Hysteria Fest 25' Taylor Bustamante on Growth, Storytelling, and Her Haunting Short The Baby - Interview

Taylor Bustamante discusses creative growth, The Baby, and the emotional weight of horror at Hysteria Fest 2025

By Travis Brown | Horror Movies Uncut

At this year’s Hysteria Film Festival, few shorts hit as hard as The Baby—a tense, unsettling psychological horror film from emerging filmmaker Taylor Bustamante. Clocking in just over 15 minutes, the short unpacks the darker edges of motherhood and obsession through eerie visuals, controlled pacing, and a central performance that sticks with you.

Following its screening, we caught up with Taylor for an exclusive interview. Her energy was calm, thoughtful, and deeply grounded—traits that echo the tone of her film. Even with The Baby gaining momentum on the festival circuit, she carries herself as a student of the craft, acknowledging that she’s still learning, still sharpening her vision, and still building the creative tools that will shape her career.

One of the key strengths of The Baby is the haunting performance from Serra Nieman, whose portrayal of the lead character brought depth and emotional complexity to the screen. Taylor spoke highly of Serra’s work and the collaborative spirit on set—evidence of a filmmaker who understands how much a strong cast and crew can elevate a concept beyond the page.

Taylor also touched on what fuels her creatively: storytelling. Before filmmaking, she was a reader and writer, drawn to horror not just for the scares, but for how it explores transformation, fear, and inner turmoil. That literary backbone is evident in the way The Baby balances visual storytelling with psychological depth.

The film received a strong response at Hysteria Fest, with audiences locked in from the first frame to the final, unsettling moments. While many festivals pass on shorts that exceed the 10-minute mark, The Baby proves that when the craft is this solid, length becomes secondary to impact. The film is already slated for several more festival appearances throughout the year.

We’d like to thank Taylor Bustamante for taking the time to speak with us during Hysteria Fest. Her clarity, humility, and creative drive made the conversation a true highlight of the weekend. If The Baby is just the beginning, her next chapters in horror are worth keeping an eye on.

🩸 The Baby screened at Hysteria Film Fest 2025 and continues its festival run this year.

📲 For more exclusive interviews and horror coverage, follow @HMUNCUT and @TravisNyquill.

“Keep the lights on.”