16mm

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  16mm by Giulio Spagnoletti, Ercole Zaccaria

Inspiration

The project is inspired by realistic psychological thrillers, focusing on tension, subtle fear, and the everyday moments where danger hides in plain sight. Rather than relying on sensationalism, the film explores the emotional landscape of someone who feels constantly watched.

What it does

The short film follows a young woman walking through the city at dusk, gradually realizing she is being followed by a stalker. The camera stays close and intimate, capturing her shifting expressions, the uneasy silence around her, and the rhythm of her steps as the threat grows more tangible. The entire scene unfolds in a grounded, realistic style, building tension through atmosphere rather than explicit violence.

How we built it

Hailuo was used for all stages of visual generation and animation The tool allowed for smooth, natural movement and subtle emotional detail, essential for a realistic thriller.

Challenges we ran into

The main challenge was maintaining consistent character likeness in a realistic style while preserving the tension and emotional continuity between shots. This required precise prompting and careful control over lighting and atmosphere.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Winner at the NYC GenArt Hackathon — Hailuo, Oink (Best Narrative)

What we learned

The project highlights how a simple everyday walk can become a psychological battlefield, emphasizing themes of vulnerability, intuition, and the human instinct for self-protection.

What's next for 16mm

film Horror

Built With

• hailuo