Private Project

VOCIVOS

Grieving his wife Alice, Mark seeks closure in an underground psychic community, where he meets the enigmatic Dr. Alfred. Through Vocivos, an experimental method blending dream hypnosis and psychoanalysis, Mark reconnects with vivid, dreamlike visions of Alice. While these experiences feel real and comforting, Alfred warns they risk deepening Mark’s despair. As Mark clings to these illusions, the line between memory and reality blurs. Ultimately, he must face whether this journey is a path to healing or a descent into anguish and delusion.

  • Hao Zhang
    Director
  • HAO ZHANG
    Writer
  • HAO ZHANG
    Producer
  • XIAOYUN LUO
    Producer
  • JUSTIN SNOWBALL
    Key Cast
    "Mark"
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    Psychological Thriller, Drama, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 41 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 28, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    8,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED SCARLET
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Multiple
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Hao Zhang

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.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My fascination with The Void, a psychotherapy book by A.H. Almaas, has been a driving force behind this project. While the book is not fiction, its exploration of psychoanalysis and spiritual seeking resonates deeply with me. One concept, The Theory of Holes, delves into a universal human experience: how trauma from loss and hurt creates an inner void, compelling individuals to seek fulfillment through materialism or knowledge. Yet, this pursuit often leads to delusion and deeper despair—a poignant reflection of our shared psychological struggles.

This short film draws inspiration from that chapter, blending its profound ideas with fictional and fantastical elements reminiscent of the evocative atmosphere in Yoshiaki Kawajiri's Wicked City. I also experiment with the interplay of color, light, and darkness to mirror the protagonist’s evolving mental states, using these visual elements to navigate the shifting landscapes of their psyche.

This work is a synthesis of personal fascination and artistic exploration, an attempt to visually articulate the intangible depths of human experience.