Teen filmmaker haunts phones with iPhone horror
Australian filmmaker Charli Fletcher directed the horror short “Don’t Ignore Me” at the age of 14, using an iPhone 14 Pro Max and free editing software. The film examines supernatural threats through social media as protagonist Sofia receives sinister messages while scrolling through an app.
Fletcher captured five awards at the 2024 International SmartFone Flick Fest and won best short film at Inner West Film Fest. Producer Raymond Mendez said the multicultural crew worked with minimal resources to achieve professional results through careful shot planning and natural lighting techniques.
The director shot pre-visualization footage before production to map editing sequences. Fletcher prioritized emotional connection over technical control when working with actors and built trust through character discussions before filming began.
The production team used DaVinci Resolve for post-production work. Fletcher encouraged young creators to pursue projects despite limited budgets by focusing on strong concepts and collaborative teams rather than expensive equipment.
