Shadows 1994
This sinister micro-horror from 1994, Shadows, marks director Ryan Schifrin's chilling debut during his time as a student at USC. The short film follows an artist whose focus intensifies on the dark silhouette haunting the canvas he's painting.
Director: Ryan Schifrin
Cast

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shadows (1994) about?
A painter becomes consumed by the dark figure emerging in the portrait he's creating, only to realize the shadow has a life of its own. The film explores obsession and the blurred line between creative intent and supernatural dread.
Who directed Shadows?
Ryan Schifrin directed Shadows during his time as a student at the University of Southern California.
Who stars in Shadows?
The lead roles are played by Martin Gelbard, Susie Cockrell, John Eastman, Theresa Eastman, and Sebastian Feldman.
Is Shadows (1994) worth watching?
While brief, Shadows delivers a haunting atmosphere and psychological tension that makes it a memorable short horror film. It's a great watch for fans of eerie, atmospheric storytelling, though its brevity limits deeper character development.
How long is Shadows?
The runtime of Shadows (1994) is 8 minutes.
About Shadows (1994) — A Chilling Student Horror Short Film That Blurs Art and Reality
This sinister micro-horror from 1994, Shadows, marks director Ryan Schifrin's chilling debut during his time as a student at USC. The short film follows an artist whose focus intensifies on the dark silhouette haunting the canvas he's painting. What begins as creative obsession spirals into something far more unsettling as the boundaries between art and reality blur. The film thrives on an eerie atmosphere, weaving psychological tension into every frame with minimal dialogue and stark visuals.
Told in just eight minutes, Shadows (1994) delivers a compact but potent exploration of artistic fixation and the unseen forces that lurk in the creative mind. The haunting presence in the painting isn't just a shadow—it's a manifestation of inner turmoil, a silent antagonist that pulls the protagonist deeper into a world where creation and destruction become indistinguishable. With its moody visuals and themes of obsession, this short horror film remains a fascinating study of student filmmaking with enduring impact.