“The Fifth Chair”: An Independent Triumph Across Global Festivals

Chris Vaughn’s haunting short film The Fifth Chair has carved out a powerful reputation on the international festival circuit, earning three major awards, eight official selections, two quarter-finalist honors, one nomination, and one honorable mention. Its combination of psychological tension, spiritual allegory, and visual artistry has drawn praise from both faith-based audiences and independent film critics alike, marking it as one of the standout short films of its class.

At its core, The Fifth Chair explores the unseen weight of conscience, faith, and redemption through a moody, character-driven narrative. Vaughn’s direction is minimalist yet intense, guiding viewers through the moral gray zones that define the human soul. The result is a film that lingers — not through spectacle, but through silence, tension, and reflection.

The film’s first major win came at the Couch Film Festival (2022), where it earned the award for Best Horror (5:01–20:00 Minutes). This win was particularly notable because The Fifth Chair isn’t a traditional horror film; rather, it uses elements of dread, guilt, and spiritual unease to create psychological terror rooted in moral consequence. Judges cited the film’s “eerie restraint and profound emotional impact,” celebrating its ability to haunt without relying on gore or cliché.

Shortly after, The Fifth Chair took home two additional wins at the International Motion Picture Awards (2022) — for Best Producer and Best Cinematography. Chris Vaughn and Ernest O’Donnell shared the producing honor, a recognition of their collaborative vision and resourcefulness in creating cinematic depth on an independent budget. Cinematographer Alex Gray earned his own award for crafting a visual language that perfectly mirrored the film’s moral tension — his use of shadow, symmetry, and subdued color palettes amplified the story’s sense of divine reckoning.

Together, these three award wins established The Fifth Chair not only as a festival favorite but as a genuine creative achievement across multiple disciplines. Vaughn’s storytelling, O’Donnell’s production partnership, and Gray’s lens artistry formed a perfect trinity of creative synergy that elevated the film far beyond its modest means.

Beyond its wins, The Fifth Chair was also recognized as a Quarter-Finalist at both the Cut International Short Film Festival and the WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival, each celebrating its narrative and technical command. Its Nominee distinction from the Screen Power Film Festival in London further validated its cross-continental appeal, while an Honorable Mention from the Eastern Europe Film Festival praised its “moral depth and minimalist beauty.”

In total, The Fifth Chair received eight official selections, including notable appearances at the Garden State Film Festival, Faith & Family Christian Film Festival, Wallachia International Film Festival, and MZIAIF International Film Festival — spanning audiences from the U.S. to Europe.

Through these accolades, The Fifth Chair has proven that independent cinema still thrives on story, vision, and conviction. Vaughn’s blend of theological tension and cinematic craftsmanship places him among the most promising filmmakers emerging from New Jersey’s creative landscape. As critics and festivals alike have discovered, The Fifth Chair doesn’t just entertain — it challenges the soul.