Short Film AFIN 279
DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND
Directed by 
Halle Sullivan, John Steele
AFIN 2025 Winner
- 2025
- 11m
-
USA - English
- PG
Stills
4 frames
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Credits
Produced by
Cinematography
Production Design
Synopsis
In the quirky suburban neighborhood of Devil's Playground, multiple children, including Molly's daughter Zoe, have gone missing. As Molly grapples with the devastating loss, she faces a choice: continue her relentless search for Zoe or succumb to the temptation of forgetting her grim reality and moving on. Molly must navigate the eerie landscape of her community while confronting her own inner demons. As she dives deeper into the mystery, she discovers unsettling truths that challenge her perception of both her neighborhood and herself. In this gripping story of loss, resilience, and the struggle for closure, Molly's journey explores the darkest corners of truth and illusion.
Director's Statement
Halle Sullivan makes her directorial debut with Devils Playground, a psychological thriller that marks a bold step in her creative journey. Halle brings a unique perspective to storytelling, crafting an immersive experience that delves into spirituality and the darker undercurrents of modern society. Her approach defies convention, delivering a dark yet quirky narrative that keeps audiences captivated on edge. Through Devil's Playground, Halle aims to redefine the genre and challenge perceptions with a stunning and thought-provoking film
What makes this one special
- A first-time filmmaker
Directors' Biography
Halle Sullivan John Steele Directors
Halle Sullivan is an American actress and filmmaker known for her passion for storytelling that blends art with purpose. Halle recently wrapped production on her short psychological thriller, Devil's Playground, where she also served as the producer. The film was shot across locations in Georgia and South Carolina. In addition to Devil's Playground, Halle has worked on several notable projects, including the upcoming feature film All That Is Evil and A Creative Mind, further showcasing her versatility as an actress. Halle grew up and was raised in Newville, Pennsylvania. Her journey in the arts began with her work in the theater throughout high school and college. It was her early experience in live performance that shaped her desire to create impactful and authentic work. John Steele is a cinematographer located out of Charleston, SC. His passion for cinema started at a young age when he and his friends would shoot short films on old camcorders. At this time John focused more on the music and editing, which unbeknownst to him, would only help his career in the future. He began to work as a wedding videographer and a documentary filmmaker. This style of work helped develop his look as he tends to lean on naturalist light and large light sources. Navigating through the film making scene he began to find a place in the indie world where he felt right back at home.
Trailer
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DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND was Winner of Best Supporting Performance at the AFIN International Film Festival 2025, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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