The Lantern Man - Short Film

Aim: The Lantern Man: a folklore horror short about isolation, the allure of the night & the eerie beauty of the fenlands. Help bring ᚳᛗ to life

More info on rewards below!

Storyboard art by Qijun Li
Vision

As a story, 'The Lantern Man' has grown organically, exploring the blurred line between tranquil solitude and lonely isolation, inspired by my experiences photographing the fenlands and living there.

It is an ode to this atmospheric landscape, its history and folklore.

I had challenged myself to conceive of a short film that would embrace a small cast and require no grand set pieces, or action sequences beyond my means. Limitations can become strengths, I believe for my short these constraints allow mood and setting to take leading roles.

Initially, inspiration came from nocturnal visits to photograph desolate fenland landscapes; 

Avoiding light pollution and venturing into the night, gave me a new perspective on isolation, and a palpable unease, which sparked an idea. 

I began creating the story.
Research led me to local East-Anglian folklore;

'The Lantern Man, a ghostly figure that lures victims to a watery fate in the marshes'.

This myth guided the themes of my emerging story, providing a foundation for its supernatural lore.

Discovering the folklore of The Lantern Man, a myth eerily connected to the settings and scenarios that had originally inspired me, gave me faith in my budding concept, driving me to work on it over time, while living in the fens.

Since, I have found many points of reference, research and inspiration that have fed into this story; from mythic figures to historical ones, from old folk tales to contemporary cinema.
However this concept and its evocative Fenland setting create a distinct profile for "ᛏᚻᛊ ᚳᛟᚢᛏᛊᚱᚢ ᛗᛟᚢ", and pay homage to its influences in subtleties rather than through any attempt at imitation.

The Lantern Man is a modern folklore vignette that will appeal to fans of folklore-horror, and the mystery and allure in the shadows of the night.

Storyboard art by Qijun Li

Rewards for supporters.

We’ve designed a unique set of exclusive rewards to thank those helping bring ᛏᚻᛊ ᚳᛟᚢᛏᛊᚱᚢ ᛗᛟᚢ (The Lantern Man) to life.

ᛏᚻᛊ ᚳᛟᚢᛏᛊᚱᚢ ᛗᛟᚢ begins with our protagonist discovering a mysterious runestone lost in the fens — and now, you can own one too.

Every supporter who donates over £10 will receive a hand-engraved ᚳᛗ runestone, as seen in the film.

For higher tiers, you can personalise your stone with the runes of your choice, have it drilled as a pendant, or even gilded in real gold.

We’ve created limited edition bundles including a screen-printed Lantern Man T-shirt (designed and printed by the team) and a hand-made stamp relief print of the film’s poster.

Our most devoted supporters can claim a premium package featuring a customised Feuerhand Baby Special 276 storm lantern, ideal for camping trips, moody rituals, and emulating your new favourite folklore spirit.

At the highest tier, you'll receive Executive Producer credit, an exclusive signed production still, and a selection from my personal folklore and history books used in researching The Lantern Man.

Follow us on Instagram — post a photo of your runestone to your story, tag us, and the Lantern Man will follow you back.

(Only on Instagram, of course. Though you might want to leave your stones at home when wandering the fens after dark.)

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 17th August 2025 at 11:20am