WINNER of Best Horror First-Time Director - Aeris Danet for NEBULOUS

 "I'm honestly very impressed, especially given the age of Aeris and this being her first film. Aeris Danet has a lot of innate talent in shot composition, editing, pacing, and rhythm."

Aeris Danet isn’t just breaking into horror filmmaking, she’s kicking the door down and claiming her place among the next generation of horror filmmakers to watch. With Nebulous picking up steam on Google search lists for “youngest indie horror filmmakers 2025,” Danet is eyeing the next step: turning her short into a full-length feature. And if the short is any indication, this is a movie horror fans won’t want to sleep on. For those keeping track, Aeris Danet is already a SAG-AFTRA actress, a member of the Independent Film Alliance of Chicago, and now, one of the most talked-about young horror filmmakers of the year. 

This final girl isn’t just surviving, she’s making the damn movie! 

"In a genre built on unexpected twists, no one at the 2025 Chicago Horror Film Festival was expecting the breakout star of the weekend to be a 15-year-old.  Aeris Danet’s story is not just a win for teen filmmakers — it’s a win for Chicago. And horror fans everywhere should be paying attention"

“First Official Selection: NEBULOUS Directed by 15-year-old horror prodigy Aeris Danet, this breakout short has been making headlines and sweeping awards across the horror film fest circuit- You’ll be able to say you saw this one before Hollywood called.”

"We go by directing, story, editing, cinematography. It's basically the 'mini Oscars' -- The Oscars for Horror. I started when I was 50 and I'm 57, and just watching her film -- it kind of blew me away" 

“It doesn’t get better than emo punk horror. Loved the pacing, the lighting, the drama. (And of course the music)”

“A teen drama gone deadly, dripping with classic slasher suspense and thrills”

“Well shot and edited. Loved the coloring of the axe as it created great contrast on screen.”

“Nice work. Quality camera work and editing.”

“Cool little short especially when you take into account it comes from a 15 year old first time filmmaker. The future of indie horror looks bright”

“Super rad this one. Really creative, love the pacing and tone”