Third Floor Pigu
On the mysterious third floor of a hotel, love, terror, and survival intertwine as an unknown, malicious force begins hunting its occupants, leaving a trail of blood and fear. Amidst the chaos, Dalima, a Ugandan gentleman, and Nana, his Tanzanian beloved, must confront the horrors that test their bond and their will to survive.
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Innocent KawooyaDirectorProducer, Life of a Champion, Producer Champions' Road
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Richard Nolton SsekiwungaDirector
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George William SsevubyaDirector
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George KasakyaDirector
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Niklas InderstDirector
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Innocent KawooyaWriter
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Joseph KimbowaWriter
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Innocent KawooyaProducer
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Innocent KawooyaKey Cast"Dalima"
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Nasra r Mohamed BawaziKey Cast"Nana"
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Project Type:Feature
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Genres:Thiller, Romantic, Horror
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Runtime:1 hour 14 minutes 49 seconds
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Completion Date:September 30, 2024
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Production Budget:580,000 USD
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Country of Origin:Uganda
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Country of Filming:Uganda
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital 4K Blackmagic
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
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Krimson Horyzon International Film FestivalWest Bengal
India
July 23, 2025
Shahid Khsudiram Bose Road, Budge Budge Kolkata, West Bengal
Winner: Best Feature Film -
Bangkok Movie AwardsBangkok
Thailand
July 13, 2025
Princeton Bangkok Hotel, 59 Mitmaitri Road, Din Daeng District,
Winner: Best Narrative Feature -
Filmzen International Film CompetitionChicago, Illinois
United States
July 25, 2025
Filmzen International Film Competition
Winner: Best Narrative Feature (Above 40 minutes) -
Dreamz Catcher International Film FestivalKolkata, West Bengal
India
December 25, 2025
Nandanpur, Komagatamaru BB. Kolkata, West Bengal 700137
Winner: Best Feature Film -
International Film Carnival-CalcuttaKolkata
India
July 21, 2025
INTERNATIONAL FILM CARNIVAL-CALCUTTA
Winner: 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 -
Indie Cine Tube AwardsKolkata
India
August 30, 2025
Senpukur, Uttar Raipur,BB. Kolkata 700137.India Kolkata, West Bengal 700137
Winner: Best Feature Film -
New York Movie AwardsNew York
United States
June 5, 2025
New York Movie Awards
Winner: Best Feature Film -
Triloka International Filmfare AwardsWellington, Tamil Nadu
India
June 6, 2025
Anubav Complex, Balaclava, Wellington, Tamil Nadu 643231
Winner: Triloka International Filmfare Awards -
Mokkho International Film FestivalReddiarpalayam, Pondicherry 605010
India
June 8, 2025
Jawahar nagar, Reddiarpalayam, Pondicherry 605010
Winner: Best Poster -
Bangkok Movie AwardsDin Daeng, Bangkok
Thailand
June 13, 2025
Princeton Bangkok Hotel, 59 Mitmaitri Road, Din Daeng District,
Winner: Best Narrative Feature -
San Diego Movie AwardsSan Diego, California
United States
September 10, 2025
Museum of Photographic Arts 1649 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101
Winner: Best Feature - Action -
Kollywood International Film FestivalChennai, Tamil Nadu
India
June 16, 2025
5, Jananimahalakshmi Flat, 1st Floor, Durga Nagar 3rd Street, Nanmangalam, Kovilambakkam Po, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600129
Winner: Best Trailer -
Silver Wings International Film FestivalKolkata
India
August 5, 2025
Chand Roy Bhaban Dr B B Banarjee Road, Schoolpara Raniganj, West Bengal 713347
Winner: Best Fine Art Photography -
Great Message International Film FestivalMumbai, Maharashtra
India
August 29, 2025
Peninsula Park, Veera Desai Road, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Fun Republic, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Winner: Best MOVIE of the Year Award -
Bangkok Movie AwardsBangkok
Thailand
June 13, 2025
Princeton Bangkok Hotel, 59 Mitmaitri Road, Din Daeng District
Winner: Best Narrative Feature -
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
September 7, 2025
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film Festival, Istanbul, Turkey.
