Private Project

Hearts of Darkness

The caretaker of a sadistic old man gets his revenge.

  • Qasim Hussaini
    Director
  • Qasim Hussaini
    Writer
  • Elena Desmond
    Producer
  • Adam Gilmore
    Key Cast
    "The Male Nurse"
  • Richard Rivera
    Key Cast
    "The Old Man"
  • Michelle Mckay
    Key Cast
    "Lucinda, The Whore of Babylon"
  • Qasim Hussaini
    Editor
  • Eduardo Orozco
    Director of Photography
  • Eldon Shih
    Asssistant Director
  • Jasmine Lucas
    Production Designer
  • Nolan Voge
    Sound Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Drama, Suspense, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 43 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 7, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    1,700 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon C300
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Qasim Hussaini

Qasim Hussaini is an Afghan born writer/director/editor and a recent graduate of San Diego State University, majoring in Television, Film, & New Media Production. He discovered cinema while undeclared at community college and has immersed himself in the medium ever since. His greatest influences are James Gray, Alexander Payne, the Coen brothers, H.P Lovecraft, Cormac McCarthy, and Kazuo Ishiguro. Other than film, he enjoys literature, cooking, and mixed martial arts. He currently works professionally as an editor while also developing projects of his own.

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Director Statement

With this film, I wanted to make something dark, visceral, and perversely comedic. I took inspiration from Ari Aster's short, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons," particularly in its approach to the bleak subject matter. Peter Greenaway was another influence on this film specifically relating to tone and atmosphere. Lastly, this is a very loose adaptation of "The Tell-Tale Heart." I hope to upset as many people as I can with this film and hopefully ruin foot massages for anyone who sees it.