Contributors
Director - Hayden Roberts Writers - Hayden Roberts Producer - Hayden Roberts Cast - Ethan - Sam Herzog Paranormal Investigator - John Hunter Combo Buyer - Robbie Studsor Director of Photography - Adrián Bautista Villaseñor Production Designer - Hayden Roberts Editor - Connor Benson Music Composer - Arshia Mokhayer Sound Designer - Bayley Lewis Location Sound - Bayley Lewis Casting Director - Richard Firebrace 1st assistant camera - Isabel Gillespie and Riley Bell Gaffer - Riley Bell Assistant Gaffer - Minas Pazinas Colourist - Adrián Bautista Villaseñor Continuity - Sarah Li Make-up - Rayma El-Darazi
Submission Date
7-5-2026
Resource Type
Moving Image (e.g. animations, movies, television programs)
File Format
MP4
Abstract
Set in the 1990s, Pareidolia follows Ethan, a socially isolated photographer who begins noticing a shadowy figure appearing throughout his photographs and camera. As his obsession grows, the line between reality and perception slowly begins to blur, forcing him deeper into isolation and paranoia. Through themes of loneliness, and the human tendency to search for meaning in the unknown, the film explores how fear and emotional detachment can distort both memory and reality.
Note
Genre Psychological Horror (Short Film)
Pareidolia is a student short film produced as part of a Bachelor of Film Production at SAE University College.
Setting & Style
Set in the 1990s, the film uses dark, desaturated imagery, practical lighting, and atmospheric sound design. Visual inspiration was drawn from psychological thrillers and slow-burn horror cinema.
Themes
The film explores loneliness, paranoia, delusion, and obsession
Release Information
First screened publicly at SAE University College as part of 2026 Trimester 1 Exhibition.
Audience
General (G) - suitable for everyone
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Roberts, H. (2026). Pareidolia [Bachelor's Major Project, SAE University College]. Creo.