Experiencing Interruptions?

The Art of Descent

When a student affairs officer investigates a reclusive art professor at Arkham University, he uncovers a horrific secret that blurs the lines between artistic genius and madness.

  • Riley Cosby
    Director
  • Riley Cosby
    Writer
  • Joseph Calhoun
    Key Cast
    "David Bucannon"
  • Dan Hegi
    Key Cast
    "Professor Tilton"
  • Daneion Blake
    Extras
  • Shea Melin
    Extras
  • Ceddy P.
    Extras
  • Summer O’Neil
    Extras
    Opening Kill
  • Ren Seith
    Extras
  • DJ Hunter
    Extras
  • Rachael Matte
    Extras
  • Grace Madonna
    Extras
  • Sam Horton
    Extras
  • Loron Hunter
    Extras
  • Ricky Hartford
    Extras
  • Sam Horton
    Crew
  • Corey Lamont
    Crew
  • DJ Hunter
    Crew
  • Nicci LaViolette
    Crew
  • Evan Moren
    Crew
  • Ricky Hartford
    Crew
  • Mohit Kirodiwall
    Crew
  • Audiomistry
    Crew
  • Grace Madonna
    Crew
  • Ren Seith
    Crew
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    noir, horror, student
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 12 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 24, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony A6400, 35mm 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Westfield State University
  • Lava Film Festival
    Greenfield, MA
    United States
    October 12, 2024
    Official Selection
  • The Massachusetts Independent Film Festival
    Southbridge, MA
    United States
    April 25, 2025
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Riley Cosby

Riley Cosby is a filmmaker based in Western Massachusetts. He grew up in New England, Texas, and Colorado and is currently in his third year at Westfield State University. Cosby, who started writing and directing four years ago, has a purposeful enthusiasm for storytelling that inspires friends and classmates to join him in bringing his visions into short film reality.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The Art of Descent was inspired by the retro eerie aesthetics of The Twilight Zone and early horror concepts like Cthulhu. It was produced on Westfield’s campus with a budget of less than $1,000. There is no official film department at Westfield, so the cast and crew navigated this production with minimal filmmaking experience.