MOULD - A Short Film

Aim: The aim of this short film is to shed light on mental health struggles such as OCD, anxiety and agoraphobia.

About the Film

Title: Mould

This short psychological horror film delves deep into the terrifying spiral of a mind unravelling. Our story follows a germaphobic recluse, imprisoned in his sterile apartment, whose obsession with cleanliness isolates him from the world. But the true horror begins when he's haunted by a dark, mould-covered entity - a living manifestation of his decaying mental state. 

Blending haunting sound design, atmospheric cinematography, and emotionally driven storytelling, this film explores the raw experiences of OCD, anxiety, and agoraphobia through a chilling lens. This isn't just about scares - it's about what lingers underneath. 

If you love slow-burn horror with real emotional weight - think The Babadook, Black Swan or Saint Maud - this is a project you'll want to help bring to life. 

Why We're Making This Film

Mental health is too often misunderstood or sensationalised - especially in horror. Our aim is to humanise the inner struggles many face and challenge stereotypes, while still delivering a story that will leave viewers unsettled and introspective. 

We believe horror is uniquely positioned to externalise internal battles - and that's exactly what we're doing here. The monster in our film isn't just a threat. It's a symbol. A warning. A cry for help.

Where Your Money Goes

We are an indie team of passionate filmmakers putting everything we have into this project - but we need your help to make it truly shine. Your support will directly fund: 

• Location Hire - A single claustrophobic setting, designed to decay with the characters mind
• Production Design - Mould effects, grime, and practical set dressing to bring the entity to life
• Cinematography & Lighting - For eerie, expressionistic value 
• Sound Design & Score - A key element in building dread 
• Festival Submissions - To share this story with the world
• Mental Health Consultation - To ensure we treat our subject matter with sensitivity and care 

Meet The Team

Our crew is made up of emerging talent from the North committed to telling stories that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.  Below are statements from members of the crew talking about their backgrounds, their filmmaking passion and what the creation of this film is all about. 

Director/Writer: Ben Robertson 

"Often as a storyteller I begin with a question, a hypothetical that I myself find fascinating and if asked to others would give valuable insight on that persons moral compass and ethics. I build my plots around a question, it is the way in which I decide to explore my most recent hyper-fixation that gives a question legs and makes it a story. 

I treat myself as an audience member and I imagine the story unravelling to me in the way it would do for them, what I feel, how would I answer. I've worked in marketing and communications for 5 years, I run my own marketing agency and I've made award winning shorts previously, there is a principle in storytelling that has never changed for me; a story must be as entertaining and gripping as it is philosophical and profound. 

My attention span dwindles quickly, I run a marketing agency, I know what audiences respond to and herein lies my secret weapon, I start with me as the audience, if I remain interested in writing that story then it gets finished and I'm still interested, then 3 months later I still think it's interesting then I know it's a good start. There are a lot of ideas that don't make it off the first page, my attention span really isn't ideal for anything except for as a litmus test for good ideas. 

So, a question came to me, the story made it off the first page and now we are here. After a short break, I'm super excited to be getting back to filmmaking. The crew are incredible and I think we've got a chance to make a real impact. Being on set, collaborating with so many talented people will always be one of my favourite feelings and I can't go too long without coming back to get another fix of that filmmaking thrill." 

Producer: Shantelle-Ellysé

"Filmmaking has always been my way of understanding people - of exploring what we feel but don't always say out loud. I hold a Masters Degree in Directing from Metfilm School and have written, directed and produced a range of short films and music videos that focus on emotional storytelling and visual atmosphere. My work has been recognised at festivals across the globe, earning multiple awards and connecting with audiences on an international scale. 

Producing isn't just about managing the practical side of filmmaking for me - it's about protecting the heart of a story. I thrive in high-pressure environments, keeping the vision intact while coordinating all the moving parts behind the scenes. I love the challenge of helping bring powerful, emotionally honest ideas into reality.

When I first read 'Mould', I knew it was something special. It's a psychological horror on the surface, but underneath, it's a haunting portrait of agoraphobia, anxiety and isolation. These themes resonate deeply with me, and I believe they're often underrepresented or misunderstood on screen. 'Mould' doesn't just aim to scare - it aims to create empathy and shed light on a very real struggle. 

That's why I'm producing 'Mould' - because I believe in its message, its artistry, and its potential to move people. I'm proud to be part of a team telling a story that's not only visually striking but emotionally meaningful."

Director of Photography: Leo Green 

"Hi, I'm Leo. As DOP on this project I'm very excited to get back into a creative workflow. I've recently started working as a Junior prep technician developing my technician knowledge and skills. So to apply them for my own project with this team is a blessing. 

I've DOP'd with Ben twice on our short films 'Pause' and 'Urge'. My other experience is I was a spark on a feature film called 'Departures', Daily Camera Trainee on 'Funny Woman' and 'The Long Shadow'. I have also worked as camera trainee for Ribbon around the Bomb music videos for Blossoms. Additionally, I have been a B-Cam Op, Gaffer and Camera Assistant on many low budget commercials and documentaries. 

What You Get

We're offering a range of creative and heartfelt rewards - from digital goodies to producer credits and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Whether you donate £5 or £50, you're part of the team - and part of the story. 

Our full reward tiers are featured on this page!

Our Goal

Our target is £1200, the minimum needed to bring this vision to life. If we surpass it, stretch goals include higher-quality sound design, original score development, and wider festival exposure. 

Support Us

By backing this project, you're not just funding a film. You're supporting emerging artists. You're helping destigmatise mental  health struggles. And you're proving that horror can do more than scare - it can speak. 

Even if you can't contribute financially, sharing this campaign on social media or with horror-loving friends makes a huge difference. 

Let's make something special. Together.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 21st July 2025 at 5:00pm