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What I love about Slamdance is the embrace of films that could be considered a little bit odd or out-there. Not just in the sense of abstract or avant-garde, but films that color a little bit outside the lines while allowing the creator’s vision to shine through. With these two shorts, PU EKAW TNOD and Legend of El Cucuy, we’re able to see such visions in two different styles: one exploring the idea of being the viewer and the viewed, and one taking classic folklore and putting it in a modern lens.
PU EKAW TNOD (dir. Rebecca Culverhouse)
Don’t Wake Up (stylized as PU EKAW TNOD) is a short horror film starring Dorothea Jones and Harold Addo as a couple watching a horror film of their own. As the bright-colored credits roll, Jones recounts how the film reminded her of a dream she’s had, and suddenly they find themselves in a nightmare of their own.
source: Rebel Cub & La Madia
Jones and Addo are convincing in their roles, but what really shines is the visuals brought to life by writer-director Rebecca Culverhouse and her team. Prior to screening this film remotely, I was recommended by Culverhouse to use headphones to get closer to cinema-level audio, and I was not disappointed. Her use of sound, light, and color elevate this film to another level of terror and discomfort as we feel along with the characters what it’s like to watch horror versus what it’s like to be in the horror.
PU EKAW TNOD is exactly what it needs to be, concise enough to not overstay its welcome while also delivering impactful horror with a surprise ending that had me already wanting a rewatch.
Legend of El Cucuy (dir. Cynthia Garcia Williams)
Cynthia Garcia Williams’ short Legend of El Cucuy, based on traditional folklore, follows parents Laura (Diana Sanchez) and Carlos (Effie Cacarnakis) and their daughter Isabel (Obriella Genesis Witron). In an effort to be better than their own parents, they allow Isabel to dictate her own life, which has consequences when Isabel gets in trouble at school. Back home, after loudly demanding to eat pizza, her father Carlos expresses concerns that she’s gotten out of control, warning Isabel to beware of El Cucuy.
After putting her to bed, Carlos tells Laura the tragic origins of the legend: Years ago in Mexico, a father lost his wife, and was left raising his two daughters. They also constantly get into trouble, playing with matches and the like. One day, after they destroyed the only photo of his late wife he locks them in their room while he wanders and drinks for hours only to return to find they’ve set the house ablaze. In his grief, he renounces God, blaming Him for his tragedy. As punishment, he’s turned into “something evil, un demonio” who comes in the night and takes bad children. Laura brushes off the tale, but that night she awakes in terror to find out there’s more truth to the fable than she thought.
source: Bluechild Entertainment
Where the horror comes from is primarily in its pacing. We spend enough time with the family to understand the dynamics, and just how insufferable Isabel is — which is a testament to young Obriella’s acting abilities. Once everything’s set, and the legend is told, it allows the final act to hit harder both in scares and special effects.
Legend of El Cucuy brings an old folktale back to life in an effective way. Perhaps this short will be shown to children and future generations as a cautionary tale.
Check out more of Film Inquiry’s Slamdance 2024 coverage HERE.
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