Inhuman experiments give eyes to a boy born without them – but the world is a terrifying place…
The Eyes in the Box is a German Expressionist film written and directed by Moe Acharki, told without dialogue and utilising old-style shots. It’s like watching a lost story from that time. The attention to detail in the music and intertitles are incredible.
The story follows the Father, who crosses every line to give his blind son eyes. As a result, the son regains his vision, but runs off in fear. He’s kidnapped, and it’s up to the Father to track him down and save his life.
It’s a story about love, about family, and focussing on what really counts. It was a joy to be involved.
It was the first film Moe and I collaborated on – we’ve since worked on The Haunted House Hotel, The Cost of the Crown, and I’ve adapted The Caretaker as a short.
The Eyes in the Box was made for Moe’s third year university project, and he fought hard for the traditional look. That was a decision that has done the film well. The Eyes in the Box knows exactly what it is, and people that get that, love it. We’ve seen that in its festival success.
Festivals
Moe won Best Director for The Eyes in the Box at the First Frame Festival. Other screenings include:
- Wolverhampton School of Art Degree Show (Exhibition – June 2022)
- Golden FEMI Film Festival 2023 (Official Selection – June 2023)
- Lift-Off First-Time Filmmaker Sessions 2023 (Official Selection – August 2023)
- Short Is Beautiful Film Festival 2023 (Finalist – October 2023)
- Scream & Shake Horror Showcase – Short Horror Films (Exhibition – March 2024)
- Rewind International Film Festival (Semi-Finalist – April 2024)
- Wirksworth Horror Film Festival (Official Selection – August 2024)
- Sound & Vision Short Film Night (Official Selection – September 2024)
- Amenno in the Cinema (Official Selection – November 2024)
- The Leavesden Gallery (Exhibition – January 2025)
- Festival of Terror (Official Selection – March 2025)
CAST
Mat Growcott – The Father
Moe Acharki – The Son
Richard Stakey – The Ringmaster
Mohammed Mushtaq – The Assistant
CREW
Moe Acharki – Director, Writer, Editor
Matthew Lee Harper – Camera Operator
Carlton Kudzanayi – First Assistant Camera
Paul Delali Dogbatse – Second Assistant Camera
Shannon Green – Lighting Technician
Katy Wallbank – Makeup Artist