Images: Frightfest Press
By Jon Donnis
Since its inception in 2004, FrightFest has been the premiere destination for aficionados of genre cinema, offering a platform for the boldest and most innovative short films from across the globe. The 2024 edition, held at the iconic ODEON Luxe West End, continues this tradition with an exceptional lineup that showcases the best in horror, thriller, and dark fantasy shorts. This year’s selection includes fourteen World Premieres and spans an impressive array of themes, styles, and perspectives, affirming FrightFest's status as a hub for both emerging talents and established filmmakers.
Pre-Feature Shorts: A Glimpse into the Dark
One of the highlights of this year's festival is the collection of pre-feature shorts that will set the stage for the main features in both the Main and Discovery screens. Among these is the UK Premiere of Bella Thorne’s directorial debut, UNSETTLED. This haunting tale, based on a true queer revenge saga, delves into the horrors lurking within the conservative Bible Belt of Oklahoma. Other standout pre-feature shorts include Brea Grant’s MLM, a darkly humorous take on the perils of multi-level marketing, and Thom Newell’s FULL MOON GLORY HOLE, a twisted vampiristic tale that promises more than just a cheap thrill.
Adam Mason’s HOTLINE, which pays homage to the 70’s horror classic When A Stranger Calls, and Zach Parker’s BARISTA, a gory love letter to 70s exploitation cinema, further elevate the lineup. Each of these shorts, with their unique narratives and striking visual styles, perfectly primes audiences for the full-length features that follow.
Showcase Line-Ups: A Global Perspective on Genre Cinema
The short film showcases are where FrightFest truly shines, presenting a rich tapestry of stories from around the world. The first showcase features a range of international premieres, including FOREVER YOURS from Germany, a disturbing exploration of obsessive love, and THE COST OF FLESH from France, a visually stunning piece that immerses viewers in a tale of dark mysticism. The showcase also includes VHX, a U.S. entry that cleverly reimagines the horror potential of forgotten home movies.
From the surreal to the visceral, these films push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Colin Minihan’s TRIP, for instance, uses groundbreaking VFX to create a hallucinatory journey into the unknown, while SHADOW by Kamell Allaway employs atmospheric horror to tell a chilling tale of maternal terror. Meanwhile, FOMO/ARMAGEDDON from Denmark offers a poignant reflection on family illness and societal neglect, culminating in a moving and apocalyptic narrative.
UK Shorts: Homegrown Horrors
The UK is well-represented this year with twenty-two entries, showcasing the diversity and talent within the local genre filmmaking community. THE AWAKENING, starring Daniel Mays, stands out as a highlight, bringing a chilling story of nocturnal mystery to life. Returning FrightFest directors like David Yorke (SAFE) and Tony Hipwell (BODY WORN VIDEO) continue to impress with their latest works, demonstrating a mastery of tension and psychological horror.
These UK shorts cover a wide range of themes, from the macabre DIY dentistry in THE VAMPIRE THEORY to the supernatural terror of NYCTOPHOBIA. The darkly comedic BREAKFAST and the eerie DELIVERANCE explore the horror that can lurk in everyday situations, proving that even the most mundane moments can become nightmarish in the hands of skilled filmmakers.
A Celebration of Genre Diversity
FrightFest 2024 is not just a showcase of horror—it’s a celebration of genre filmmaking in all its forms. From the deeply unsettling to the darkly humorous, the films selected for this year’s festival reflect the broad spectrum of styles and stories that genre cinema can encompass. With filmmakers from around the world contributing their unique voices to this year’s lineup, FrightFest continues to be a vital platform for both up-and-coming talents and established genre masters.
As audiences gather at the ODEON Luxe West End, they can expect to be thrilled, terrified, and utterly captivated by the imaginative storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship on display. Whether it's through the psychological terror of a World Premiere or the gruesome fun of a pre-feature short, FrightFest 2024 promises to be a feast for fans of the genre.
Full Line-Up Details
For those eager to dive into the specifics, the festival offers a meticulously curated schedule. From the unsettling tension of UNSETTLED to the haunting beauty of OPEN YOUR EYES, each short promises a unique experience, ensuring that this year’s FrightFest will linger in the minds of its audience long after the credits roll.
Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 runs from 22–26 August at ODEON Luxe Leicester Sq & ODEON Luxe West End. Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of genre cinema unfold on the big screen.
For full programme details & tickets: www.frightfest.co.uk