K-Hole Demon Hunter
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Short
LGBTQ, Horror
When a demonic presence infects her favorite nightclub, threatening her tight-knit group of friends, a young trans woman must dig deep to hold them all together. Created by and for trans-led nightlife communities, this DIY, high-BPM horror short celebrates kinship among outcasts.
K-Hole Demon Hunter
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Short
LGBTQ, Horror
13 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$647
Goal: $5,000 for production
When a demonic presence infects her favorite nightclub, threatening her tight-knit group of friends, a young trans woman must dig deep to hold them all together. Created by and for trans-led nightlife communities, this DIY, high-BPM horror short celebrates kinship among outcasts.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Logo image by Romeo Stone. Photography for banners and slide backgrounds courtesy of Mare Jannicelli.
It's Saturday night at the club, and Sage is a ready for a night of dancing with her friends - including the club's owner, Hex. As a younger trans woman still in the process of growing into herself, Sage has always felt like a groupie around Hex's tight-knit group of DJs and club staffers.
That feeling comes rushing to the surface when Sage meets Abby, Hex's friend from out of town. Abby is everything Sage wants to be: effortlessly charismatic, unattainably gorgeous, and closer to Hex than Sage ever has a chance of getting. Abby's easy integration into the group puts Sage on the back foot, feeding the self-doubt that she usually works so hard to tamp down.
Sage tries to shake off her unease on the dance floor, but even that goes wrong when a glitch warps the upbeat music into something more sinister. As the party goes on, Sage's anxiety grows, while a series of miscommunications reveal and exacerbate hidden tensions among her friends
As the relentless music drives the whole club into a frenzy of petty grievances, Sage realizes that something supernatural is to blame. Can she overcome her own insecurities in time to fight the demons tearing her community apart?
Drawing on the shared DIY aesthetics of contemporary trans filmmaking (Divine Hammer, Castration Movie) and nightlife videography, K-Hole Demon Hunter is a fast-paced supernatural drama along the lines of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With an original score fit for a night out and a plan to film on-location at the trans, queer, and POC-owned nightclub Transmission, this high-BPM horror is ready to dance its way straight onto your screen.
The Party
K-Hole Demon Hunter was inspired by trans-led nightlife culture on America's East Coast: parties like Bodyhack (NYC), XUNT (Washington, DC), and Kinship (Philadelphia). From the cultural foundations of ballroom to the artistic legacy of SOPHIE, trans and nightlife communities are inextricably linked by a drive to create spaces where we can be ourselves without apology. Here, being trans is a norm rather than an exception: something that connects rather than "others" us.
I discovered nightlife and rave culture at a key moment: though I had already been transitioning for a few years, I still didn't quite know what kind of person I wanted to be. Looking around my social circles, I often compared myself to others, fearing that my flaws were as obvious to everyone else as a neon glowstick in a dark room.
But instead of competition and tension, what I found in nightlife was acceptance, community, and a lot of other trans people who had struggled in the same ways I had - and who were always ready to help the next person along. As I attended parties up and down the East Coast, from renegade outdoor raves to tucked-away warehouse spaces, I knew I had to make a film showcasing these incredible communities.
Then, one fateful night at Transmission in Washington, DC inspired the concept for K-Hole Demon Hunter. Now, I'm pairing my own DIY and microbudget filmmaking experience with an expert team of organizers and artists to bring the project to life.
The Style
K-Hole Demon Hunter feels like a night at the club: dim lights and smoke machines, cigarettes on the roof and a bass line thudding in your chest. Following our key inspirations, we'll be relying on naturalistic lighting, long camera takes, and every inch of our 3-story location to make you feel like you're right there on the dance floor.
We'll be using a Sony FDR-AX53 to shoot the film, allowing us the mobility required to follow our actors throughout the set while capturing a look that feels at home in an underground nightlife videography reel. Check out some test footage stills below:
But anyone who's ever lost themself at a rave knows it's not about the look - it's about the sound. That's why we're partnering with DC-based DJ and musician Miss.q to craft a score that'll have you busting moves all the way home from the movie theater. Check out a past set from Miss.q below:
Last but not least, this project has demons, complete with makeup and special effects to make their presence known even in a crowd of partygoers. To bring the monster part of our monster movie to life, we're partnering with Philadelphia-based makeup and effects artist Elise Brady (Detached).
