Experiencing Interruptions?

Sea, Swallow Me

As two friends attempt to make the most of Claire’s last few days in Florida, they discover a pair of seemingly supernatural conch shells leading their final days together to spiral into something surreal.

  • Riley W Walsh
    Director
    Afterglow
  • Ava Thomas
    Director
  • Riley W Walsh
    Writer
  • Ava Thomas
    Writer
  • Riley W Walsh
    Producer
  • Maia Taylor
    Key Cast
    "Claire"
  • Sara Calderon
    Key Cast
    "Laine"
  • Victor Taylor
    Key Cast
    "Claire's Dad"
  • Hunter Fletcher
    Key Cast
    "Young Claire"
  • Amanda Fletcher
    Key Cast
    "Claire's Mom"
  • Riley W Walsh
    Director of Photography
  • Riley W Walsh
    Editor
  • Nik Stalhammar
    Composer
  • Wyatt Silva
    Musician
  • Olivia Padowitz
    Gaffer
  • Xzander Major
    Gaffer
  • Ellis Reuvers
    Audio
  • Maria Ojeda
    Audio
  • Xzander Major
    Vehichle Operator
  • Alex Briggs
    Vehichle Operator
  • Langxian Zeng
    Production Assistant
  • Camila Gonzalez
    Production Assistant
  • Lucas Gonzalez
    Assistant Director
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, allegorical, Coming of Age, Psychological Horror
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,350 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:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Marjory Stoneman Douglas
  • All American Highschool Film Festival
    New York City, New York
    United States
    October 18, 2025
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • FLIFF Shorts
    Ft. Lauderdale
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Riley W Walsh, Ava Thomas

Riley W Walsh discovered his passion for filmmaking the summer before his junior year and has been creating ever since. Specializing in cinematography, Riley draws inspiration from the vibrant landscapes of his South Florida hometown, capturing them with a keen visual eye. Alongside co-director Ava Thomas, the duo crafts visually striking and emotionally resonant stories that invite viewers to reflect deeply on what they’ve seen.

Together, Riley and Ava have earned recognition in the high school film community, winning awards such as YoungArts with Distinction, becoming a Semifinalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, and receiving multiple Best Cinematography and Best Picture honors in state and regional competitions.

Riley will graduate in June 2025 and is set to pursue a B.F.A. in Film and Television at the Savannah College of Art and Design (Class of 2029), where he plans to further develop his skills in cinematography and storytelling. Ava, graduating in 2026, continues to grow as a filmmaker and visual artist as part of her ongoing creative journey.

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Director Statement

Taking inspiration from our love for South Florida and the bittersweet transition of leaving home for college, Sea, Swallow Me was written and produced as a personal expression of those emotions. The film explores themes of coming of age, identity, internal struggle, and the fear of change. Sea, Swallow Me is a unique, allegorical take on the storytelling process itself, capturing the tension between holding on and letting go.