CategoryShort Films
Horror short films — festival winners, proof-of-concept scares and first-time directors.
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Filmmaker Sam Raimi is partnering with the nonprofit organization Decentralized Pictures to discover emerging horror talent. Together, they officially launched the Sam Raimi Horror Award to empower rising independent storytellers. The initiative seeks directors with a unique, fresh perspective on genre filmmaking. The winning filmmaker also receives $25,000 in production funding to complete an original short horror film. A Comprehensive Award Package Beyond initial production capital, the grant recipient gains invaluable industry backing from seasoned professionals. Decentralized Pictures will provide mentorship and dedicated distribution across its upcoming streaming platform. The organization also handles marketing and promotional support for the completed short film. As a result, the award offers rising creators a complete pipeline from initial concept to global digital release. Honoring a Legendary Master of Horror Raimi has built an iconic cinematic legacy across decades of influential storytelling. From his groundbreaking filmography, which includes the Evil Dead franchise, Darkman, Drag Me to Hell, and the survival horror feature Send Help,
Continue reading →
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Latino filmmaker Andrew Jara is celebrating massive online success with his latest short horror film titled The Shadow. The chilling short garnered over seventy-two thousand views within just one week of being uploaded to his official YouTube channel. Genre fans are eagerly sharing the digital release and praising its atmospheric supernatural tension. The project marks another impressive milestone for the independent director following his acclaimed cosmic horror feature The Empty Space. A Creeping Supernatural Threat The suspenseful narrative focuses on a security guard working inside a haunted house attraction who discovers a mysterious entity. Actress Valerie Alene stars as the guard, whose routine shift turns terrifying as the dark manifestation appears. Although she tries to ignore the malevolent presence, the shape gradually expands and dominates her surroundings. Ultimately, she must confront the growing darkness directly before it completely consumes her world. Reconnecting Creative Partners The short film officially reunites director Andrew Jara with lead actress Valerie Alene following their prior
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
The Curse of Tahu’a (La Malédiction des Tahu’a; France, 2026) Official synopsis On a small Pacific island, as a storm approaches, an air traffic controller is contacted by a plane — that no radar can show. Review Director Benjamin Busnel crafts a lean, mean supernatural fear-fare feature with The Curse of Tahu’a. Busnel, who cowrote the screenplay with Myriam Dupuis, strips things down to largely one performer on screen most of the time, with much of the action taking place through radio and phone contact. The aural approach is reminiscent of horror radio plays, of which I am a huge fan, so this style really worked for me. Sometimes leaving things to our imagination can be just as strong, if not more so, then experiencing graphic violence onscreen. Moea (Marie Kauffmann) is a troubled air traffic controller who drinks on the job after losing her pilot husband in an accident. When a massive storm hits her area, a pilot in
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Dogs Reign (France, 2026) Official synopsis Léa, a young deaf woman, is approached by Raph and Julien, two insistent men whose ‘friendly’ invitation feels slightly off — yet she accepts it. As the night unfolds, their intentions grow increasingly unclear, and the tension rises. Review Axel Zeltser won Dark Nights Film Fest’s Best Short Film Director Award for Dogs Reign, and for good reason. The short uses horror to shine a light on predatory behavior. Léa (Chiara Corbetta) is approached by two young men (Julien Crampon and Julien Le Lons) with bad behavior on their minds. She takes them up on their offer and invites them to her home. Giving away anything further would be a disservice to future viewers, but suffice it to say that Zeltser, who also wrote the screenplay, has plenty of shocking surprises in store. Corbetta gives an excellent lead performance and Crampon and Le Lons add solid support. The pacing is perfect and the payoff
Continue reading →
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Disney proudly brings its newest animated feature to Hollywood. Fans can see Disney’s Hexed and the exciting events at the El Capitan Theatre. A Magic Tale Prepare to trade high school and suburbia for a spellbinding world of magic. In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 65th animated feature, impulsive teen Billie discovers that she has magical powers and embarks on an adventure-filled mission with her cautious mother. Jason Hand, Josie Trinidad, and Fawn Veerasunthorn direct the film, starring Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones, Jodi Foster, and Walton Goggins. Early Access and Fan Events First, the theater hosts three early access screenings. These special showings happen on Tuesday, November 24. Fans can attend at 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, or 9:55 PM. A massive Fan Event begins at 7:00 PM. The venue offers two different ticket packages for this celebration. The Hex-Tacular Pack costs $85 and includes priority entry. This premium bundle provides a limited-edition marquee pin and tote. It also contains popcorn, a