The Substance
Times are tough for trans communities right now. As we face unprecedented political repression and culture-war "debates" about our existence, we need reminders to take a breath, relax, and let loose. K-Hole Demon Hunter is, first and foremost, an invitation to party - albeit one with a supernatural twist.
At the same time, we're tired of trans-centered films that focus all too often on coming-out or transition narratives that depict individual trans people navigating a mainstream, cisgender social world. K-Hole Demon Hunter depicts a community that looks like many real-life trans communities: here, we are a norm rather than an exception, freeing us to explore our lives and experiences beyond being othered.
What does it mean to navigate loneliness while surrounded by our closest friends? How do we push back against feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt? K-Hole Demon Hunter's characters face the universal struggles of living a life as yourself.
The Ask
With our location secured, casting underway, and crew leads attached, pre-production for K-Hole Demon Hunter is in full swing ahead of a 2-day shoot in the fall of 2026. While our team plans a series of fund-ravers in multiple cities over the summer, we're launching this campaign to help us meet our production budget and make sure everyone has what they need.
This includes:
- Cast and crew. Our talented collaborators have deep connections to nightlife culture and know what it takes to pull off a party. Help us show our appreciation by compensating them for their time.
- Makeup and visual effects. We're working with Philadelphia-based horror makeup artist Elise Brady (Detached) to bring our club's demons to life - and you'll help provide all the silicone and spirit gum needed to make that happen.
- Lights and props. All the smoke machines and lighting rigs that make for a night to remember and a party that pops on-screen.
- Music! Last but not least, your donation will help us compensate our talented composer Miss.q and a curated lineup of contributing artists as they create a score that feels just as much at home on the dance floor as in a short film.
In return for your support, we've lined up some amazing incentives, including:
- A special thank-you in the credits of the film!
- A link to listen to the film's score before almost anyone else!
- An exclusive invitation to be an extra on the set!
- Free admission to a show of your choice at Transmission in DC!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Payroll
Costs $2,000
Help us fairly compensate the talented actors who will help bring Sage, Abby, and the rest of the club to life.
Makeup and Special Effects
Costs $500
It takes a lot of latex and eyeshadow to get our demons ready for a night out!
Crew Payroll
Costs $2,000
Making movies isn't just about being in front of the camera. It's also about the grips, producers, and set decorators who make it all tick!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This project was created by, for, and alongside the communities and spaces it depicts. Based primarily in Philadelphia and Washington, DC, our team combines years of DIY filmmaking experience with nightlife organizing and music. Below are just some of the amazing people bringing K-Hole Demon Hunter to life!
Cody Sooy (he/him, Writer/Director/Producer) is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker and writer whose work centers on themes of trans communities and transmasculine experience. His first short film, “Chrysalis”, screened at the LA Horror Film Festival in 2023; his directorial debut, “His Kingdom Endures”, screened at the Seattle Trans Underground Film Festival and was programmed by the queer cinema collective SEEN in 2025. Sooy’s most recent short film, “We Need More S.A.F.E. Spaces for Women!”, had its New York City premiere at Videodome in May 2026. Sooy’s fiction has appeared in various trans-centered literary publications including Lilac Peril and smoke and mold.
Sophie Fisher (she/her, Producer, "Abby") is a Washington, DC-based organizer who builds and sustains trans community in her city through nightlife, live music, and social events. She is a founding organizer of the DC Trans+ Picnic and has produced events for groups including World Pride, Janeese Lewis George for DC Mayor, and SMYAL, an organization that supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth. She specializes in DIY punk shows and raves that highlight emerging talent in the DC scene. Sophie threw her first party in 4th grade, and hasn’t stopped since. She is excited to apply the skills she has built to “K-Hole Demon Hunter”, her first film.
