

Aeris lands role of Samantha Finch in the horror short SYN. Directed by Ashland Thomas SYN is about a group of friends gather for an unforgettable house party. As the night unfolds, a mysterious bottle of tequila is presented which soon becomes the center of a series of chilling and suspenseful events. SYN written by: Gabriela Morbeck & Ashland Thomas Starring: Aeris Danet , Felissa Rose, (sleepaway camp), Dakota McCullom, Jacqui Touchet & Magdalena Conway
Aeris Danet wins Best Horror First-Time Director for her short film NEBULOUS at the Chicago Horror Film Festival May 2025. Making Aeris Danet the Youngest Indie Horror Director of 2025.

Steve Desmond cowriter of M. Night Shyamalans' "Knock at the Cabin"
"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."
Indie Horror Junkie Magazine
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!
REEL Chicago Magazine
"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"
Milwaukee Horror Con
“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.”
Chicago Horror Film Festival
"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"
SCARE-A-CON New York
(JUDGES INSIGHTS)
“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”
The Chicago Tribune
“High School freshman is youngest nominated filmmaker in Chicago Horror Festival History”



WINNER BEST HORROR FIRST-TIME DIRECTOR AERIS DANET for NEBULOUS

FIRST OFFICIAL SELECTION OF
MILWAUKEE HORROR CON - WI

NOMINATED BEST FIRST-TIME DIRECTOR
AERIS DANET for NEBULOUS

OFFICIAL SELECTION OF
SCARE-A-CON - NY

OFFICIAL SELECTION OF
SHEBOYGAN FILM FESTIVAL - MI

Honorable Mention at
HAPPENSTANCE HORROR FEST Salem Massachusetts

Official Selection at
ISLAND OF HORROR FILM FEST
MARYLAND, MD
Aeris Danet appears on Indie Horror Junkie Podcast Ep. 95