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsShort FilmsTrailers
Initially, surviving a horror scenario seems incredibly difficult. However, a new cinematic nightmare, the short film Remain Calm, from Blue Eyed Jack Films and Salty Ghost, introduces an exceptionally twisted rule. Specifically, putting on a brave smile keeps you completely safe. Otherwise, feeling anxious will absolutely guarantee your immediate, gruesome death. Writer and director Jake Lewis crafted this intense project. The gripping fourteen-minute story has become a massive internet sensation and has now gone viral, and rightfully so. Fans are already begging for a full-length feature film adaptation. Star Power Meets Practical Horror This terrifying project features an impressive cast, including comedy legends Pauly Shore and Nick Swardson. Legendary monster actor Doug Jones also joins the ensemble. Smile at the Monster The film begins with two employees struggling to find something ot talk about. When a tall man in a suit (Jones) enters with an eerie grin. Suddenly, the employees’ night takes a terrifying turn as they learn that something has
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
When She Sings (U.K., 2026) Official synopsis In a dreary, British seaside town, a talented artist is haunted by a sinister mermaid, and terrorized by a coven of strange locals. Review When She Sings is a classic example of fine folk horror cinema. Director Paul Holbrook invests his short film with a sense of dread throughout as artist Fay Corr (Laura Bayston, who cowrote the screenplay with Holbrook) is harassed by local townsfolk speaking in mysterious short bursts as she grieves over the death of her sister. Cinematographer James Oldham wonderfully captures the beauty of the coastal setting and the bleakness of Fay’s world, with Composers Hannah Cartwright and Ross Tones aiding greatly with the short’s mood. Moryow (U.K., 2026) Official synopsis A recovering addict, desperate to escape her past, finds herself on a cursed fishing boat headed into a Lovecraftian nightmare where the depths of the ocean feed on her darkest sins. Review Writer/director Ted Wilkes weaves
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Matapanki (Chile, 2026) Official synopsis A punk kid gets superpowers from alcohol and tries to reshape society, but a violent error sparks global tensions with him at the center. Review “Punk’s not dead!” goes the battle cry, and writer/director Diego Fuentes follows that spirit with his action comedy/fantasy feature Matapanki. Punk rock fan Ricardo (Ramón Gálvez) accidentally discovers a bottle of the titular fictitious drink and finds that ingesting the beverage gives him superpowers. With nods to Spider-Man, the film takes him on an origin-story journey where he is reluctant to use his powers despite his friends’ encouragement. Naturally, nefarious forces are at work, which Fuentes uses to skewer local and international political figures and movements. He also uses colorful animation and drawing effects to complement Cinematographer Vicente Correa’s impressive black-and-white work. Fueled with punk soul, a driving soundtrack, and all-in performances, Matapanki is a unique slice of genre-cinema fare. The Thing Inside Her (Canada, 2026) Official synopsis After removing
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Sydney, Australia’s Dark Nights Film Fest takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026. We reviewed some of the Australian shorts screening there, and now we’ll take a look at the feature The Turkish Coffee Table and some more of the short films featured there. Synopses are from the festival’s official website. For more information, visit https://www.darknightsfilmfest.com/. First, I reviewed The Turkish Coffee Table for a previous film festival, but I’ll present that review again here. It’s spoiler free, so no worries about reading it before watching. THE TURKISH COFFEE TABLE (Turkey, 2025) Official synopsis A couple’s argument over a coffee table spirals into chaos when a simple mistake turns into a desperate web of lies, panic, deception, and the terrifying consequences of trying to cover up the truth. Time to remind you of the darkness underlying everything, one that forces you to look into the void with elegance, wit and sympathy. Review Director Caye Casas gave cinephiles perhaps the strongest
Continue reading →
EventsFilm FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Sydney, Australia’s Dark Nights Film Fest presents fear fare from around the globe on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Among its many selections are some terrific homegrown shorts. Here are capsule reviews of some of the Australian short films screening at the festival, all of which come recommended. For more information, visit https://www.darknightsfilmfest.com/. They Kill By Night One of the many things seasoned fright-fare fanatics have learned is to be leery of fellow motel guest. Cowriters/codirectors Grace Uther and Sam Uther deliver an excellent example of this in the shocker They Kill By Night. Jodie (Arnijka Larcombe-Weate) and Aiden (Christopher James Baker) check into a motel room, but will they check out safely? Jodie meets next-room neighbor Jack (Mitchell Bourke) in the parking lot, and They Kill By Night is off to the races with plenty of surprises, action, and the red stuff. This is a fantastic short with super performances, direction, and production values that deserves to get the feature-length
