The Shadow in My Sleep is an internationally acclaimed horror-thriller that made a powerful impact at global film festivals in 2025, winning multiple awards across several countries. Directed by Richard Samson and produced by Cynthia Samson, the film marked their second successful release of the year, following The Game Mode – A Sibling Story.
Story Overview
The film centers on Sheena (played by Cynthia Samson), a working professional who takes a break from her career due to deteriorating mental health. She is undergoing treatment through virtual sessions with her psychiatrist, Dr. Elias Stone (played by Dris Abdel Rahim), as she suffers from disturbing nightmares and hallucinations involving paranormal activity within her home.
Sheena lives with her caring brother Eric (played by Richard Samson) and her pet cat. When Eric leaves the city for work, Sheena is left alone in the house. Soon, terrifying and unexplained events begin to unfold. As night falls, the situation turns violent and chaotic, forcing Sheena to run for her life inside her own home, haunted by the fear that someone—or something—is trying to kill her.
The film builds toward a shocking and unpredictable climax, raising haunting questions: Are Sheena’s experiences real, or are they manifestations of her fragile mental state? Is there a human threat, or is she possessed by a supernatural force?
Festival Recognition and Achievements
The film received extensive international recognition in the horror and thriller categories:
Best Horror Film – Outstanding Achievement Award, London Indie Film Festival
Award Winner – Best Horror Drama, 24 Hours Film Challenge, Kolkata, India
Award Winner – Best Thriller, 24 Hours Film Challenge, Kolkata, India
Official Selection – Best Thriller Film, Blue Bird Film Festival, Kolkata, India
Semi-Finalist – Best Horror / Science Fiction, Rameshwaram International Film Festival, Tamil Nadu, India
Quarter-Finalist – Best Horror / Science Fiction Film, Rameshwaram International Film Festival, Tamil Nadu, India
Finalist – Best Horror / Science Fiction Film, Rameshwaram International Film Festival, Tamil Nadu, India
Finalist – Best Narrative Feature, New Jersey Film Awards
Award Winner – Best Concept, New Jersey Film Awards
Award Winner – Best Horror Film, Silver Wings Film Festival, Kolkata, India
Award Winner – Best Thriller, Future of Film Awards, Ohrid, North Macedonia
Honourable Mention – Best Horror, Future of Film Awards, Ohrid, North Macedonia
Award Winner – Best Thriller Film, Art Film Awards, North Macedonia
Honourable Mention – Best Indie Feature Film, Art Film Awards, North Macedonia
Noel Malekar – Music & Sound Design
The film’s immersive soundscape was crafted by Noel Malekar from New Delhi, India, a Music Educator, Composer, Drummer, and Author whose work has been featured globally by filmmakers and content creators. His sound design and original score played a vital role in amplifying the psychological tension and fear-driven atmosphere of The Shadow in My Sleep.
Awards & Recognition:
Best Sound Designing – Outstanding Achievement Award, London Indie Film Festival
Award Winner – Best Sound Engineering, 24 Hours Film Challenge, Kolkata, India
Nominee – Best Original Score, New Jersey Film Awards
Finalist – Best Sound Designing, Future of Film Awards, Ohrid, North Macedonia
Dris Abdel Rahim – Actor (Dr. Elias Stone)
Dris Abdel Rahim, who portrays the virtual psychiatrist Dr. Elias Stone, delivered a compelling and mature performance.
A 17-year-old Algerian actor from Boufarik, Algeria, he began his artistic journey in school theatre before transitioning into professional theatre and screen acting.
Over the past four years, he has developed his craft through academic studies and intensive workshops with Seven Agency, El Najah Theatre Group, and ongoing training at the Bologhine Institute of Theatre and Television Acting.
His credits include television series Hayat (2024) and La Gazette (2025), theatre production Quiblat Al Ahrar (2024), and short films such as The Orphan (2023), Tears of the Violin (2024), and The Shadow in My Sleep (2025).
Industry Appreciation
The film has also received praise from fellow filmmakers on the international stage. After watching The Shadow in My Sleep, the Award-Winning Director of The Wedding Bandit shared the following personal opinion:
“Congratulations to Cynthia and the entire cast of The Shadow in My Sleep. Your gripping performances elevated this horror thriller. Keep pushing creative boundaries, and captivating audiences. KEEP IT UP.”
Individual Honors
Cynthia Samson received notable recognition for her performance and contribution to cinema:
Best Actress – Honourable Mention, London Indie Film Festival
Award Winner – Best Actress, 24 Hours Film Challenge, Kolkata, India
Satyajit Ray Honorary Award, Satyajit Ray Independent Film Awards, Kolkata, India (For contribution towards world cinema)
Film Details
Genre: Horror · Thriller · Suspense
Duration: 46 minutes
Language: English
Where to Watch
The Shadow in My Sleep is now streaming on Opprime.tv, a USA-based independent filmmaker-friendly platform showcasing award-winning cinema from around the world.
Watch Link:
Contact Information
For more information about the film, streaming details, or inquiries:
With its award-winning sound design, powerful performances, innovative direction, and international appreciation, The Shadow in My Sleep stands as a defining independent horror-thriller of 2025—proving that unforgettable cinema truly knows no boundaries.
