SB Productions unveils 12 HOURS, a psychological horror short headed to major festivals

By AI, Created 9:59 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – SB Productions and filmmaker Mohamed A. Bere announced 12 HOURS, a 13-minute psychological horror short about a caregiver trapped in a dangerous house. The film is being positioned for festivals including South by Southwest, Sundance, Tribeca and Screamfest, with production support from Sharmarke Mohamed and Eve Richards.

Why it matters: - 12 HOURS is being positioned as a festival-ready horror short with a broad target audience. - The film leans on psychological suspense, a format that can travel well across major genre and prestige festivals. - The project expands the producing slate of Eve Richards and adds another collaboration between Mohamed A. Bere and Sharmarke Mohamed.

What happened: - SB Productions and filmmaker Mohamed A. Bere announced the short film 12 HOURS on May 11, 2026. - The film follows Emily, a young caregiver whose routine shift turns dangerous after she becomes cut off from the outside world. - The project is described as a psychological horror film centered on survival, vulnerability and powerlessness. - The release says the film is headed to South by Southwest, Sundance, Tribeca, Palm Springs International, ShortFest, HollyShorts, LA Shorts and Screamfest Horror Film Festival. - The film runs 13 minutes.

The details: - Mohamed A. Bere directed, produced and wrote the film. - Bere is described as an emerging filmmaker of Somali heritage who was raised in Arizona. - Bere’s stated influences include Bollywood’s emotional depth, Hollywood storytelling and anime’s visual style. - Sharmarke Mohamed and Eve Richards produced the film. - Richards starred in A Line of Fire and the upcoming film Straight Shot. - Hettie Lynn Hurts stars as Maple. - Mimi Dybs stars as Emily. - Bere said of the film: “This house keeps what it takes” - Sharmarke Mohamed is a Somali-born, Los Angeles-based actor, writer and founder of SB Productions. - Mohamed wrote and starred in the Cannes Film Festival honored short 10 Yrs. - Mohamed’s next film is RIYO. - Richards serves as executive producer of 12 HOURS and hosts The Discovery Pod with Eve. - Richards also appears in Straight Shot, which is due out this year.

Between the lines: - The festival list suggests the team is aiming for both top-tier industry exposure and genre-horror credibility. - The film’s setup uses a contained location and a ticking-clock structure, which often helps shorts build tension quickly. - The project also reinforces a recurring creative network around SB Productions, Mohamed A. Bere and Eve Richards.

What’s next: - The team is expected to continue pushing 12 HOURS through the festival circuit. - Additional audience and industry attention will likely depend on selections, screenings and any awards momentum. - SB Productions and its partners are also moving forward with other projects, including RIYO and Straight Shot.