Finalist: Best Feature Film (IMDB QUALIFIED) -
Asian Independent Film FestivalKolkata
India
July 1, 2025
Jadavpur Kolkata 700032
Finalist: 🎬 Best Trailer / Teaser -
Humro Cinema Film FestPokhara
Nepal
August 8, 2025
Pokhara
Finalist: Best Narrative Feature (Main Category) -
Clout International Film FestRancho Cordova, California
United States
July 15, 2025
Rancho Cordova, Clout International Film Fest
Finalist: Best Trailer -
Caravan International Film FestivalKolkata
India
May 18, 2025
Caravan International Film Festival Kolkata
Finalist: Best 📽️ Thriller Film -
Anatolia International Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
August 8, 2025
Anatolia International Film Festival Istanbul
Quarter-Finalist: ONE FOR ALL (12 CATEGORIES) -
Swedish International Film FestivalStockholm
Sweden
July 17, 2025
Swedish International Film Festival
Nominee: Best International Feature Film -
Folkestone Film FestivalFolkestone, Kent
United Kingdom
November 3, 2025
7 Creteway Close Folkestone, Kent CT19 6LH
Nominee: Best Movie Trailer -
Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom.Folkestone, Kent
United Kingdom
November 3, 2025
7 Creteway Close Folkestone, Kent CT19 6LH
Nominee: Best Movie Trailer -
Always Late TV Movie AwardsGodfrey, Illinois
United States
January 6, 2026
5800 Godfrey Rd Godfrey, IL 62035
Honorable Mention: Best International Film - Shorts & Features -
Athens International Monthly Art Film FestivalAthens
Greece
March 29, 2026
Kifisias Avenue 186 Athens 14562
Honorable Mention: Best Feature Film -
Beyond Border International Film FestivalCity of Joy, Kolkata
India
August 31, 2025
Beyond Border International Film Festival, City of Joy, Kolkata
Honorable Mention: Narrative Feature (Beyond 40 minutes) -
International Celebration of CinemaNovi Sad
Serbia
November 28, 2025
International Celebration of Cinema, Novi Sad, Serbia
Honorable Mention: Best Poster -
The Macoproject Film FestivalNew York City
United States
December 20, 2025
223 W 38th St. #643 New York City, New York 10018
Honorable Mention: Best Feature Film 🍿 -
Athens International Monthly Art Film FestivalAthens
Greece
March 29, 2026
Kifisias Avenue 186 Athens 14562
Honorable Mention: Best Feature Film -
Global INDIE Filmmaker AwardsCalifornia
United Arab Emirates
September 26, 2025
Global INDIE Filmmaker Awards
Honorable Mention: Best Trailer -
International Celebration of CinemaNovi Sad
Serbia
November 28, 2025
International Celebration of Cinema, Novi Sad
Honorable Mention: Best Movie (Feature) -
Caravan International Film FestivalKolkata
India
July 20, 2025
Caravan International Film Festival, Kolkata
Honorable Mention: Best Narrative Feature (Above 40 minutes) -
Athens International Monthly Art Film FestivalAthens
Greece
March 29, 2026
Kifisias Avenue 186 Athens 14562
Honorable Mention: Best Feature Film -
Asian Independent Film FestivalJadavpur, Kolkata
India
June 1, 2025
Jadavpur Kolkata 700032
Honorable Mention: 🎬 Best Narrative Feature (Over 40 minutes) -
International Celebration of CinemaDigital/International
United States
November 28, 2025
Digital/International
Honorable Mention: Best Trailer -
Global INDIE Filmmaker AwardsStandish, England
United Kingdom
September 26, 2025
Standish, England (United Kingdom) & Online
Honorable Mention: Best Horror Film -
Global INDIE Filmmaker AwardsStandish, England
United Kingdom
September 26, 2025
Standish, England (United Kingdom) & Online
Honorable Mention: Best Cinematography -
International Celebration of CinemaLos Angeles
United States
November 28, 2025
Online
Honorable Mention: Best Poster -
Indian Independent Film FestivalKolkata
India
May 15, 2025
132 B, AJC Bose Road Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
Honorable Mention: Best Feature Film (40 Minutes and More) -
Asian Independent Film FestivalJadavpur, Kolkata
India
June 1, 2026
Jadavpur Kolkata 700032
Honorable Mention: Best Narrative Feature (Over 40 minutes) -
Global INDIE Filmmaker AwardsStandish, England
United Kingdom
September 26, 2025
Hybrid, Standish, England
Honorable Mention: Best Thriller -
