Short Film AFIN 391
The Lingering
Directed by 
Gabe Reiss
AFIN 2026 Nominee · 2 nominations
- 2026
- 11m
-
USA - English
- PG
- Comedy
- Drama
- Supernatural
Stills
4 frames 
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Credits
Written by
Produced by
Cinematography
Editing
Production Design
Music & Sound
Production Company
- Full Square Productions
Synopsis
An amateur exorcist tries to help a man rid his house of a ghost, only to find that his client’s relationship to the tormenting spirit is more familiar and complicated than he expected. Featuring Taylor Nichols (PEN15).
On the nomination
We're thrilled that The Lingering has been nominated, and will be shown at AFIN! While we regrettably cannot be there in person, we hope you enjoy the short. -Mel and Gabe
Director's Statement
I am consistently inspired by dramedy movies that can make me laugh even while the characters are facing hardship. I feel that we found a way to treat the heavier themes of loss and grief in The Lingering with respect, while incorporating humor and levity to create an engaging world for our audience. Thank you for watching!
What makes this one special
- Australian PremiereThe filmmaker tells us this is where it happens
- Programmed at 7 other festivalsAcross 2 countries
- Nominated in 2 AFIN categoriesBest International Short Film · Best Supporting Performance
From the Judges
From the Judges
A dissolving figure rendered with real care, framing that makes the most of every environment, lighting that gives each scene its own vibrancy: the craft here is confident and cohesive. The panel found it a genuinely engaging watch, a dramedy that holds humour and grief together with warmth and a clear sense of style. Natural, assured performances carry both the comic and the emotional beats.
Also selected at
7 official selections across 7 other festivals
- SelectionSedona Film Festival
- SelectionAllentown Film Festival
- SelectionBernardsville Film Festival
- SelectionFortean Film Festival
- SelectionMidwest Weird Fest
- SelectionUSA Film Festival
- SelectionWisconsin Film Festival
Recorded by the filmmaker on their entry.
Director's Biography
Gabe Reiss Director
Born and raised in Madison, WI, director and writer Gabe Reiss moved to Chicago to study Film and Television as well as Psychology at DePaul University. Now living in Los Angeles and working as a Creative Assistant on the Studio Series team at Netflix, Gabe continues to make and enjoy movies while juggling far too many hobbies.
Trailer
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The Lingering was an official Nominee for Best International Short Film and Best Supporting Performance at the AFIN International Film Festival 2026, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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- Open the AFIN International Film Festival event page on IMDb and choose the 2026 edition.
- Choose Edit (contribute), then Awards, and add your film under the category (Best International Short Film and Best Supporting Performance) with the outcome shown on your laurels above.
- Submit. IMDb reviews it and publishes it to the event page and to your film's page.
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