Melancholy

It all begins with a death...

This 12-minute short film follows a young man named Josh coming home from his mother's funeral who died of an apparent suicide.
Shortly after, a demonic manifestation begins to break down reality, and Josh is thrown into a world of endless torment.

  • John Van de Riet
    Director
  • John Van de Riet
    Writer
  • Lauren Chamberlin
    Producer
  • Alex Portenko
    Key Cast
    "Josh"
  • Evan Nasteff
    Key Cast
    "Ben"
  • Johnathen Harris
    Key Cast
    "Demon"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 10, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 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:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Golden State Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    February 22, 2020
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - John Van de Riet

John Van de Riet was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from University of St. Louis, Missouri with a BFA in Media Studies.

Upon graduation, John spent a few years working as a social media coordinator for a LA-based horror production company. Recently he wrote a short titled, "Invasion" that made it into festivals and was nominated for an award. "Melancholy" is his first film he wrote and directed.

John is based in Los Angeles currently living out his dream.

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Director Statement

Currently, 300 million people globally suffer from depression. It doesn’t discriminate based on gender, ethnicity, or age. Melancholy is a look at this mental illness through the lens of horror as a young man comes to terms with his mother’s passing.