ENJOY. THE. SHOW!

Smoke and Mirrors began as a third-year thesis project for university but quickly evolved into something far more compelling.

 

Inspired by real experiences shared by my creative team, the 15-minute mystery follows four students from vastly different worlds forced to confront the unsettling disappearance of Mia Baxter. Told through a distinctly Kiwi lens, the story blends the psychological bite of Gone Girl, the spiralling paranoia of I Know What You Did Last Summer, and the intimate, obsessive character focus of You. 

 

What began as a student film soon found momentum on the festival circuit, earning national and international recognition for its tight pacing, striking performances, ​and its evocative use of Wellington spaces. It resonated most strongly with young audiences, particularly university students, who recognised themselves in its tension and emotional honesty.