Entertainment media distribution group GoDigital have announced the digital release of Shadow in the Trees, directed by UCLA graduate Chris Smith.

Smith is best known as the brains behind web series Dorm Life, which premiered on Hulu and YouTube in 2007 and went on to garner honours at the W3, Webby and Streamy Awards. To date, the series has received over 14m views.

Shadow In The Trees is Smith’s feature debut, and was made as a tribute to his father, who died in 2004 while attempting to save two young boys from drowning. The film is built around the conversations Smith shared and the journals he wrote in the months following his father’s death.

Smith wrote, directed, produced and edited the film during his time as a student at UCLA, on a budget just below $50,000 (€37,415).

“With this film, I hope to connect with people who have also lost someone they loved. To show them that they are not alone, and maybe even give those who have not endured such a tragedy a chance to appreciate what they have. But if nothing else, I hope to scare the pants off the viewer,” said Smith.

Shadow In The Trees debuted on iTunes, CinemaNow and YouTube Rentals from Jan 11, before being made available on cable on demand systems across the US from February.

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