Award-winning short The Soul Trader hits AFM 2025 as Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace meet top producers and distributors for its feature film future.
Acclaimed short film “The Soul Trader” is at American Film Market 2025 this week with Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace taking meetings with potential production partners and distributors to further their feature film adaptation.
Following a year of festival acclaim, the duo’s packed schedule of meetings shows the next chapter is in motion.
AFM remains the world’s premier marketplace for independent film, where more than $1 billion in distribution and financing deals are closed each year.
This year’s edition, taking place in Century City, is breaking records before it even begins, with major studios and indie players announcing headline-making deals and partnerships.
For Director / Producer Susan Dynner and Actress / Executive Producer Shauna Grace, it’s a week of opportunity — filled with high-level meetings including production partners, distributors, and financiers curious to connect on the next big thing.
“We’re thrilled to return to AFM for meetings with partners who share our passion for bold, original storytelling,”
Susan Dynner
Director / Producer
“It’s an incredible time for independent film.”
In 2024, Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace were chosen from a worldwide competition of filmmakers for the exclusive AFM pitchfest seminar hosted by Producer Cassian Elwes.
The duo pitched The Soul Trader, received expert feedback and are back looking for partners for the feature version of their acclaimed short film.
About The Soul Trader
The Soul Trader is a 12-minute proof of concept short directed by Susan Dynner (Brick, Punk’s Not Dead, Code Blue: A Love Story) and starring Shauna Grace, Shane West (A Walk to Remember, ER), and Donna Mills (Knots Landing, Nope).
The story follows Coral Chase (Grace), an occult hitwoman who steals and sells life-extending souls to wealthy elites like Erica Claessen (Mills), who clings desperately to her fading youth. When Coral’s enigmatic bodyguard Damien (West) turns from ally to adversary, a deadly game of betrayal unfolds — and not everyone walks away with their soul intact.
Visually striking, thematically dark, with strong performances, the film explores ambition, vanity, and the high price of immortality.
A Festival Favorite With Global Momentum
After premiering at Cannes Film Festival’s American Pavilion, The Soul Trader has been racking up awards and festival buzz across continents.
The short has earned honors at:
- Manhattan Film Festival (New York City)
- Rock The Shorts (Beverly Hills)
- Austin After Dark (Texas)
- London Horror Film Awards (UK)
- CineQuest (San Jose, Academy Award qualifying)
It has also screened at acclaimed showcases including DC Shorts, Calabasas Film Festival, American Film Convention, and the inaugural Boise Film Fest — drawing packed audiences and rave reviews for its production value and performances.
“It’s been an amazing journey seeing audiences respond to the film,”
Shauna Grace
exective producer / actress
“And now meeting with partners at AFM is the next big step.”
Building the Future: From Short Film to Feature
At AFM, Dynner and Grace are actively meeting with potential partners to expand The Soul Trader into a feature film, a natural evolution for a story this cinematic in scope.
“This was always designed as a proof of concept,”
Susan Dynner.
“AFM is the perfect place to take the next step and bring this world to life on a larger scale.”
Grace adds, “We’ve had incredible conversations about where this story can go — and we’re excited to explore every opportunity.”
Behind the Camera: A Powerhouse Team
The creative team behind The Soul Trader includes:
- Cinematographer: Matthias Schubert (Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me)
- Editor: David Hopper (Rust Creek)
- Composer: Jeff Russo (Fargo, Star Trek: Discovery)
- Writer: Mike Underwood
Together, they’ve crafted a dark, stylish world that’s already attracting industry attention — and could soon expand into something much bigger.
Award-winning short The Soul Trader hits AFM 2025 as Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace meet top producers and distributors for its feature film future.
