

Silver Compass Studios is excited to share that its short film, MARA, has made a splash on the festival circuit and is now available to watch on YouTube as of October 17, 2025.
Written and directed by Ben Harl, MARA (18 minutes) takes a fresh look at the aftermath of a failed exorcism, focusing on the survivor’s experience, a perspective rarely explored in horror shorts.
Some highlights from MARA’s journey:
About the film: MARA follows Jake, who, years after a botched exorcism tries to return to normal life. But everyday stresses trigger a terrifying slide back into fear and confusion. The film runs 18 minutes and was produced in the USA.

A grieving widow, seeking closure at her late husband’s secluded cabin, becomes entangled in a deadly confrontation with a sinister group known as The Dark Ones; forcing her to fight for survival against supernatural forces.
The Dark Ones is a fast paced, supernatural thriller that will film in Central IL early 2026, and our hope is to work with almost all local cast and crew (except for a couple of more well known actors, to be named later...).
We've finished development on this project and are now moving into pre production.
So, keep your eyes peeled for more information and casting calls soon!!
Silver Compass Studios was formed in 2019 with one vision in mind: fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and growth for our team and partners. Through our passion for filmmaking and commitment to excellence, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the world of cinema and beyond.