Haunters of the Silence, an experimental folk horror film inspired by the filmmakers' experiences with sleep paralysis, is now streaming on Tubi. The film was written, directed, filmed, and edited by the husband-and-wife team, Tatu and Veleda Heikkinen.
Co-director Tatu Heikkinen shared insights into the creative process, stating, "When we first got the idea to make a film together, it was quite easy to pick sleep paralysis as a subject. We both love ambient horror and experimental cinema, and sleep paralysis as a subject matter lent itself really well for that kind of dark and psychedelic aesthetic that we wanted to create."
Sleep paralysis is a condition that occurs while falling asleep or waking up, in which a person remains conscious but is temporarily paralyzed. During an episode, they may experience hallucinations, such as hearing sounds or seeing things that are not actually present. Tatu Heikkinen reflected on his personal experience with the condition, noting, "I’ve had sleep paralysis, and it was one of the most terrifying sensations I’ve felt. We tried to capture that atmosphere of abstract dread that distorts your perception of time and place."
The film was shot between 2024 and 2025, mostly in the married couple's home and its surroundings in Portland, Oregon. It premiered at the Serbest International Film Festival in September of 2025 and won the award for "Best Experimental Film" at the Paris Film Awards in October of the same year.
Haunters of the Silence is now streaming on Tubi. The film is also available on DVD through Savo-Karelian Productions. Paranormal Country has not confirmed this information.
Image: Paranormal Country · Source: bloody-flicks.co.uk