Felicity Wark (she/her, "Sage") is a devoted reader and freelance copyeditor from Queens, New York. She has modeled for Balenciaga and acted in the upcoming trans horror movie Love Bites.
Flower Estefana Rios (she/her, "Hex") is an actress, writer, and dance floor diva in the gayest of places. Originally from South
Texas, this Chicana chica’s acting work can be seen on stage, screen, cabaret spaces, and nightclubs around New York and beyond.
Evelyn Ivy (she/her, "Moll") is a DJ, musician, and actress based in Philadelphia, PA. She has played at clubs across the eastern United States like Transmission in DC and Rash in New York. She has also starred in several stage productions such as A Number and Women In Congress.
Samson Russell (any pronouns, "Kellan") is a genderqueer DJ that is known for their residency with parties like TOXIC MASC at Transmission and at Trade for T4T. Between acid house, disco and gospel beats that hit with a surprising force of power and a concrete love for techno, Samson tries to cover enough ground sonically to keep everyone feeling included on any dancefloor.
Caz Shegogue (any pronouns, "Clancey") is a DC-based performer and multimedia artist. Recent credits include Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Spring Awakening, and Matilda. Currently, Caz is a teaching artist at Adventure Theatre, and works as a tattooer, sculptor, and painter!
Bashira "Bee" Bint Abu Yahya (she/her/he/him, "Sasha") is a queer Afro-Latina born and raised in Philly. She is a recent Drexel University graduate with a degree in Game Design and Production. Bee has previously acted in Elise Brady's "Detached" as the vengeful zombie main character and Cody Sooy's "PINEYS" teaser as June. Her artistic mediums of choice are mainly videography and video editing, but also photography and fashion. Bee is the type to never miss out on a good rave, and she is excited to bring that real-life energy to the set of K-Hole Demon Hunter.
Jailene Rosario (she/her, "Lillian") has theater and film experience. She is currently a theater student who has taken courses in acting, piano, and improv. She has been acting since childhood and is always open to learning something new. Her skills include longboarding, rollerblading, and figure skating.
Elise Brady (they/them, Makeup/FX) is a local multi-disciplinary artist, film-maker, and SFX/makeup artist. Their love of horror and film began as a young, angsty teenager and blossomed into a career when they joined forces with Ishiki Studios in Prague, Czechia, three years ago. Today, they find themselves as a resident artist with Philadelphia's Blood Sick Productions and as a freelance creator. They most recently debuted their first short film as a director and writer: "Detached", in February 2026. When not making gore and scary slime, they find themselves working their two non-profit jobs, hanging with their stinky cats, or drinking dirty martinis in South Philly.
Quinn Sarracco (she/her, Composer), or Miss.q, is a classical musician, producer, and DJ based in Washington, DC. As a classical musician, she has performed with premier ensembles like the Baltimore Symphony, National Philharmonic, and the Maryland Symphony, and artists such as Cynthia Erivo, Patti LaBelle, Danill Trifonov, and Inon Barnaton. Sarracco began performing as a DJ under the moniker Miss.q in 2024, and quickly made a name for herself spinning hardgroove techno, leftfield bass, and lush ambient sets. She heads the DJ collective Doll Factory, throwing parties with an emphasis on showcasing transgender DJs spinning techno and club music. Miss.q has a love for deep pensive sounds and crafts sets that reflect her lifetime spent surrounded by music.
Katie Warner (she/him, Fight Coordinator) is a fight and intimacy director dedicated to crafting safe moments of physical storytelling. Originally from the DC Metro Area, Katie has spent her whole life training in numerous artistic disciplines at a wide variety of institutions. These include classical ballet, Dutch contemporary dance, butō, the Suzuki Method of Actor Training, and circus arts. Katie is an Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a Senior Company Member and the Secretary of The Noble Blades. She was nominated for the WATCH Award for Stage Combat Choreography in 2023 and 2025. In addition to her choreographic work, Katie is a performer, teaching artist, writer, and musician.
