‘Whispers of the Witching Hour’ Hits VOD

An independently produced feature from Chicago-based IndieBlackmagic Productions has arrived online this week. Whispers of the Witching Hour, directed by Tommy Jackson and co-produced by Ivana Cipurko, is now available to rent or buy on Vimeo On Demand. Shot entirely without external funding or a full ‘Hollywood’ crew, the film presents a period-set psychological horror story centred on obsession, grief and the consequences of invoking forbidden forces.

Set in the early 1900s, the film follows a young man who attempts to use dark magic to manipulate his brother’s wife into loving him. The ritual leads to unintended consequences that blur the boundaries between reality and delusion. According to Jackson, the film is intended as a reflection on the psychological weight of mental illness and unresolved desire, with the supernatural elements serving to externalise internal distress.

Production took place on location in and around the Roff House, a property noted for its local folklore. Jackson and Cipurko handled all aspects of the production themselves. Jackson served as writer, director, cinematographer and editor, utilising Blackmagic Pyxis 6K cameras to deliver what he described as a “visually high-calibre” result. Cipurko oversaw costume design, makeup, and producing duties. The pair previously collaborated on a feature in 2024 and have continued to operate without traditional industry infrastructure.

In a prepared statement, Jackson said: “Our narrative strikes a chord with those who have encountered the relentless grip of mental illness or witnessed the slow unraveling of a loved one. It’s a raw exploration of the human psyche that will make you question the true cost of emotional anguish—and how deeply it can scar those around us.”

Whispers of the Witching Hour is the second film from IndieBlackmagic Productions, a micro-studio founded by Jackson with the stated aim of producing self-funded cinema with a focus on character-driven storytelling. The studio’s model follows a growing trend in independent horror filmmaking, where minimal budgets and limited crew are offset by control over creative direction and thematic focus.

The film’s digital release follows its completion earlier this year and is part of a broader push among independent filmmakers to bypass traditional distribution routes. Its availability on a platform like Vimeo reflects continued interest in alternative release strategies, particularly among filmmakers operating outside of conventional financing and studio support.

Whispers of the Witching Hour is now streaming for rent or purchase on Vimeo On Demand. You an watch it here: vimeo.com/ondemand/whisperswitchinghour