While Hollywood spends millions on marketing, a local filmmaker has proven that a chilling atmosphere and a loyal North East following are the ultimate recipe for viral success.
Christmas Eve, the latest short film from award-winning director Dean Midas, has become an online phenomenon. Produced on a shoestring budget of just £50, the film has skyrocketed to nearly 40,000 views in just six weeks, proving that independent regional cinema can punch well above its weight.
The film’s success marks a new peak for the Eve Valentine franchise. Since her 2020 debut, Eve has evolved from a screen character into a genuine North East legend. Unlike Hollywood imports, Eve was “born and bred” in the towns and villages of County Durham, turning February 13th (Valentine’s Eve) into a date of dread that local fans anticipate as much as Halloween.
The “Eve-on-the-map” effect has transcended digital screens. In a rare move for the horror genre, Eve Valentine has a permanent physical presence at the Manor House Hotel and Spa in West Auckland, which hosts the dedicated “Eve Suite.”
This year, the franchise reaches a historic milestone. In February 2026, Valentine’s Eve falls on Friday the 13th. This “perfect storm” of dates will be marked by the Eve Valentine Masquerade Ball at the Manor House Hotel. Reflecting the character’s massive popularity, the event is already a total sell-out.
Reflecting on the viral success of Christmas Eve and the growth of the franchise, Director Dean Midas said:
“The past six years have been amazing. To see a film made for £50 reach nearly 40,000 people in such a short time is incredible. Eve is a testament that dreams can come true.”
As the views continue to climb, the message is clear: the North East has claimed Eve Valentine as its own. She is no longer just a character in a film; she is a County Durham institution.
Dean Midas is an award-winning filmmaker based in the North East of England, known for creating high-impact, independent horror films that showcase regional talent and locations. All of his films are shot on a mobile phone.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