Romeo Stone (she/he, Associate Producer) is a textile artist and aspiring film photographer living in Philadelphia. She is the sweetest butch you've ever met by day and the hottest leatherdyke you've ever wanted by night. She joins K-Hole Demon Hunter to help keep our team on track and keep processes moving forward.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Logo image by Romeo Stone. Photography for banners and slide backgrounds courtesy of Mare Jannicelli.
It's Saturday night at the club, and Sage is a ready for a night of dancing with her friends - including the club's owner, Hex. As a younger trans woman still in the process of growing into herself, Sage has always felt like a groupie around Hex's tight-knit group of DJs and club staffers.
That feeling comes rushing to the surface when Sage meets Abby, Hex's friend from out of town. Abby is everything Sage wants to be: effortlessly charismatic, unattainably gorgeous, and closer to Hex than Sage ever has a chance of getting. Abby's easy integration into the group puts Sage on the back foot, feeding the self-doubt that she usually works so hard to tamp down.
Sage tries to shake off her unease on the dance floor, but even that goes wrong when a glitch warps the upbeat music into something more sinister. As the party goes on, Sage's anxiety grows, while a series of miscommunications reveal and exacerbate hidden tensions among her friends
As the relentless music drives the whole club into a frenzy of petty grievances, Sage realizes that something supernatural is to blame. Can she overcome her own insecurities in time to fight the demons tearing her community apart?
Drawing on the shared DIY aesthetics of contemporary trans filmmaking (Divine Hammer, Castration Movie) and nightlife videography, K-Hole Demon Hunter is a fast-paced supernatural drama along the lines of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With an original score fit for a night out and a plan to film on-location at the trans, queer, and POC-owned nightclub Transmission, this high-BPM horror is ready to dance its way straight onto your screen.
The Party
K-Hole Demon Hunter was inspired by trans-led nightlife culture on America's East Coast: parties like Bodyhack (NYC), XUNT (Washington, DC), and Kinship (Philadelphia). From the cultural foundations of ballroom to the artistic legacy of SOPHIE, trans and nightlife communities are inextricably linked by a drive to create spaces where we can be ourselves without apology. Here, being trans is a norm rather than an exception: something that connects rather than "others" us.
I discovered nightlife and rave culture at a key moment: though I had already been transitioning for a few years, I still didn't quite know what kind of person I wanted to be. Looking around my social circles, I often compared myself to others, fearing that my flaws were as obvious to everyone else as a neon glowstick in a dark room.
But instead of competition and tension, what I found in nightlife was acceptance, community, and a lot of other trans people who had struggled in the same ways I had - and who were always ready to help the next person along. As I attended parties up and down the East Coast, from renegade outdoor raves to tucked-away warehouse spaces, I knew I had to make a film showcasing these incredible communities.
Then, one fateful night at Transmission in Washington, DC inspired the concept for K-Hole Demon Hunter. Now, I'm pairing my own DIY and microbudget filmmaking experience with an expert team of organizers and artists to bring the project to life.
The Style
K-Hole Demon Hunter feels like a night at the club: dim lights and smoke machines, cigarettes on the roof and a bass line thudding in your chest. Following our key inspirations, we'll be relying on naturalistic lighting, long camera takes, and every inch of our 3-story location to make you feel like you're right there on the dance floor.
We'll be using a Sony FDR-AX53 to shoot the film, allowing us the mobility required to follow our actors throughout the set while capturing a look that feels at home in an underground nightlife videography reel. Check out some test footage stills below:
But anyone who's ever lost themself at a rave knows it's not about the look - it's about the sound. That's why we're partnering with DC-based DJ and musician Miss.q to craft a score that'll have you busting moves all the way home from the movie theater. Check out a past set from Miss.q below:
Last but not least, this project has demons, complete with makeup and special effects to make their presence known even in a crowd of partygoers. To bring the monster part of our monster movie to life, we're partnering with Philadelphia-based makeup and effects artist Elise Brady (Detached).
