CIFF 2023

SHORTS: I CAN'T GO TO SLEEP

Expired October 2, 2023 5:59 AM
Already unlocked? for access
7 films in package
CALF
A sinister farm accident leaves Cáit with a terrible decision to make.
FISHMONGER
In a supernatural dark comedy, a pathetic Irish fishmonger must survive a sex pact with an ancient fish creature to save his mother’s soul from burning in hell.
IN THE HEAT
A violent Christmas rivalry between the forces of good and evil, where the outcome hinges on a promise made decades ago.
A KIND OF TESTAMENT
A young woman comes across animations on the Internet that have clearly been created from her private selfies.
NIAN
A Chinese American girl stands up to her racist bully armed with a Chinese demon mask and the help of the NIAN, a mythological creature said to eat rotten...
ZIP
On her 16th birthday, singer-songwriter Melody awakens with a zipper sewn onto her mouth. A story about the voiceless, who must fight to be heard.
HIDE YOUR CRAZY
Things get a little crazy at surprise birthday celebration for Iris.
The best of the fest as decided by the fans themselves! Most films at the festival are eligible for our Audience Awards and are based on the collective score of the audience ballots collected at each screening online and in-cinema. Unlock it to cast your vote.
Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: Canada.

Creepy, dark, silly and wild. This package is full of deranged humour and bone-chilling scares. Best viewed with friends and with the lights off.


After confiding in her grandmother Ah-Ma about a racist remark made by a bully at school, Gertie comes to class and presents a family heirloom: an ancient Chinese Demon Mask. The mask is said to ward off evil, including the NIAN, a mythological beast believed to come down after sunset on the eve of the Lunar New Year to eat bad children.


After school, Gertie's bully makes another racist remark and Gertie attempts to stand up to her attacker. Gertie dons the mask and discovers its protective powers just as the NIAN arrives.


NIAN will be screened as a part of the SHORTS: I CAN'T GO TO SLEEP package.

  • Year
    2023
  • Runtime
    6 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    Alberta
  • Awards
    Best Midnight Short - Palm Springs International ShortFest
  • Director
    Michelle Krusiec
  • Screenwriter
    Michelle Krusiec
  • Producer
    Brian Yang, Matthew Keene Smith, Jason Mclagan, Michelle Krusiec
  • Executive Producer
    David Worthen, Jenna Cavelle, Arbi Pedrossian, Valerie Steinberg
  • Cast
    Lauren Mei, Dawn Akemi Saito, Ava DeVoe
  • Cinematographer
    Laura Merians Goncalves
  • Editor
    Cynthia Chen
  • Music
    Daniel Walter
Copy link