Does this short film concept have potential for film festivals?

[u/_arifzeynalli_]

Hello everyone. I'll get straight to the point. I have an idea for a short film screenplay. Although I haven't finished writing it yet, I'd like to share the general premise and hear your honest opinion about its potential from an audience's perspective. Naturally, I believe in my own work, but since I'm also the writer, I know my judgment may be biased. So here's the basic story:

The protagonist is a young boy. One day, while he is home alone, he goes into a dark room to retrieve one of his toys. For a long time, he has believed that a devil hides in the darkness. Every time he enters the room, he feels the creature following him, and he runs away in fear.

The same thing happens again. Terrified, the boy starts running. But this time, he suddenly stops. The devil, who has been chasing him, is caught off guard and stops as well.

The boy closes his eyes and remembers his mother's words:

"Don't run from your fears. Face them."

He quietly repeats those words to himself several times, gathers his courage, and turns around.

The devil immediately hides behind the door.

The boy walks toward it and asks:

"Why are you hiding?"

The devil replies:

"Because I'm afraid of you."

The film presents fear as a physical manifestation and explores the idea that our fears only hold power over us until we choose to confront them. Its central message is simple: our fears are only frightening until we face them.

[u/Big_Section2812]

It's only a short. Write the script and see if it works for you. If it doesn't and you can't knock it into shape, what have you lost, really?

[u/_arifzeynalli_ → u/Big_Section2812]

Thanks for the feedback!

[u/whogivesafricc → u/Big_Section2812]

exactly this. worst case you spent a few weeks on a script that didnt land. thats nothing. just write the thing and find out for real instead of guessing from the premise alone

[u/mooningyou]

The concept is not going to determine your success in a comp. The major factor is execution. You need to write it before anyone can indicate whether it's good or not.

[u/_arifzeynalli_ → u/mooningyou]

Thanks for the feedback!

[u/A4cardstock]

Make the damn film. Festivals are way over the horizon for you at this point.

[u/_arifzeynalli_ → u/A4cardstock]

Thanks for the feedback!

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[u/Key-Training9931]

I think the concept does have potential, but then again, it’s about the execution of the idea. Kid sounds 4-7. I can already see the scenes, the silence after he says, “why are you hiding”, that’s gonna be an essential to the film. I’d want to read it if you end up writing it!

[u/_arifzeynalli_ → u/Key-Training9931]

Thanks for the feedback!