The Substance
Times are tough for trans communities right now. As we face unprecedented political repression and culture-war "debates" about our existence, we need reminders to take a breath, relax, and let loose. K-Hole Demon Hunter is, first and foremost, an invitation to party - albeit one with a supernatural twist.
At the same time, we're tired of trans-centered films that focus all too often on coming-out or transition narratives that depict individual trans people navigating a mainstream, cisgender social world. K-Hole Demon Hunter depicts a community that looks like many real-life trans communities: here, we are a norm rather than an exception, freeing us to explore our lives and experiences beyond being othered.
What does it mean to navigate loneliness while surrounded by our closest friends? How do we push back against feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt? K-Hole Demon Hunter's characters face the universal struggles of living a life as yourself.
The Ask
With our location secured, casting underway, and crew leads attached, pre-production for K-Hole Demon Hunter is in full swing ahead of a 2-day shoot in the fall of 2026. While our team plans a series of fund-ravers in multiple cities over the summer, we're launching this campaign to help us meet our production budget and make sure everyone has what they need.
This includes:
- Cast and crew. Our talented collaborators have deep connections to nightlife culture and know what it takes to pull off a party. Help us show our appreciation by compensating them for their time.
- Makeup and visual effects. We're working with Philadelphia-based horror makeup artist Elise Brady (Detached) to bring our club's demons to life - and you'll help provide all the silicone and spirit gum needed to make that happen.
- Lights and props. All the smoke machines and lighting rigs that make for a night to remember and a party that pops on-screen.
- Music! Last but not least, your donation will help us compensate our talented composer Miss.q and a curated lineup of contributing artists as they create a score that feels just as much at home on the dance floor as in a short film.
In return for your support, we've lined up some amazing incentives, including:
- A special thank-you in the credits of the film!
- A link to listen to the film's score before almost anyone else!
- An exclusive invitation to be an extra on the set!
- Free admission to a show of your choice at Transmission in DC!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Payroll
Costs $2,000
Help us fairly compensate the talented actors who will help bring Sage, Abby, and the rest of the club to life.
Makeup and Special Effects
Costs $500
It takes a lot of latex and eyeshadow to get our demons ready for a night out!
Crew Payroll
Costs $2,000
Making movies isn't just about being in front of the camera. It's also about the grips, producers, and set decorators who make it all tick!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This project was created by, for, and alongside the communities and spaces it depicts. Based primarily in Philadelphia and Washington, DC, our team combines years of DIY filmmaking experience with nightlife organizing and music. Below are just some of the amazing people bringing K-Hole Demon Hunter to life!
Cody Sooy (he/him, Writer/Director/Producer) is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker and writer whose work centers on themes of trans communities and transmasculine experience. His first short film, “Chrysalis”, screened at the LA Horror Film Festival in 2023; his directorial debut, “His Kingdom Endures”, screened at the Seattle Trans Underground Film Festival and was programmed by the queer cinema collective SEEN in 2025. Sooy’s most recent short film, “We Need More S.A.F.E. Spaces for Women!”, had its New York City premiere at Videodome in May 2026. Sooy’s fiction has appeared in various trans-centered literary publications including Lilac Peril and smoke and mold.
Sophie Fisher (she/her, Producer, "Abby") is a Washington, DC-based organizer who builds and sustains trans community in her city through nightlife, live music, and social events. She is a founding organizer of the DC Trans+ Picnic and has produced events for groups including World Pride, Janeese Lewis George for DC Mayor, and SMYAL, an organization that supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth. She specializes in DIY punk shows and raves that highlight emerging talent in the DC scene. Sophie threw her first party in 4th grade, and hasn’t stopped since. She is excited to apply the skills she has built to “K-Hole Demon Hunter”, her first film.
Felicity Wark (she/her, "Sage") is a devoted reader and freelance copyeditor from Queens, New York. She has modeled for Balenciaga and acted in the upcoming trans horror movie Love Bites.
