The Russian short horror film Nowhere to Run, known internationally as Dead End, has been featured in the lineup of several genre festivals this spring. Reports from the director and screenwriter Dima Barchenkov indicate that the film joined programs at Panic Fest, held from April 13 to 24, and Salem Horror Fest, running April 20 to 30. The news appeared on the Telegram channel By Barch, shared by the filmmaker himself.
Audiences and professionals alike were surprised by the film’s rapid tour through prominent celebrations of genre cinema. The cinematographer reflected that it felt almost unbelievable to cover such a demanding festival circuit with a short film presented in Russian, especially given the challenging scheduling across events like From Beyond Fest and London Short Film Festival before reaching Salem. The achievement underscores the film’s strong reception and the team’s perseverance through a tightly packed calendar.
Overall, Nowhere to Run earned a place in the programs of sixteen festivals. Its first public screening occurred in the summer of 2022 at Fantastic Zagreb in Croatia, marking a bold international debut. The Russian premiere followed in December 2022 during Moscow HorrorFest, signaling growing recognition within the national genre scene and beyond.
Plot-wise, Nowhere to Run centers on a young man trying to escape the threat of an abusive partner who persists even after death. The story blends psychological dread with a claustrophobic atmosphere, inviting viewers into a tense confrontation that lingers after the credits roll.
The film’s cast includes Svyatoslav Rogozhan, who is also known for his work on the television series Hard Youth. A cameo appearance is credited to Jan Tsapnik, notable from The Last Minister. Production duties are led by Vladislav Severtsev, known for his work on the project Former, with the team delivering a compact, carefully crafted horror experience that resonates with fans of the genre.
In related news, the Fifth Pilot series festival was announced to take place in Ivanovo, with dates scheduled from June 15 to 18, 2023. This event adds to the growing slate of genre-focused showcases that help filmmakers reach audiences across Russia and internationally, expanding opportunities for premieres and industry dialogue.