Horror Meets Reality: ‘Ogun Oru’ Set for Oscar-Qualifying Premiere at LA Shorts

Writer-director Christopher Rucinski brings his blockbuster expertise to a chilling proof-of-concept film that blurs the lines between psychological reality and supernatural terror

The line between psychological trauma and supernatural terror is set to blur on the big screen as Christopher Rucinski’s haunting horror short, Ogun Oru, prepares for its Los Angeles premiere. Starring Lauren E. Banks (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) and Sam Huntington (Being Human), the film will compete for Oscar qualification at the prestigious 30th LA Shorts International Film Festival on August 3rd.

Trauma Meets Folklore

Ogun Oru serves as a chilling proof-of-concept for a feature-length relationship horror script. The story follows Michaela (Banks), a divorced US Marine veteran whose life is upended by debilitating sleepless nights. As she struggles to protect her young son from a ruthless sleep demon known as the Ogun Oru, Michaela begins to lose her grip on reality, leaving the audience to wonder if the threat is a manifestation of her past trauma or something far more ancient and malevolent. Sam Huntington co-stars as her ex-husband, Ryan, providing a grounded perspective as a father desperately trying to reach his estranged loved one.

The Yoruba Influence

To ensure cultural authenticity, the production enlisted cast member Bayo Akinfemi (Bob Hearts Abishola) to serve as the film’s Yoruba consultant. The project is backed by a powerhouse creative team, including Oscar-nominated executive producer and editor Luke Doolan (Miracle Fish, They Will Kill You) and producer Liz Holland.

Writer-director Christopher Rucinski brings a wealth of high-level industry experience to the project, with previous editorial credits on major blockbusters like Ford v Ferrari and War for the Planet of the Apes. Rucinski’s directorial debut, the crime-drama Northern Shade, was a critical success, taking home Best Screenplay at the Phoenix Film Festival and Best Narrative Feature at the Fargo Film Festival.

Early Acclaim

Ogun Oru is already gaining significant momentum on the festival circuit, having earned Best Horror nominations at both the Atlanta Horrorfest and Atlanta Shortsfest.

How to Watch: 

The Los Angeles Premiere will take place at the Laemmle Noho 7 on August 3rd at 5:30 PM as part of the LA Shorts Fest. For those on the East Coast, the film will also celebrate its New England Premiere at the Woods Hole Film Festival on July 29th.