International Celebration of Cinema
November 28, 2025
Hybrid
Honorable Mention: Best Horror Film -
Indian Independent Film FestivalKolkata
India
May 15, 2025
132 B, AJC Bose Road Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
Honorable Mention: Best Feature Film (40 Minutes and More) -
iDEAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALSillod, Maharashtra
India
May 10, 2026
At. Post : Anvi [Dongargav] Ajintha road, silod Sillod, Maharashtra 431112
Selected: Best Feature Film -
7th Nepal Cultural International Film FestivalKathmandu
Nepal
January 30, 2026
Kathmandu, 3 44600
Selected: Best International Feature Film -
Indian Independent Film FestivalKolkata
India
August 15, 2025
132 B, AJC Bose Road Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
Selected: Best Feature Film (40 Minutes and More) -
New York Istanbul Short Film FestivalNew York City
United States
October 15, 2025
New York City, New York
Selected: Best Director -
Beyond Border International Film FestivalCity of Joy, Kolkata
India
June 29, 2025
Kastellorizo, Greece
Selected: Interview Publication -
Your Way International Film FestivalValletta
Malta
February 12, 2026
Valletta VLT 1012
Selected: Best Feature Film -
Critics Society Film FestivalChicago, Illinois
United States
September 6, 2025
Critics Society Film Festival
Selected: Best Feature Film -
MegaFlix Movie AwardsStandish Village Hall in Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
November 7, 2025
Standish Village Hall in Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
Selected: Film of the Year -
Liberty Films FestivalAthens
Greece
August 12, 2025
Athens
Selected: Best Feature Film -
Colortape International Film FestivalBrisbane, Queensland
Australia
October 7, 2025
Brisbane, QLD, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Selected: Best Feature film & Documentaries -
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
September 7, 2025
Istanbul, Turkey
Selected: Most Promising Director -
Indian Independent Film FestivalKolkata
India
June 15, 2025
132 B, AJC Bose Road Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
Selected: Best International Feature Film (40 Minutes And More) -
MegaFlix Movie AwardsStandish, Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
November 7, 2025
Standish Village Hall, England
Selected: Best Producer -
Fortean Film FestivalStandish, England
United Kingdom
October 31, 2025
Standish, England
Selected: Best Director -
Crown Wood International Film FestivalKolkata
India
July 6, 2025
1185, Mukundapur Kolkata, West Bengal 700099
Selected: BEST FEATURE FILM( 40 MINUTES AND MORE) -
Beyond Border International Film FestivalKolkata
India
June 29, 2025
City of Joy, Kolkata
Selected: Best Narrative Feature (Beyond 40 minutes) -
Great Message International Film FestivalMumbai, Maharashtra
India
August 29, 2025
Peninsula Park, Veera Desai Road, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Fun Republic, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Selected: BEST FEATURE FILM of the year Award -
Anatolia International Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
August 8, 2025
Istanbul
Selected: Best Feature Film -
International Motion Picture AwardsToronto
Canada
July 31, 2025
International Motion Picture Awards IMPA Corp. Brooklin Centre RPO, PO-BOX 99900 DG 219 553 Brooklin, Ontario L1M 0K3, Landmark Cinemas, Whitby (Durham region), Ontario
Selected: Best Director (Secondary Category - 40min &over) -
Cinema CarnivalPisa
Italy
February 12, 2026
Via Conte Fazio, 56122 Pisa PI, Italy Pisa
Selected: Best Feature Film MAIN CATEGORY -
Auguri Film FestivalTurin (Torino)
Italy
December 15, 2025
Turin, Italy, Hybrid
Selected: Best Feature Film -
New York Istanbul Short Film FestivalNew York City, New York
United States
October 15, 2025
New York City, New York
Selected: Best Feature Film -
Fortean Film FestivalStandish, Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester
United Kingdom
October 31, 2025
Standish Village Hall, Standish Lane, Standish, England, GL10 3DW.
