The world of filmmaking often involves moments of sudden revelation, and sometimes, those revelations arrive with a delightful dose of awkwardness. It’s a feeling perfectly captured in the opening scene of a new mockumentary short.
Just as production is about to begin, our protagonist, Ethel (played by Elayna Einish), approaches the studio door with an almost shy hesitation. “Can I come in?” she asks. The crew member waiting for her simply replies, “Oh, of course,” and they step inside. The story hints at a deeper, unfolding narrative—a situation where expectations are about to shatter in unexpected ways.
This delightful premise sets the stage for a truly unique look at the intersection of gothic glamour and modern documentary filmmaking. The short film is set to screen at ImagineNative 2026.
At its heart, the mockumentary follows a Naskapi vampire attempting her first foray into documentary work. She hooks up with a team that seems wonderfully underinformed about the realities of the job, offering a fantastic comedic clash between ancient lore and contemporary media production.
The narrative is shaped by Ethel’s candid to-camera chats while she lounges in a chair, heavily styled and utterly unconcerned with external judgment. The visual style itself is playful; her lipstick changes throughout the takes, leading the audience to wonder if she is snacking between shots—a wonderfully self-aware touch.
Despite the dramatic, gothic aesthetic, Ethel remains grounded when discussing her habits. She assures the crew that her dietary choices are singular: she only eats one kind of person—iron.
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Credit: Eye For Film
