Experiencing Interruptions?

Stage Fright

Things turn for the worse as a student's fears of public speaking overpower him during a speech.

  • Dean Gofnung
    Director
    String Theory
  • Willow Stromer
    Assistant Director
  • Billy Waldman
    Original Score
  • Henry Senseney
    Key Cast
    "Student"
  • Amy Anderson
    Key Cast
    "Principal"
    Tailwinds
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Horror, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 29, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 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:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Sierra Canyon School
  • 2026 National YoungArts Winner in Film/Narrative
    Miama, Florida
    United States
    January 5, 2026
    2026 National YoungArts Winner in Film/Narrative
  • Westflix
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    March 13, 2026
    Official Selection
  • All American High School Film Festival 2025
    New York, NY
    United States
    October 22, 2025
    Best Sound Design (Nominee)
  • Egyptian American Film Festival

    October 31, 2025
    Student Winner
  • Sierra Canyon Film Festival
    Beverly Hills, CA
    United States
    Trailblazer Award (1st Prize)
  • Film independent Future Filmmakers 2025
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    July 18, 2025
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Dean Gofnung

Dean Gofnung is a Ukrainian-Egyptian filmmaker from California. With a passion for vintage film equipment and processes, he loves to incorporate vintage flairs to his projects. Dean's work has been recognized at many festivals all over the world, including a nomination at the All American High School Film Festival, and the TEDxWrigleyville: Uplifting Discourse: Youth Film Festival and Contest, where he won the the American Democracy Champion Award (15-19 Category).

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Director Statement

Stage Fright was conceived from my seeking of telling a story revolving around a common fear. When I was researching, I realized that public speaking stood out as something I could take in an extreme and hyperbolized direction. As a former actor in theater, the main fear I’d recognize before a performance was the almost agonizing sensation of butterflies in my stomach. I remember the sweat building up in my palms, and being able to feel each breath I took. Being able to replicate these emotions on screen would be an amazing way to tell a story that is personal to me, something I wish to do more with my filmmaking.