Experiencing Interruptions?

Synonymous With

A student's increasingly intimate line of questioning causes his interview with a local horror host to take a vulnerable turn.

Film student Jackson Weil grows up watching SYNISTER SYNEMA - a weekend horror marathon on local public access. After the channel falls victim to advancements of the digital age, Jackson scores an interview with the show’s reclusive host, Myster Synonymous. Their conversation takes a vulnerable turn as they discuss identity, fandom, and their futures. What starts as a spooky mockumentary veers into a discussion about creativity, loneliness, and intergenerational queer mentorship.

  • Thom Hilton
    Writer / Director
    Swan Song, You Look Pretty Up Here
  • Remy Germinario
    Key Cast
    "Syn"
    The Feast of Stephen
  • Drama Del Rosario
    Executive Producer
    In This Family, Act Like a Woman, I'm Okay (And Neither Are You)
  • Ethan River Cohen
    Original Score by
    Chandelier, TWIIN, Undo Records, You Look Pretty Up Here
  • Roman Chimienti
    Sound Editing & Mixing
    Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, LGBTQIA+, Fictional Documentary
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 28, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, hi8, 35mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Kansas City FilmFest International
    Kansas City, Missouri
    United States
    April 12, 2021
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Soho Horror Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    July 3, 2021
    European Premiere
    Audience Award - Best Short
  • West Sound Film Festival
    Bremerton, Washington
    United States
    August 6, 2021
    Washington Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Hollywood Horrorfest
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    August 7, 2021
    Finalist
  • Full Bloom Film Festival
    Statesville, North Carolina
    United States
    September 9, 2021
    North Carolina Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Starved Rock Country Festival of the Arts
    Ottawa, Illinois
    United States
    September 24, 2021
    Illinois Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival
    Sleepy Hollow, New York
    United States
    October 15, 2021
    New York Premiere
    Local Legend Award
  • Astoria International Film Festival
    Astoria, Oregon
    United States
    October 22, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Flip the Script Fest
    Plymouth, Minnesota
    United States
    October 7, 2022
    Minnesota Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Queer Fear Film Festival
    Winston-Salem, North Carolina
    United States
    October 21, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Queer Screams Film Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    August 19, 2023
    Nominee – Best Writing
  • Buried Alive Film Festival
    Atlanta, Georgia
    United States
    October 1, 2023
    Georgia Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography

Thom Hilton's first short film 'Synonymous With' has been a selection of multiple film festivals throughout 2021. His other short screenplays are currently available for perusal and competition submission.

As a writer and photographer, Thom has been commissioned by Portland Center Stage and published in Portland Monthly and Interview Magazine. As an actor, he can be seen alongside Udo Kier in Todd Stephens' 'Swan Song' (SXSW / Magnolia Pictures).

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I grew up obsessed with horror movies and Halloween: marathoning AMC’s MonsterFest, stumbling across wacky gems on public access, and working my way through DVD box sets of 50 weird public domain flicks for $5.

In summer 2019, after a conversation with NYC actor and comedian Remy Germinario, I began creating a gay Vincent Price type for him to play as a love letter to all those spooky late-night binges. The character became the subject of 'Synonymous With’ - a fictional documentary inspired by Elvira, WNUF Halloween Special, and the films of Christopher Guest.

Incorporating digital, film, and tape photography, as well as an original synth score by Ethan River Cohen, 'Synonymous With' is like the VHS hidden gem you've been waiting to discover.