DURATION: 2:00 MINUTES
TAGLINE: Where the unknown follows
GENRE: Mystery / Thriller
Trailer
POSTER
Short Film Video
INTERVIEW
What is Room 7 about, in your own words? and what would you like viewers to take away?
Room 7 is a story about fear, mystery, and the unknown. It follows a woman who, trapped in a confined and increasingly unsettling space, faces both external threats and internal paranoia. As the tension builds through cryptic warnings and eerie phenomena, the film blurs the line between reality and illusion, forcing the man—and the viewer—to question what is truly happening.
I’d like the viewer to leave with a lingering sense of unease and curiosity. Room 7 encourages reflection on how we confront fear and uncertainty. Are we capable of escaping it, or do we let it consume us? The film also explores how our minds can be our own worst enemies, magnifying fears into something far more ominous. Ultimately, I hope viewers take away an appreciation for the atmospheric tension and the underlying message about the power of fear—and the courage it takes to confront the unknown.
What is your favorite scene in the movie and why?
My favorite scene in the movie is Scene 2, the bathroom sequence. This moment stands out because it perfectly captures the protagonist’s internal struggle and heightens the tension in a confined, intimate space.
Can you share a memorable moment from the production of Room 7?
One of the most memorable moments from the production was capturing the shot in Scene 2 where the character pours water on their face. This shot wasn’t in the original shot list, but during filming, my creative director, Tskane Ntshane, and cinematographer, Bohlale Sootho, suggested adding it to emphasize the character’s desperation and attempt to regain control amidst the chaos.
Their idea added a layer of raw emotion to the scene, heightening the tension and grounding the protagonist’s fear in something tangible and relatable. It was a spontaneous addition, but it ended up becoming a standout moment, thanks to Tskane and Bohlale’s sharp eye for detail and storytelling. This collaboration reminded me of the importance of staying flexible and open to new ideas during production, as some of the most impactful moments can arise unexpectedly.
Room 7 was shot exclusively on a smartphone. What are some of the unique challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
Shooting Room 7 on a smartphone came with its own set of challenges, but it also encouraged creative problem-solving. A challenge was stabilizing the shots for smooth camera movement. Since smartphones are lightweight, handheld shots are prone to shakiness. To address this, we used a gimbal and improvised with everyday tools like tripods to achieve steadier framing.
Ultimately, the smartphone’s portability became a strength, allowing us to shoot in tight spaces like the bathroom scene and experiment with unique angles. The challenges pushed us to be resourceful, and the experience highlighted that storytelling and creativity matter more than the equipment used.
- CREDITS -
Produced, Directed & Edited By JADEN SAULS
Starring SHANNON GOVENDER
Creative Director TSAKANE NTSHANE
Cinematography By BOHLALE SOOTHO