Selected: Best Horror Film -
MegaFlix Movie AwardsStandish, Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
November 7, 2025
Standish Village Hall, Standish Lane, Gloucestershire, GL10 3DW, United Kingdom
Selected: Film of the Year -
Beyond Border International Film FestivalCity of Joy, Kolkata
India
June 29, 2025
City of Joy, Kolkata
Selected: 📺 Best Narrative Feature (Beyond 40 minutes) -
Indian Independent Film FestivalKolkata
India
June 15, 2025
132 B, AJC Bose Road Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
Selected: Best Feature Film (40 Minutes and More) -
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
September 7, 2025
Istanbul, Turkey
Selected: Best Low Budget Film -
Fortean Film FestivalStandish
United Kingdom
October 31, 2025
Standish Village Hall, Standish Lane, Standish, GL10 3DW, UK.
Selected: Best Trailer -
MegaFlix Movie AwardsStandish
United Kingdom
November 7, 2025
Standish, GL10 3DW, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
Selected: Best Poster -
New York Istanbul Short Film FestivalNew York City, New York
United States
October 15, 2025
New York City, New York
Selected: Best Feature Film -
Great Message International Film FestivalMumbai, Maharashtra
India
August 29, 2025
Peninsula Park, Veera Desai Road, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Fun Republic, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Selected: Best Feature Film -
Cinema CarnivalPisa
Italy
February 12, 2026
Via Conte Fazio, 56122 Pisa PI, Italy Pisa
Selected: Best Feature Film MAIN CATEGORY -
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
September 7, 2025
Istanbul, Turkey
Selected: Best Low Budget Film -
Crown Wood International Film FestivalKolkata
India
June 1, 2025
1185, Mukundapur Kolkata, West Bengal 700099
Selected: BEST FEATURE FILM( 40 MINUTES AND MORE) -
New York Istanbul Short Film FestivalNew York City, New York
United States
October 15, 2025
New York City, New York
Selected: Best Feature Film -
Fortean Film FestivalStandish
United Kingdom
October 31, 2025
Standish Village Hall in Standish, England (GL10 3DW)
Selected: Best Poster/Press Kit -
MegaFlix Movie AwardsStandish
United Kingdom
November 7, 2025
Standish Village Hall, Standish Lane, Gloucestershire, England, GL10 3DWStandish Village Hall, Standish Lane, Gloucestershire, England, GL10 3DW
Selected: Best Trailer -
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film Festivalİstanbul
Turkey
September 7, 2025
İstanbul, Turkey
Selected: Best Low Budget Film
Distribution Information
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Rushlake Media GmbHDistributorCountry: WorldwideRights: All Rights, Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
Third Floor Pigu is a collaborative effort by four visionary filmmakers: Innocent Kawooya, Richard Nolton Ssekiwunga, George William Ssevubya, Niklas Inderst and George Kasakya. Each director brings experience, a shared passion for storytelling, and a deep commitment to creating impactful, genre-defying cinema.
Innocent Kawooya, NIM
Innocent Kawooya is a National Independence Medalist and one of Africa’s most influential figures at the intersection of digital innovation, financial inclusion, and filmmaking. With over two decades of experience across film production, direction, and storytelling, Innocent uses cinema as a powerful tool for empowerment, social reflection, and systemic change. He previously produced and co-directed Champion’s Road, an award-winning film that received recognition across multiple prestigious platforms. As a director, Innocent’s work centers on themes of resilience, survival, inclusion, and the human experience in the face of adversity. Beyond filmmaking, his leadership spans social entrepreneurship and digital transformation initiatives focused on financial inclusion, youth empowerment, and bridging the gap between technology and underserved communities across Africa.
Richard Nolton Ssekiwunga
Richard Nolton Ssekiwunga is an accomplished filmmaker, director, and writer known for his ability to explore complex social issues through the lens of film. With a background in storytelling and technical filmmaking, Richard has worked on numerous projects focusing on the human experience, from personal struggles to larger societal themes. He was a co-director on Champion’s Road, an award-winning film that showcased his knack for creating emotional depth and captivating narratives. Richard’s work in Third Floor Pigu brings a sharp, intense focus to the horror genre, utilising visual storytelling and sound design to build tension and immerse the audience in the terror that unfolds on the third floor. Nolton has won at least 9 Best Video Director awards over the last decade from the HiPipo Music Awards and AFRIMA Awards, cementing his reputation as a leading African director.
