Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Jahmil Eady uses horror to highlight Gullah Geechee cultural erasure and land loss.
- Collaboration with local community members was essential to the production of HAINT.
- HAINT is set to expand into a feature and will soon be available on streaming platforms.
In an inspiring blend of cultural preservation and cinematic storytelling, filmmaker Jahmil Eady presents HAINT, a short film that will screen at this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival.
Eady, a Gullah Geechee herself, explores the impact of gentrification through a horror lens, shedding light on the erasure of her community's culture and land.
With a strong cast including Melanie Nicholls-King, Imani Lewis, and Melvin Campbell, and the support of renowned producers like Lena Waithe, HAINT is a testament to the power of community collaboration.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?
I’m Gullah Geechee. I think a lot about how rapidly our language, culture, and traditions are disappearing because of climate change and unsustainable real estate practices. Every other month I hear a new story from family members or read a new article, so I decided it was time to make a film. I want to spotlight Gullah Geechee land loss and cultural erasure, and I think horror is the perfect genre to explore this.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time?
I was surprised by how much the local community welcomed our production. They went above and beyond to support us. The island folk did everything in their power to help make HAINT happen. I’ve lived in NYC and Los Angeles for so long, I’d forgotten about real Southern hospitality.
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you?
There is a scene where Annabelle paints a screen door Haint Blue while talking to her Uncle Rusty. It feels the most like me because it’s soaked in authenticity. The Gullah language is spoken by Melvin Campbell, a local non-actor from Hilton Head.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
HAINT explores the impact of gentrification and cultural erasure through a horror lens. I hope audiences think about the way their presence can impact the local communities they join—even if they don’t stay permanently.
How has this film shaped the kind of stories you want to tell next?
HAINT confirmed for me that people all over the world are very interested in Gullah Geechee stories. I’m excited to continue spotlighting our culture, land, language, and traditions—across genres and time periods.
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
Having to lose some coverage because of the weather. This is a common part of filmmaking, but that doesn’t make it easy. I still think about those shots that got away.
"The greatest strength of independent filmmaking is community building."
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
I’m excited to have our West Coast premiere at HollyShorts! Some of my favorite short films on the festival circuit are screening here this year. It’s wonderful to be in such great company!
Where do you see this film going next?
We are developing HAINT into a feature film. I’m also excited to announce that Haint will be playing in select theaters before major films this summer and will land on a streaming platform by the end of the year.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to explore connection and ideas of home."
Cast & Crew
- Cast: Brooke Jaye Taylor, Aris Vsetecka
- Executive Producers: Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, Naomi Funabashi, Travis Ing, Justin Riley
- Producers: Tara Austin, Constanza Castro, Doménica Castro, Selena Leoni
- Cinematography by: Joewi Verhoeven NSC
- Production Design by: Lily Guerin
- Edited by: Marie Lessel, Cristina Headrick
- Music by: Alonso Malik Pirio
- Costumes Designed by: Karis Battle
- Visual Effects by: Celeste Leizer
- Casting by: Candice Alustiza-Lee
For more information, visit their website here.
