ShortFilmsMatter.com
ShortFilmsMatter.com
SUBMIT
submit

A Haunting in Arkansas

Synopsis

Based on the critically acclaimed poem about dark and unsettling happenings in the remote woods of Arkansas.

Review

4/5
An immersive and spine chilling poetic narrative.
Written and directed by Waide Riddle, based upon his hailed poem of the same name, ‘A Haunting in Arkansas’ is an experimental poetry film that explores the eerie wilderness of an isolated forest. Jack Geren stars as the poetic narrator. The 2-minute narrative dissects the chilling setting with a dark and mystifying tone. Riddle’s immersive poetic wordsmanship and blanket linguistics are certain to enchant and chill the viewer.

Throughout the film, which is entirely shot in black and white to enhance trepidation, Geren delivers Riddle’s versus with adept conviction that aids the overall storytelling. Accompanying the dialogue is a sequence of sinister footage of the woodland – which brings to life Riddle’s formidable account. The visuals include; ungodly looking forestry, baleful mist and intimidating wildlife. Michael Crane’s menacing sound and musical composition also plays a pivotal role in crafting the tone.

Under Waide Riddle’s proficient direction and writing, ‘A Haunting in Arkansas’ is sharply crafted from start-to-finish. John Orphan’s cinematography also deserves high praise – an eye-catching watch that is guaranteed to spine-chill. Jack Geren’s poetic delivery is certain to keep viewers engaged – his performance is finely executed without fault or staleness. An unmissable watch. Highly recommended.

A Haunting in Arkansas

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Waide Riddle
Writer(s): Waide Riddle
Cast: Jack Geren
Producer(s): Waide Riddle
Director of Photography: John Orphan
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , ,
Collections: ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2015
Runtime: 2 min

Recommended

4/5

Transplant

A woman awakes from what seems to be a dream to be asked the question: ‘where did you go last night?’. A film that…
  • Drama, Experimental
  • United States
  • 2021
  • 11 min
4/5

Rejoining Jane

A dance film that tells the story of Jane, a shy librarian turned eccentric sailor, travelling the world to find her long lost brother….
  • Drama, Experimental
  • United Kingdom
  • 2021
  • 17 min
4/5

The Fourfold

Based on the ancient shamanic rituals and animistic beliefs in Mongolia and Siberia, an exploration of the indigenous worldview and wisdom. With hand-crafted imagery,…
  • Animation, Documentary, Experimental
  • Canada
  • 2020
  • 8 min
3/5

Stardust 73

A surreal vision of a young man’s journey into madness as he attempts to leave his sheltered life under the over protective watchful eyes…
  • Drama, Mystery
  • United States
  • 2015
  • 11 min
4/5

Cleared

Detective Brooks is caught between two worlds as he has to decide if compromising his integrity is worth clearing his name….
  • Drama, Mystery
  • United States
  • 2022
  • 8 min
4/5

El Peso de la Quietud

In a carpentry workshop, Lorenzo restores the decomposed corpse of an old wooden chair, which was abandoned. Meanwhile, across town, the silence of the…
  • Documentary, Mystery
  • Cuba
  • 2022
  • 27 min

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Waide Riddle
Writer(s): Waide Riddle
Cast: Jack Geren
Producer(s): Waide Riddle
Director of Photography: John Orphan
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , ,
Collections: ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2015
Runtime: 2 min

Recommended

4/5

Gimp Gait

  • Experimental, LGBTQ+
  • United States
  • 2016
A solo for two – surrogates to one another. It includes exploration of the subjects’ private and public lives – how the perspective of the viewer may attempt to control or shape or have some sort of power over who they are. The title of this work discloses its…
3/5

Stormy Weather Rhapsody

  • Drama, Experimental, Music
  • United States
  • 2020
The story of a group of dancers, an up-and-coming jazz vocalist, and an artistic director who are struggling to make a success of themselves in spite of all of the challenges presented to them by friends, family members and the topsy-turvy political atmosphere. Set in modern day Chicago, this…

A Haunting in Arkansas

Synopsis

Based on the critically acclaimed poem about dark and unsettling happenings in the remote woods of Arkansas.

Review

An immersive and spine chilling poetic narrative.

4/5
Written and directed by Waide Riddle, based upon his hailed poem of the same name, ‘A Haunting in Arkansas’ is an experimental poetry film that explores the eerie wilderness of an isolated forest. Jack Geren stars as the poetic narrator. The 2-minute narrative dissects the chilling setting with a dark and mystifying tone. Riddle’s immersive poetic wordsmanship and blanket linguistics are certain to enchant and chill the viewer.

Throughout the film, which is entirely shot in black and white to enhance trepidation, Geren delivers Riddle’s versus with adept conviction that aids the overall storytelling. Accompanying the dialogue is a sequence of sinister footage of the woodland – which brings to life Riddle’s formidable account. The visuals include; ungodly looking forestry, baleful mist and intimidating wildlife. Michael Crane’s menacing sound and musical composition also plays a pivotal role in crafting the tone.

Under Waide Riddle’s proficient direction and writing, ‘A Haunting in Arkansas’ is sharply crafted from start-to-finish. John Orphan’s cinematography also deserves high praise – an eye-catching watch that is guaranteed to spine-chill. Jack Geren’s poetic delivery is certain to keep viewers engaged – his performance is finely executed without fault or staleness. An unmissable watch. Highly recommended.

A Haunting in Arkansas

Recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Short Films Matter is an online short film platform that reviews independent short films from across the globe.

We are proud to feature the work of up-and-coming talent as well as established filmmakers.

Unlike other curated short film platforms, we never reject short films. All films submitted are guaranteed to be showcased on our website.

 

You can submit your short film for review using our submission form. Our submission fee is $50. 

Any submissions received via email or social media will be not be accepted.

No. Short Films Matter is a short film platform that reviews and promotes short films via our website and social media. We do not hold live screening events or competitions.

All short films on our platform are publicly available. Filmmakers can request we showcase a trailer instead.

If you would like to make any changes to your review page/or request deletion, you can do so via email.

1. All short films must be publicly hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. If your short film is currently in a festival season. you can submit a trailer. This can be and changed later once your festival season has concluded.

2. Short Films must be 40 minutes or less.

3. You can submit a film that was produced/released in any year, country or language.

4. We accept all types of short films, including: Action, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Experimental, Horror, LGBTQ+, Music, Mystery, Sci-Fi and Thriller.

5. We do not refund submissions.

6. Subtitles are required if the film is not in the English language.

© 2023 Short Films Matter

Instagram Envelope