Local filmmaker Michael Zumaya has dedicated his career to exploring the unconventional, and this week, he will unveil his debut short film, “Transference,” at the renowned Fantastic Fest in Austin. The festival, which celebrates a diverse array of genre films, will host the world premiere of Zumaya’s work as part of its Short Fuse program on Friday at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.
Fantastic Fest, founded in 2005 by Alamo Drafthouse co-founder Tim League, attracts enthusiasts of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and other avant-garde films from around the globe each fall. The festival has become a pivotal platform for innovative filmmakers, and for Zumaya, the opportunity to showcase his film here is a dream come true.
“There is an audience of freaks out there that this is for,” Zumaya expressed, highlighting the film’s connection to those who embrace the unusual.
“Transference” delves into a surreal hypnotherapy session where the memories of a therapist, portrayed by Valentina Ellis, and her patient, played by Alexandria Payne, intertwine amidst a chilling backdrop of unsettling sounds and eerie camcorder footage. Festival programmers have aptly described the short as “a ghost transmission from the outer limits of Hell.”
The film captures the essence of indie filmmaking in Austin, blending grassroots creativity with a burgeoning festival scene. Zumaya’s journey to this high-profile premiere involved collaboration with a local cast and crew, all passionate about realizing each other’s artistic visions, even when those visions veer into nightmarish territory.
Originally from San Diego, Zumaya began his film career in Southern California. After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry, he relocated to Austin, where he has since built a diverse portfolio of commercial and music video projects, including collaborations with artists like Deftones and Danny Elfman. However, directing a narrative film remained his ultimate ambition.
His journey towards “Transference” began when a childhood friend, writer Matt Knutson, approached him about collaborating. Along with co-writer Ross Nervig, they crafted the film’s concept, drawing from Zumaya’s personal experiences, a fascination with psychology, visual storytelling influenced by his upbringing, and his foundational fears instilled by classic horror films.
“I grew up an incredibly paranoid kid,” Zumaya recalled. “Static on a TV—scary, like straight up. I remember watching ‘Poltergeist’ when I was 6. It freaked me out.” This blend of personal history and artistic passion fueled the creation of “Transference.”
To bring his vision to life, Zumaya initially sought $11,000 through crowdfunding, successfully raising nearly $14,000 within a day. Additionally, he secured a $5,000 Nexus Grant from the City of Austin, underscoring the support of the local community.
“Your community will show up for you,” he affirmed, reflecting on the strong network he has built in Austin.
One key member of his team is Jenni Kaye, co-founder of Hyperreal Film Club, who took on the role of producer for “Transference.” After moving to Austin, Zumaya worked diligently to establish connections within the local film community. In 2022, Hyperreal showcased one of his music videos, which marked a turning point in his sense of belonging in the city.
“I remember thinking at that point, when I was miserable, ‘This is the first stab of me feeling like there’s something in Austin for me,'” he recalled.
Kaye’s experience on the film illuminated the realities of indie filmmaking, as the crew had to make difficult decisions regarding resources and priorities. This practical education reinforced her belief in Austin’s unique collaborative spirit.
“You always know here, if you’re gonna help somebody out, that that’s going to come back to you,” Kaye said.
The timeline for the film’s production was closely aligned with the submission deadline for Fantastic Fest, a festival Zumaya frequents. “It’s so crazy that I’m gonna get to sit in a theater that I go to twice a week and see my stuff on the screen,” he said, brimming with excitement.
With the opportunities that come from such a platform, Zumaya aspires to direct a feature film, describing himself as a “pool of gasoline” waiting for the right spark.
Kaye has observed a shift in the festival landscape, noting that many projects now premiere with distribution deals already in place, making it increasingly challenging for indie films to capture attention from potential investors.
However, she believes that Fantastic Fest stands out in this regard. “You know that your audience is built on the people that you actually made the movie for. That’s who gets to see your movie,” she said, echoing Zumaya’s hopes for the film’s reception.
Zumaya feels that the industry is becoming more welcoming to unconventional narratives. “Maybe there’s a little freak in you, too,” he mused, inviting audiences to embrace the extraordinary.
Fantastic Fest 2026 runs from September 17 to 24. For the complete film lineup and details on tickets and badges, visit fantasticfest.com.
