Indian Horror Short XARAX Takes Over Italy! Now Streaming Free at the 79th Salerno International Film Festival — Vote Before October 31st

Indian horror is quietly making global waves — and XARAX is leading the charge. After stunning audiences at Beyond Fest (Los Angeles) and Monster Fest (Melbourne), the short horror film XARAX by writer-director Salil Jason Fernandez is now representing India on the European stage at the 79th Salerno International Film Festival in Italy.

The 12-minute psychological horror is streaming free online as part of the festival’s Audience Award competition, giving film lovers across the world a rare chance to watch and rate it from anywhere till October 31, 2025. Viewers can sign up on the festival platform show.festivaldelcinema.it to watch and cast their ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ vote.

A Horror Born in Mumbai, Celebrated Worldwide

Set in a decaying convent in Mumbai, XARAX follows a young priest haunted by faith, desire, and something far darker. What begins as a failed exorcism spirals into a chilling exploration of inner demons — both spiritual and human.

The film stars Neil Bhoopalam (Shaitaan, NH10, Cobalt Blue) and Farzana Palathingal, with production by Vandana Sethhi and Salil Jason Fernandez under Earth Films and Digital Rabbit. Shot on the Sony Venice with Cooke Anamorphic lenses, XARAX stands out for its immersive visuals and eerie soundscape — a cinematic experience far beyond its short runtime.

From Bandra to the World

What makes XARAX special is its journey — from Mumbai’s indie film scene to the world’s top genre festivals:

• World Premiere: Beyond Fest (Los Angeles)

• Australian Premiere: Monster Fest (Melbourne)

• European Premiere: Curtas Festival do Imaxinario (Spain)

• Italian Showcase: 79th Salerno International Film Festival 🇮🇹

With each screening, XARAX cements India’s place in global horror storytelling.

Director’s Vision

“To see a story born in Mumbai reach European audiences is a dream come true,” says Salil Jason Fernandez, a London Film School alumnus known for his visceral, slow-burn style.“The Salerno Film Festival has such a rich legacy — and being part of its Audience Award lineup is truly special.”

Producer Vandana Sethhi adds,

“Short films are the future — they demand emotion, precision, and impact. XARAX delivers all three.”

Why You Should Watch It

If you enjoy stories where faith meets fear, XARAX is a must-watch. It’s not your typical jump-scare horror — it’s atmospheric, psychological, and deeply human. Every frame is crafted to make you question where good ends and evil begins.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

1. What is XARAX about? XARAX is a 12-minute Indian horror short that explores faith, lust, and evil through the eyes of a priest confronting his inner demons inside a crumbling Mumbai convent.

2. Who directed and starred in XARAX? The film is written and directed by Salil Jason Fernandez, starring Neil Bhoopalam and Farzana Palathingal, produced by Vandana Sethhi and Fernandez under Earth Films and Digital Rabbit.

3. Where can I watch XARAX online? You can stream XARAX for free on the 79th Salerno International Film Festival platform till October 31, 2025: show.festivaldelcinema.it.

4. How can I vote for XARAX in the festival? After signing up on the festival’s official site, simply watch the film and give it a ★★★★★ rating to support it in the Audience Award competition.

5. Why is XARAX gaining global attention? Because it’s a rare Indian horror short that combines art-house aesthetics with psychological intensity, earning selections across Los Angeles, Melbourne, Spain, and Italy.