Private Project

Penance

After a hitman turns to religion to save his soul, he learns the hard way that sometimes forgiveness can't be earned.

  • Blaine Ward
    Director
  • Danielle Arianna Picerno
    Director of Photography
  • Blaine Ward
    Writer
  • Danielle Arianna Picerno
    Editor
  • Danielle Arianna Picerno
    Producer
  • Blaine Ward
    Producer
  • Sean Anthony Neace
    Key Cast
    "Hitman"
  • Jacob Waldrop
    Key Cast
    "Dead body #1"
  • Blaine Ward
    Key Cast
    "Dead body #3"
  • Kyler Polson
    Key Cast
    "Dead body #2"
  • David Hollander
    Key Cast
    "Death"
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Horror, Thriller, Film Noir, Experimental, French New Wave
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 23, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital Nikon Camera
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - DePaul University
Director Biography - Blaine Ward

Blaine Ward is an aspiring filmmaker attending DePaul University with a concentration in Cinematography.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

With Penance, I wanted to tap into what scares me personally. I wanted to work with existential ideas of faith and damnation and make it really grimy and tactile. I was inspired by early Scorsese as well as the works of Mike Flanagan and the Safdie Brothers. What would happen if you realized that there’s no forgiveness for your actions? Hopefully the imagery leaves a lingering impact and audiences leave a little creeped out.