Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Defile explores horror as a powerful vehicle for expressing contemporary anxieties and bold storytelling.
- Creative collaboration and on-set decisions shaped the film’s unique atmosphere and narrative momentum.
- Brian Sepanzyk embraces independent filmmaking’s freedom, balancing artistic vision with collaborative openness.
Brian Sepanzyk, writer and director of the haunting short film Defile, joins us from Vancouver with a fresh, unsettling take on horror, featuring a cast led by Tanaya Beatty (Hostiles, Yellowstone), Fletcher Donovan (Wildcards), and Sara Canning (Vampire Diaries).
With cinematography by Jeff Zwicker (The Last of Us Season 2, The Adam Project), Defile has completed a successful festival run and now screens at FilmQuest 2025.
Sepanzyk’s latest work continues his streak of award-winning shorts, blending psychological terror with inventive storytelling.
What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?
I think making horror movies is a great way to express different viewpoints and how you're feeling about where the world is at, so a big crazy short film that kind of fucks you up felt appropriate. We wanted to make something bold that stood out to the audience, and hopefully we achieved that.
"Making horror movies is a great way to express different viewpoints and how you're feeling about where the world is at."
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?
I think as with every film, once you get the collaborators involved and see the locations, it takes a life of its own which is really exciting. I think for this one, seeing the actors bring these characters to life in ways I never thought of was an incredible experience. That and seeing what our DP, Jeff Zwicker, was able to do with more resources than our last.
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?
Yeah, I think once our main character finds her boyfriend. From that moment onwards where things go a bit wild, I feel like I thrive in that space.
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
I think making those decisions due to time constraints. We had to skip on a whole sequence in the cabin, but figuring out with our creative team on set what was essential to the film and would keep the story moving forward is always nerve wracking. So you kind of have to edit the movie in your head and see what the best way to pivot is. I think we're better without it, so it worked out great. Those high pressure decisions often lead to some really cool ideas you wouldn't normally consider.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope they walk away entertained and feel like they've seen something unique.
How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?
It's interesting to see how audiences react to each film, so it always informs the next project. It's fun to try something completely new from the last one.
"Those high pressure decisions often lead to some really cool ideas you wouldn't normally consider."
What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production?
I think utilizing prep as much as you can. That always serves you well as a filmmaker. My good friend Sarah Mathers at Arri really helped us out on this one and I'm forever grateful for her continued support.
Independent filmmakers often rewrite the rules out of necessity. What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking, and how did you lean into that on this project? Is there a lesson or breakthrough you’d share with others navigating this path?
I think the greatest thing is that you have to answer to no one. Now, this comes with its challenges as you have to be able to keep yourself in check, but it's the most freeing time as a filmmaker as you can go as hard as you like. I think as long as you're open and willing to hear other people's thoughts or ideas along the way, it will help you in the end as it truly is a collaborative effort.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for FilmQuest, one of the world’s top reviewed genre film festivals?
We've been wanting to get into FilmQuest for years, so to finally break through with this one means so much. It's always on the top of the list to submit to.
FilmQuest celebrates the majesty and might of genre filmmaking across fantasy, horror, sci-fi, action, thriller, western, kung-fu, and beyond. How does your film fit within—or push the boundaries of—genre storytelling?
I think we mash up different sub-horror genres with this one in a unique way that people may not see coming.
"The greatest thing about independent filmmaking is that you have to answer to no one... it's the most freeing time as a filmmaker."
Where do you see this film going next?
We'll be releasing on a few great genre channels this fall, so we'll be excited to announce those soon. Then look into getting this made as a feature film.
“At the core of all my work is a desire to deliver."
Cast & Crew
- Adam Lolacher (The Terror, Riverdale) — Actor
- Ollie Kreet — First role
