Shorts go large at Film4 Frightfest

All 4 titles among festival premières.

by Jennie Kermode

They're Closing In
They're Closing In

Frightfest today announced its largest ever Short Film Showcase, including films from 13 different countries. Among 11 world premières and seven European premières are six films from the Moments Of Horror series by new production outfit All 4.

All 4 has replaced 4OD as part of Channel 4's commitment to supporting new filmmakers. 4OD, which ran for nine years, focused on traditional filmmaking while 4OD reflects the switch to digital and has seen increased content made available online, where Channel 4 has seen revenues triple over the past year. "A Moment Of Horror will disturb your perception of the mundane, and plant images in your head that will make you think twice before turning off the light at night," an All 4 spokesperson promised.

"We are thrilled with the short films programmed this year, with 31 titles from Europe, North America and the Middle East. These films show the incredible diversity of fantastic genre cinema, from gory horror to creepy thrillers to chilling science fiction to moody experimental, with films that are both live action featuring amazing actors, and stunning stop-motion animation. FrightFest audiences have the opportunity to see emerging talents as well as regular favourites," said Shelagh Rowan-Legg, who programmed the shorts.

Frightfest has a strong history of supporting up-and-coming filmmakers and has seen several of the directors whose shorts it has screened go on to create full-length features. Not all of this year's shorts have been made by newcomers, however, ad there are some established genre names involved. Actress Karen Gillan makes her directorial début with Coward, Billy Boyd and Johnny Vegas star in The Alpha Invention and Deathly features a Clint Mansell score. Surgery, a film by the sons of the legendary Brian Clemens, Sam and George, will also be shown.

Share this with others on...

Movies out this week include:

Is This Thing On? Nouvelle Vague Primate Rabbit Trap
News

Home truths Marijana Janković on Balkan representation, and the immigrant question of belonging

The division belle Suzannah Herbert on facing the US' troubled history and making Natchez

Spin-off alchemy Claude Schmitz on bringing back cop pairing for Conrad & Crab – Idiotic Gems

Past crime Christoffer Boe on creating a world for his period mystery Special Unit - The First Murder

It Was Just An Accident screenwriter arrested in Iran Jafar Panahi speaks out

Sundance announces winners Josephine, Nuisance Bear, Shame And Money and To Hold A Mountain take top prizes

More news and features

Interact

As we move into 2026, don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.

With awards season in full flow, you can keep track of the latest news on that here:

César nominations Nouvelle Vague leads the race for France's biggest awards

BAFTA nominations One Battle After Another and Sinners almost neck and neck

Critics' Circle Awards One Battle After Another wins fight

Oscars Sinners dominates the nominations