Continue reading →
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EventsMoviesNewsShort Films
Filmmaker Sam Raimi is partnering with the nonprofit organization Decentralized Pictures to discover emerging horror talent. Together, they officially launched the Sam Raimi Horror Award to empower rising independent storytellers. The initiative seeks directors with a unique, fresh perspective on genre filmmaking. The winning filmmaker also receives $25,000 in production funding to complete an original short horror film. A Comprehensive Award Package Beyond initial production capital, the grant recipient gains invaluable industry backing from seasoned professionals. Decentralized Pictures will provide mentorship and dedicated distribution across its upcoming streaming platform. The organization also handles marketing and promotional support for the completed short film. As a result, the award offers rising creators a complete pipeline from initial concept to global digital release. Honoring a Legendary Master of Horror Raimi has built an iconic cinematic legacy across decades of influential storytelling. From his groundbreaking filmography, which includes the Evil Dead franchise, Darkman, Drag Me to Hell, and the survival horror feature Send Help,
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsMoviesNewsShort FilmsStreaming TVYouTube
Latino filmmaker Andrew Jara is celebrating massive online success with his latest short horror film titled The Shadow. The chilling short garnered over seventy-two thousand views within just one week of being uploaded to his official YouTube channel. Genre fans are eagerly sharing the digital release and praising its atmospheric supernatural tension. The project marks another impressive milestone for the independent director following his acclaimed cosmic horror feature The Empty Space. A Creeping Supernatural Threat The suspenseful narrative focuses on a security guard working inside a haunted house attraction who discovers a mysterious entity. Actress Valerie Alene stars as the guard, whose routine shift turns terrifying as the dark manifestation appears. Although she tries to ignore the malevolent presence, the shape gradually expands and dominates her surroundings. Ultimately, she must confront the growing darkness directly before it completely consumes her world. Reconnecting Creative Partners The short film officially reunites director Andrew Jara with lead actress Valerie Alene following their prior
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
The Curse of Tahu’a (La Malédiction des Tahu’a; France, 2026) Official synopsis On a small Pacific island, as a storm approaches, an air traffic controller is contacted by a plane — that no radar can show. Review Director Benjamin Busnel crafts a lean, mean supernatural fear-fare feature with The Curse of Tahu’a. Busnel, who cowrote the screenplay with Myriam Dupuis, strips things down to largely one performer on screen most of the time, with much of the action taking place through radio and phone contact. The aural approach is reminiscent of horror radio plays, of which I am a huge fan, so this style really worked for me. Sometimes leaving things to our imagination can be just as strong, if not more so, then experiencing graphic violence onscreen. Moea (Marie Kauffmann) is a troubled air traffic controller who drinks on the job after losing her pilot husband in an accident. When a massive storm hits her area, a pilot in
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Dogs Reign (France, 2026) Official synopsis Léa, a young deaf woman, is approached by Raph and Julien, two insistent men whose ‘friendly’ invitation feels slightly off — yet she accepts it. As the night unfolds, their intentions grow increasingly unclear, and the tension rises. Review Axel Zeltser won Dark Nights Film Fest’s Best Short Film Director Award for Dogs Reign, and for good reason. The short uses horror to shine a light on predatory behavior. Léa (Chiara Corbetta) is approached by two young men (Julien Crampon and Julien Le Lons) with bad behavior on their minds. She takes them up on their offer and invites them to her home. Giving away anything further would be a disservice to future viewers, but suffice it to say that Zeltser, who also wrote the screenplay, has plenty of shocking surprises in store. Corbetta gives an excellent lead performance and Crampon and Le Lons add solid support. The pacing is perfect and the payoff
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsShort FilmsTrailers
Disney proudly brings its newest animated feature to Hollywood. Fans can see Disney’s Hexed and the exciting events at the El Capitan Theatre. A Magic Tale Prepare to trade high school and suburbia for a spellbinding world of magic. In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 65th animated feature, impulsive teen Billie discovers that she has magical powers and embarks on an adventure-filled mission with her cautious mother. Jason Hand, Josie Trinidad, and Fawn Veerasunthorn direct the film, starring Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones, Jodi Foster, and Walton Goggins. Early Access and Fan Events First, the theater hosts three early access screenings. These special showings happen on Tuesday, November 24. Fans can attend at 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, or 9:55 PM. A massive Fan Event begins at 7:00 PM. The venue offers two different ticket packages for this celebration. The Hex-Tacular Pack costs $85 and includes priority entry. This premium bundle provides a limited-edition marquee pin and tote. It also contains popcorn, a