Flower Estefana Rios (she/her, "Hex") is an actress, writer, and dance floor diva in the gayest of places. Originally from South
Texas, this Chicana chica’s acting work can be seen on stage, screen, cabaret spaces, and nightclubs around New York and beyond.
Evelyn Ivy (she/her, "Moll") is a DJ, musician, and actress based in Philadelphia, PA. She has played at clubs across the eastern United States like Transmission in DC and Rash in New York. She has also starred in several stage productions such as A Number and Women In Congress.
Samson Russell (any pronouns, "Kellan") is a genderqueer DJ that is known for their residency with parties like TOXIC MASC at Transmission and at Trade for T4T. Between acid house, disco and gospel beats that hit with a surprising force of power and a concrete love for techno, Samson tries to cover enough ground sonically to keep everyone feeling included on any dancefloor.
Caz Shegogue (any pronouns, "Clancey") is a DC-based performer and multimedia artist. Recent credits include Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Spring Awakening, and Matilda. Currently, Caz is a teaching artist at Adventure Theatre, and works as a tattooer, sculptor, and painter!
Bashira "Bee" Bint Abu Yahya (she/her/he/him, "Sasha") is a queer Afro-Latina born and raised in Philly. She is a recent Drexel University graduate with a degree in Game Design and Production. Bee has previously acted in Elise Brady's "Detached" as the vengeful zombie main character and Cody Sooy's "PINEYS" teaser as June. Her artistic mediums of choice are mainly videography and video editing, but also photography and fashion. Bee is the type to never miss out on a good rave, and she is excited to bring that real-life energy to the set of K-Hole Demon Hunter.
Jailene Rosario (she/her, "Lillian") has theater and film experience. She is currently a theater student who has taken courses in acting, piano, and improv. She has been acting since childhood and is always open to learning something new. Her skills include longboarding, rollerblading, and figure skating.
Elise Brady (they/them, Makeup/FX) is a local multi-disciplinary artist, film-maker, and SFX/makeup artist. Their love of horror and film began as a young, angsty teenager and blossomed into a career when they joined forces with Ishiki Studios in Prague, Czechia, three years ago. Today, they find themselves as a resident artist with Philadelphia's Blood Sick Productions and as a freelance creator. They most recently debuted their first short film as a director and writer: "Detached", in February 2026. When not making gore and scary slime, they find themselves working their two non-profit jobs, hanging with their stinky cats, or drinking dirty martinis in South Philly.
Quinn Sarracco (she/her, Composer), or Miss.q, is a classical musician, producer, and DJ based in Washington, DC. As a classical musician, she has performed with premier ensembles like the Baltimore Symphony, National Philharmonic, and the Maryland Symphony, and artists such as Cynthia Erivo, Patti LaBelle, Danill Trifonov, and Inon Barnaton. Sarracco began performing as a DJ under the moniker Miss.q in 2024, and quickly made a name for herself spinning hardgroove techno, leftfield bass, and lush ambient sets. She heads the DJ collective Doll Factory, throwing parties with an emphasis on showcasing transgender DJs spinning techno and club music. Miss.q has a love for deep pensive sounds and crafts sets that reflect her lifetime spent surrounded by music.
Katie Warner (she/him, Fight Coordinator) is a fight and intimacy director dedicated to crafting safe moments of physical storytelling. Originally from the DC Metro Area, Katie has spent her whole life training in numerous artistic disciplines at a wide variety of institutions. These include classical ballet, Dutch contemporary dance, butō, the Suzuki Method of Actor Training, and circus arts. Katie is an Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a Senior Company Member and the Secretary of The Noble Blades. She was nominated for the WATCH Award for Stage Combat Choreography in 2023 and 2025. In addition to her choreographic work, Katie is a performer, teaching artist, writer, and musician.
Romeo Stone (she/he, Associate Producer) is a textile artist and aspiring film photographer living in Philadelphia. She is the sweetest butch you've ever met by day and the hottest leatherdyke you've ever wanted by night. She joins K-Hole Demon Hunter to help keep our team on track and keep processes moving forward.