Where The Shadows Wait has officially been selected for the CAL Film Festival and nominated for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Short.
This is one of our most meaningful recognitions yet. CAL celebrates storytelling that pushes creative boundaries — and that’s exactly what this film represents.
We made WTSW with a single mission:
Prove that independent filmmaking, when done with intention and world-building, can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with studio projects.
This nomination reinforces that mission.
It validates the craft.
It validates the team.
And it validates the direction Dark Monarch Films is headed — not just making films, but building an entire ecosystem through DMF+ where stories like this have a home.
Grateful for every step of this journey. We’re just getting warmed up.
@darkmonarchfilms “Where The Shadows Wait” with another festival selection @calfilmfestival 2025. Nominated for Best Narrative (Short). Written and directed by @rileyrobbinsfilm and produced by @darkmonarchfilms #darkmonarchfilms #wheretheshadowswait #filmtok #indiefilmmakers #filmfestival ♬ original sound - Dark Monarch Films