film that promises to push the boundaries of the genre.
Cal M. Butnaru is a filmmaker to watch, bringing fresh, diverse perspectives to psychological horror and redefining what it means to be truly terrifying.