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsShort FilmsTrailers
Initially, surviving a horror scenario seems incredibly difficult. However, a new cinematic nightmare, the short film Remain Calm, from Blue Eyed Jack Films and Salty Ghost, introduces an exceptionally twisted rule. Specifically, putting on a brave smile keeps you completely safe. Otherwise, feeling anxious will absolutely guarantee your immediate, gruesome death. Writer and director Jake Lewis crafted this intense project. The gripping fourteen-minute story has become a massive internet sensation and has now gone viral, and rightfully so. Fans are already begging for a full-length feature film adaptation. Star Power Meets Practical Horror This terrifying project features an impressive cast, including comedy legends Pauly Shore and Nick Swardson. Legendary monster actor Doug Jones also joins the ensemble. Smile at the Monster The film begins with two employees struggling to find something ot talk about. When a tall man in a suit (Jones) enters with an eerie grin. Suddenly, the employees’ night takes a terrifying turn as they learn that something has
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
When She Sings (U.K., 2026) Official synopsis In a dreary, British seaside town, a talented artist is haunted by a sinister mermaid, and terrorized by a coven of strange locals. Review When She Sings is a classic example of fine folk horror cinema. Director Paul Holbrook invests his short film with a sense of dread throughout as artist Fay Corr (Laura Bayston, who cowrote the screenplay with Holbrook) is harassed by local townsfolk speaking in mysterious short bursts as she grieves over the death of her sister. Cinematographer James Oldham wonderfully captures the beauty of the coastal setting and the bleakness of Fay’s world, with Composers Hannah Cartwright and Ross Tones aiding greatly with the short’s mood. Moryow (U.K., 2026) Official synopsis A recovering addict, desperate to escape her past, finds herself on a cursed fishing boat headed into a Lovecraftian nightmare where the depths of the ocean feed on her darkest sins. Review Writer/director Ted Wilkes weaves
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Matapanki (Chile, 2026) Official synopsis A punk kid gets superpowers from alcohol and tries to reshape society, but a violent error sparks global tensions with him at the center. Review “Punk’s not dead!” goes the battle cry, and writer/director Diego Fuentes follows that spirit with his action comedy/fantasy feature Matapanki. Punk rock fan Ricardo (Ramón Gálvez) accidentally discovers a bottle of the titular fictitious drink and finds that ingesting the beverage gives him superpowers. With nods to Spider-Man, the film takes him on an origin-story journey where he is reluctant to use his powers despite his friends’ encouragement. Naturally, nefarious forces are at work, which Fuentes uses to skewer local and international political figures and movements. He also uses colorful animation and drawing effects to complement Cinematographer Vicente Correa’s impressive black-and-white work. Fueled with punk soul, a driving soundtrack, and all-in performances, Matapanki is a unique slice of genre-cinema fare. The Thing Inside Her (Canada, 2026) Official synopsis After removing
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Sydney, Australia’s Dark Nights Film Fest takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026. We reviewed some of the Australian shorts screening there, and now we’ll take a look at the feature The Turkish Coffee Table and some more of the short films featured there. Synopses are from the festival’s official website. For more information, visit https://www.darknightsfilmfest.com/. First, I reviewed The Turkish Coffee Table for a previous film festival, but I’ll present that review again here. It’s spoiler free, so no worries about reading it before watching. THE TURKISH COFFEE TABLE (Turkey, 2025) Official synopsis A couple’s argument over a coffee table spirals into chaos when a simple mistake turns into a desperate web of lies, panic, deception, and the terrifying consequences of trying to cover up the truth. Time to remind you of the darkness underlying everything, one that forces you to look into the void with elegance, wit and sympathy. Review Director Caye Casas gave cinephiles perhaps the strongest
Continue reading →
EventsFilm FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort Films
Sydney, Australia’s Dark Nights Film Fest presents fear fare from around the globe on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Among its many selections are some terrific homegrown shorts. Here are capsule reviews of some of the Australian short films screening at the festival, all of which come recommended. For more information, visit https://www.darknightsfilmfest.com/. They Kill By Night One of the many things seasoned fright-fare fanatics have learned is to be leery of fellow motel guest. Cowriters/codirectors Grace Uther and Sam Uther deliver an excellent example of this in the shocker They Kill By Night. Jodie (Arnijka Larcombe-Weate) and Aiden (Christopher James Baker) check into a motel room, but will they check out safely? Jodie meets next-room neighbor Jack (Mitchell Bourke) in the parking lot, and They Kill By Night is off to the races with plenty of surprises, action, and the red stuff. This is a fantastic short with super performances, direction, and production values that deserves to get the feature-length
Continue reading →
