HORROR | 2025 | 4 mins

A ballerina in a box, it’s not as pleasant as it sounds…

Late at night, a man drives alone through fog-covered roads, surrounded by an unsettling quiet. As he continues his journey, he notices something unusual sitting in the middle of the road.

It is a small musical jewellery box.

Curiosity leads him to stop and investigate. The box appears old and abandoned, yet strangely deliberate in its placement. When he opens it, a soft melody begins to play, revealing a tiny spinning ballerina figure inside.

What begins as simple curiosity slowly shifts into discomfort.

The fog outside grows thicker, and the night feels unnaturally still. The ballerina inside the box continues to spin in repetition, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and deeply unsettling. Alone in the darkness, the man becomes increasingly aware that something does not feel right.

Director’s note:

“This short film came about very naturally. I found an old jewellery box and was immediately drawn to it. There was something quietly interesting about the object, as if it carried its own atmosphere and story.

Not long after, I found myself walking home late at night while fog covered the streets, creating a mood that felt strangely cinematic. I had the urge to capture that feeling and translate it into something creative. That night, I gathered a few friends, and we made the film on the fly, working quickly to preserve the spontaneous energy of the idea.

I am proud of how the film turned out and even more grateful for how much fun we had making it. Sometimes the best projects come from simple moments, curiosity, and the desire to turn atmosphere into story.”

Anas Sfagsi