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The Castle of Baron Finch

English physician Dr. Cushing comes to Germany on the trail of the sadistic vampire that captured his wife. Can he save his spouse's soul or will she be another victim to Baron Finch?

  • Don Cunningham
    Director
  • Don Cunningham
    Writer
  • Don Cunningham
    Producer
  • Don Cunningham
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Christopher Cushing"
  • Jay Pennington
    Key Cast
    "Baron Finch"
  • Elisabeth Anne Steigelman
    Key Cast
    "Isobel Cushing"
  • Kristen White
    Makeup
  • Andreu Jacob
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Silent, Drama, Fantastic, Terror
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    6,400 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    16mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.33
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Absurd Film Festival - Bimonthly awards
    Cinisello Balsam
    Italy
    Best Director
  • Monza Film Festival
    Monza, Lombardia
    Italy
    Best Movie Poster
  • Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    Best Costume Design
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Instanbul
    Turkey
    Best Horror/Thriller
  • South Italy Film Festival
    Barletta
    Italy
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Don Cunningham

Don Cunningham is a filmmaker and archivist that lives in Seguin, Texas. Savoring classic movies while growing up, particular Gothic horror, Don pursued theater arts throughout his education and graduated with a BFA in Theater from Texas State University in 2004.

Life had plans other than acting and making films, so he enlisted in the US Army. After 4 years of service overseas (including one deployment to Iraq), he returned stateside and became reacquainted with acting in local events. In 2016 Don produced his first short based on his experiences with PTSD, “Alarm: Red.” Seeing the world as a series of images, Don’s favorite medium to work with is 16mm and typically takes his Bolex H16 with him on family trips.

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Director Statement

Classic Gothic horror is what inspired me when writing the original stage play of THE CASTLE OF BARON FINCH over 25 years ago and the story has been my passion project ever since I imagined it in my mind. When I decided to make this into a short, it was necessity to capture it on film. Despite the costs and technical hurdles in doing so, it was the only way to stay true to my vision and the filmmakers and actors that inspired me.

Although the piece is presented as a silent film (for accessibility and budgetary reasons), composer Andreu Jacob brings a unique blend of experimentation and class to his score to add a touch of gloss on everything just like silent films in a movie house over a century ago. The resulting production is something I am proud to have created and I hope audiences can experience the passion behind the art.