Niklas Inderst
Niklas Inderst is a Germany-based visionary director whose work sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and human-centred impact. With a strong background in computer science, digital systems, and creative production, Niklas brings a rare analytical precision to filmmaking, combining structure, pacing, and visual logic to elevate narrative clarity and emotional resonance. As a co-director on the award-winning film Champion’s Road, he demonstrated a keen ability to translate complex themes into compelling cinematic experiences. In Third Floor Pigu, Niklas contributes a distinctive directorial voice grounded in atmosphere, realism, and technical excellence, leveraging sound, framing, and visual rhythm to deepen immersion and tension. His approach reflects a new generation of directors, globally minded, technically fluent, and deeply committed to storytelling that resonates beyond the screen.
George William Ssevubya
George William Ssevubya is an award-winning filmmaker and director with a passion for storytelling that explores the complexities of human emotions. With extensive experience in both narrative and documentary filmmaking, George has developed a unique directorial voice that blends realism with cinematic artistry. His work has been featured in various international festivals, and he is known for his ability to craft captivating and thought-provoking stories. George co-directed Champion’s Road, which garnered international recognition. In Third Floor Pigu, his direction amplifies the psychological horror elements of the film, blending suspense with emotional depth to create a truly immersive experience. George has won at least 9 Best Video Director awards over the last decade from prestigious platforms like the HiPipo Music Awards, AFRIMA Awards, and numerous nominations, solidifying his place among Africa’s leading directors.
George Kasakya
George Kasakya is a filmmaker and director with a strong film production and scriptwriting background. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to craft compelling narratives, George has worked on various projects across different genres, focusing on creating visually striking and emotionally resonant films. As the first Ugandan to produce animated content in his late teens, George has become one of Uganda’s most respected cinematographers. He is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable cinematographers, with expertise in every device, and a super still photographer comparable to experts like Owagara. George co-directed Champion’s Road, an award-winning film that garnered international acclaim. His contributions to Third Floor Pigu as a co-director and editor-in-chief ensure that the suspense and horror elements are thrilling and deeply rooted in the characters’ emotional journeys. His cinematic expertise shines through, amplifying the film’s atmosphere of terror and uncertainty.
These four directors bring a dynamic and collaborative approach to filmmaking, each contributing their unique expertise to create Third Floor Pigu. This film combines horror, love, and survival with a distinctive African perspective. Their collective vision aims to push boundaries, create conversations, and leave a lasting impact on global audiences.
Third Floor Pigu was born from a deep desire to explore the intersection of human resilience, love, and terror beyond the conventions of traditional horror. As filmmakers, we are drawn to the unseen forces that shape human experience, forces that resist explanation yet profoundly test our emotions, relationships, and will to survive. In this film, the unknown becomes the ultimate antagonist, challenging not only the body, but the spirit and the bonds that hold people together.
The response to Third Floor Pigu so far has been deeply affirming. The film has already attracted international festival attention and early recognition, reinforcing our belief that stories rooted in authentic human emotion can resonate across cultures and borders. This early momentum has encouraged us to continue pushing creative and technical boundaries while remaining grounded in honest, character-driven storytelling.
This film is deeply personal to all of us. As co-directors from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a distinct visual language and narrative perspective, we are united by a shared belief in cinema as a medium that can entertain, provoke thought, and stir emotion simultaneously. Our earlier collaboration on Champion’s Road opened new creative pathways and affirmed our commitment to ambitious storytelling. With Third Floor Pigu, we carried that same discipline and creative curiosity forward, fusing psychological depth with the visceral intensity of horror.
Set against the vibrant yet enigmatic backdrop of Dar es Salaam, the film follows Dalima and Nana, two lovers trapped in a hotel overtaken by a malevolent force that intends to tear them apart. Their struggle extends beyond physical danger into the emotional and psychological toll that terror inflicts on intimacy, trust, and love. Survival, in this story, is as much about emotional endurance as it is about escape.
We believe horror should do more than frighten; it should resonate. Every shadow, silence, and creak within Third Floor Pigu is carefully designed to unsettle the senses while inviting reflection on the fears and relationships that define us as human beings. The third floor is not merely a location; it is a metaphor for the psychological thresholds we all encounter, moments of uncertainty that test who we are when confronted with darkness.
Our goal with Third Floor Pigu is to create an immersive cinematic experience that keeps audiences on edge while leaving a lasting emotional imprint. Beyond its thrills, the film reflects on how we confront the unknown and how love and resilience can endure even in the face of overwhelming terror.