ROOMS is a haunting and visually immersive short film that seamlessly blends elements of drama, experimental cinema, dance, and psychological suspense. Directed by Levi Elizaga, the film stands out as a deeply atmospheric work that prioritizes emotional resonance and physical storytelling over conventional narrative structure.

The story follows a curious young woman who enters an abandoned mansion, initially captivated by artifacts and traces of the past. What begins as a moment of discovery gradually shifts into something far more unsettling. Her encounter with an enigmatic, almost ethereal guardian marks a turning point in the film, as she is guided through a series of hidden rooms that seem to exist beyond linear time. Each space reveals fragments of memory, identity, and inherited experience, transforming the mansion into a symbolic landscape of generational truth.

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its use of choreography as a primary storytelling device, crafted by Jordan Pelliteri. Movement often replaces dialogue, allowing the body to express what words cannot. The collaboration between direction and choreography is particularly effective, as each gesture and physical interaction feels intentional and emotionally charged. The performers deliver nuanced and committed performances, with a strong physical presence that grounds the film’s more abstract elements.

Visually, ROOMS is meticulously crafted. The cinematography by Kenny Hernandez captures the mansion as both a tangible and psychological space, using light, shadow, and composition to heighten tension and disorientation. The production design, led by Judi Longo and supported by art director Kristen Meiners, further enhances this effect, creating environments that feel layered with history and meaning. As the protagonist moves from room to room, the atmosphere becomes increasingly oppressive, mirroring her internal descent into confusion and fear.

Sound design also plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s tone, contributing significantly to its emotional depth and tension. Subtle auditory textures and shifts in sonic intensity reinforce the sense of unease, suggesting that the mansion is not merely a location, but a living entity with its own memory and will.

At its core, ROOMS explores themes of inheritance, trauma, and the inescapable nature of truth. The protagonist’s journey becomes a confrontation with forces that extend beyond her individual experience, suggesting that the past is not something we simply leave behind, but something that continues to shape and define us. The film’s ending leaves space for interpretation, inviting the audience to reflect on the choices we make when faced with uncomfortable truths.

The film has already received significant recognition, earning Best Director Short Film, Best Art Film, Best Dance Short Film, and Best Sound Design at the February 2026 edition of the Amsterdam New Cinema Film Festival Monthly Competition. These awards highlight not only the film’s technical excellence but also its ability to resonate across multiple aspects of filmmaking, from visual artistry to narrative innovation.

Overall, ROOMS is a bold and evocative piece of cinema that challenges traditional storytelling while delivering a powerful sensory experience. It is a film that lingers—both visually and emotionally—long after it ends, confirming Levi Elizaga’s distinctive voice as a filmmaker and the strength of the creative team behind the project.