Private Project

The Hut

"The Hut" delves into the chilling depths of a wintry forest as Zoe, pursued by an unseen threat, seeks refuge. Confronting inner turmoil and yearning for her father's forgiveness, Zoe grapples with blurry, violent memories. Amidst the haze of her past, her journey becomes a poignant exploration of loneliness, redemption, and the enduring bond between father and daughter.

  • Gabriel Vargas
    Director
  • Gabriel Vargas
    Writer
  • Alyssa Choi
    Key Cast
    "Zoe"
  • Gabriel Vargas
    Executive Producer
  • Ali Castillo
    Executive Producer
  • Enkhjin Bayambaa
    Executive Producer
  • Tamerlan Gasminov
    Executive Producer
  • Ali Castillo
    Director of Photography
  • Joy Xu
    Director of Art
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 8, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,200 USD
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Toronto
  • University of Toronto Film Festival
    Toronto, Ontario
    Canada
    March 25, 2024
    Canadian Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Gabriel Vargas

Gabriel Vargas is an 18 year-old director, producer and music composer originally from Mexico, currently based in Toronto, Canada. Beginning his journey as a child actor in commercials, he quickly discovered his passion for storytelling and transitioned to filmmaking. Despite limited resources, Gabriel embarked on creating short films with his cell phone, showcasing a unique visual style and a profound exploration of themes such as identity and the human experience. Now, at 18, he stands on the brink of a promising career as a director, poised to make his mark on the industry with his own production company dedicated to showcase young filmmakers just like himself.

Drawing from his multicultural background and personal experiences, Gabriel infuses each project with authenticity and emotion, inviting audiences on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. Committed to pushing artistic boundaries and challenging conventions, he aims to share his unique voice with audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

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Director Statement

At the age of 18, I embarked on a journey to Canada, leaving behind my culture, language, and family for an uncertain future. This transition marked one of the most challenging periods of my life, compounded by the knowledge that my departure had a profound impact on my father's health. The guilt and sense of responsibility weighed heavily on me, driving me to seek solace in solitude.

In the haunting visuals of 'The Hut,' the desolate forest becomes a metaphor for the internal landscape of the protagonist, echoing the vastness of her emotional turmoil. Through evocative cinematography and atmospheric effects, viewers are immersed in the protagonist's inner world, invited to traverse the depths of her isolation and vulnerability.

As shadows dance amidst the tall trees and the air thickens with unease, the audience is drawn into a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. It is within this surreal backdrop that the protagonist grapples with her demons, confronting her guilt, her fears, and her longing for reconciliation.

Through the visual language of 'The Hut,' I sought to capture the raw intensity of human emotion, translating the protagonist's innermost struggles into a cinematic experience that resonates on a visceral level. Each frame is infused with symbolism and meaning, inviting viewers to decode the layers of metaphor and delve deeper into the heart of the narrative.

As a self-funded endeavor, 'The Hut' represents not only a creative endeavor but also a deeply personal odyssey. It is a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of art in navigating life's uncertainties. Through this film, I invite viewers to embark on their own introspective journey, to confront their vulnerabilities, and ultimately, to find solace in the act of storytelling.