XARAX to World Premiere at Beyond Fest 2025, with Screenings in Australia and Spain

XARAX, a short horror film written and directed by London Film School alumnus Salil Jason Fernandez, is set to make its World Premiere at Beyond Fest 2025 in Los Angeles, the largest genre film festival in the United States. After its debut, the film will continue its global festival journey with official selections at Monster Fest in Australia and Curtas Festival do Imaxinario in Spain.

Renowned for spotlighting bold and provocative voices in genre filmmaking, Beyond Fest is the perfect launchpad for XARAX’s chilling debut.

A Psychological Horror from Mumbai to the World

XARAX is a visceral, slow-burn psychological horror that pushes the boundaries of global genre cinema. The story follows a young priest who visits a crumbling convent in Mumbai, the site of a failed and brutal exorcism only to discover that what lurks inside is not just a demon, but a mirror to his own darkest desires.

With haunting visuals and a suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere, the film blends faith, lust, and evil in a way that unsettles audiences long after the credits roll.

The Team Behind XARAX

Starring acclaimed Indian actor Neil Chandramohan Bhoopalam (Shaitaan, NH10, Cobalt Blue) alongside upcoming talent Farzana Palathingal, XARAX was produced by Vandana Sethhi and Salil Jason Fernandez, and completed in April 202The short runs 12 minutes and 40 seconds and was shot on the Sony Venice using Cooke Anamorphic lenses—lending the film a lush, cinematic aesthetic with an unsettling, dreamlike quality. The meticulous visual design is integral in amplifying its immersive horror atmosphere

Voices from the Team

“XARAX isn’t about holy water and Latin incantations. It’s about what happens when the demon isn’t under the bed but inside the mind. I wanted to reinvent the exorcism genre and make a horror film that lingers… that unsettles you long after the credits roll.”— Salil Jason Fernandez, Writer & Director

“Who would have thought that Horror could bring so much joy! Shooting XARAX was fun but following its post-production process was even more fun. The screening in L.A. at Beyond Fest is proof that SJF is one badass Director churning out chills that soak into your blood!”— Neil Chandramohan Bhoopalam, Lead Actor

“With average attention spans down to 8 seconds and mobile-first viewing on the rise, short films are becoming the most effective storytelling format. They offer 3x higher completion rates than long-form content. This is where content is headed, and we’re already building that future.”— Vandana Sethhi, Producer

Music & Post-Production

The score for XARAX was composed by Nightsong Records, led by Music Director Shalom Benjamin with Music Supervisors Achint Thakkar and Parth Pandya. Known for their evocative soundscapes, their recent credits include Nishaanchi, Pedro, Black Warrant, Jigra, Monica O My Darling, and the iconic series Scam 1992 The teaser was cut by Promoshop, the creative powerhouse behind trailers for hits like Panchayat, Khauf, Dabba Cartel, Paatal Lok, Mismatched, CTRL, The Railway Men, Scoop, Farzi, and Trial by Fire.

Screening Details

The World Premiere of XARAX will take place at Beyond Fest 2025 in Los Angeles:

Venue: Los Feliz 3 Theatre, Los Angeles Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM (Part of the festival’s celebrated Shorts Showcase)

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

1. What is XARAX about?

XARAX is a short horror film about a young priest visiting a convent in Mumbai, the site of a failed exorcism. What he discovers is not just a demon but a reflection of his own inner darkness.

2. Who is the director of XARAX?

The film is written and directed by Salil Jason Fernandez, a London Film School alumnus.

3. Which film festivals will XARAX be screened at?

XARAX will World Premiere at Beyond Fest 2025 in Los Angeles, followed by screenings at Monster Fest in Australia and Curtas Festival do Imaxinario in Spain

4. Who are the main actors in XARAX?

The film stars Neil Chandramohan Bhoopalam (Shaitaan, NH10, Cobalt Blue) and Farzana Palathingal.

5. How long is the film?

XARAX has a runtime of 12 minutes and 40 seconds, making it a short yet intense horror experience.