THE PARASiTE
Henry wakes up to a horrifying discovery: a cellphone has fused to his right hand, intertwined with his nervous system. Struggling to conceal his grotesque condition, he hides the appendage in his shoulder bag whenever he leaves home. The stakes rise when his boss announces he could earn a promotion if he impresses top executives at an upcoming presentation. Desperate for a solution, Henry consults a specialist, only to learn that removing the phone requires brain surgery with potentially devastating consequences. Faced with an agonizing decision, he must choose between risking his mind or losing his career.
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HAO ZHANGDirector
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HAO ZHANGWriter
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HAO ZHANGProducer
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JAIME CARBAJALProducer
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RENE JAMESONKey Cast"Henry"
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:BODY HORROR, THRILLER, DRAMA, FANTANSY
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Runtime:8 minutes 24 seconds
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Completion Date:October 28, 2024
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Production Budget:10,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:RED EPIC
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Aspect Ratio:2.35:1
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Hao Zhang is a passionate filmmaker skilled in writing, directing, producing, cinematography, and editing. Born in China, he moved abroad at 18 to pursue his dreams and began studying filmmaking in New York City and Los Angeles at 23. Through hands-on experience and a love for storytelling, Hao has worked on numerous short films, both during his studies and independently. Each project reflects his commitment to learning and growing as a filmmaker. Hao’s ultimate dream is to create a feature film, bringing his vision to life through every aspect of production. For him, it’s not about the platform—whether in theaters or online—but about sharing meaningful stories with the world. Hao Zhang is a humble yet driven voice in the world of independent filmmaking.
As I struggled to develop an idea for my new short film, I found myself revisiting an earlier script that ultimately didn’t work. The reason became clear: I couldn’t find the core object of the story. Frustrated and searching for inspiration, I woke up one morning with an overwhelming urge to check my phone. That moment sparked an idea—a concept about cellphones, depression, and a man who desperately seeks to rid himself of his hand in a quest for peace.
This short film is an exploration of how social and mobile technology shapes our everyday lives, both physically and psychologically. It examines how these tools alter our brain chemistry and redefine how we interact with the world and each other. When I say “examination,” I don’t mean to condemn technology but to present a reaction to what I’ve observed in myself and those around me.
The story is a nightmarish fantasy grounded in our shared reality, a surreal lens through which to reflect on the profound ways technology has intertwined with human existence.