Why I make 9-minute films (and nothing longer)
There's a reason every film I make is exactly 9 minutes.
Most short films try to be mini-features. They pack in subplots, side characters, and padding to hit 20-30 minutes. The result? A film that feels like a longer movie with stuff cut out.
I do the opposite. One character. One conflict. One resolution. 9 minutes.
Think of it like a song vs. an album. Sometimes you don't need the full record — you just need the one track that hits.
Every frame has to earn its place. No filler shots. No unnecessary dialogue. If a scene doesn't move the story forward, it's gone.
The constraint forces better decisions. When you only have 9 minutes, you can't afford to be lazy with your writing, your cinematography, or your pacing. Every second matters.
I just dropped my latest film on Aurelium Studios. If you're into independent cinema that respects your time, check it out.
9 minutes. One story. No filler.
