At Dead Northern, horror is celebrated. Everything from ghouls and grisly creatures, rotting zombies and decaying monsters, morbid killers and flesh-eating humanoids, through to animated frights and vengeful retributions, is what makes our film festivals an epic weekend of gruesome fun. As we near our sixth year of curating an unmissable experience, here is 2025's festival all wrapped up! 

Feature Films

Nightfall - A Paranormal Investigation (Directed by Myles McEwan and Ripley Stevens) 

All the way from down under is Aussie filmmaking duo, Myles McEwan and Ripley Stevens, whose creativity and evident flair for the dark and disturbed come to life in the bone-chilling supernatural horror 'Nightfall - A Paranormal Investigation'. Leading this journey into haunting, deadly occurrences are paranormal detectives Mick and Archie (played by McEwan and Stevens respectively), who over the years have successfully tackled countless cases of the great unknown. One caveat in their armour is one case that remains open, gnawing away at the back of their minds ever since it arose in 1988. Nightfall tells the fateful tale of the ever-lingering Case 13. Armed with plenty of frightful imagery and a grippingly uneasy atmosphere is the film's unique lens of storytelling. Not quite a found-footage, mockumentary or traditional filmmaking, Nightfall is rather akin to that of a portmanteau of non-linear, firsthand perspectives dashed with archived footage that inflames the entire film with an unflinching realism that makes every ghostly discovery all the more alarming. 

The Beast of Riverside Hollow (Directed by John Williams) 

 Not to be missed and definitely not to be underestimated is 'The Beast of Riverside Hollow', which melds together dry, sarcastic British humour with a good ole' creature feature, coupled with raucously over-the-top gore and a litany of brilliant cameos from the likes of Ross Noble, Johnny Vegas, Shaun Ryder and Bez! This excellently lewd and crude horror opens with none other than a dogging incident gone awry, leaving the Northern Moorlands village of Riverside Hollow in fear as a beast rips their way through the occupants one by one. Despite its complete irreverence in plot, writer and director John Williams grounds the comedic tone through gory practical effects and genuinely impressive performances, propelling the film away from ludicrousness, opting instead for a valiant mix of parody and genuine B-movie sporadicness. 

Home Education (Directed by Andrea Niada) 

Rachel (Lydia Page), a young, isolated teenager, has long been indoctrinated by her controlling parents and their disturbed beliefs. Completely detached from reality, Rachel's strict world soon starts to crumble around her after the death of her father. Now alone with her possessive mother, the lost adolescent must grapple with her troubling home life and her burgeoning sense of self throughout this horror coming-of-age story. 'Home Education' is akin to that of a Pandora's box where the truth of Rachel's becoming and her family's philosophies are continually shrouded in mystery. Rarely is the audience fed the whole truth; instead, director Andrea Niada trickles in deception and intrigue throughout every instance of revelation, leaving us bewildered, enamoured and truly unnerved throughout this fairy-tale-like nightmare. 

Hell House LLC: Lineage (Directed by Stephen Cognetti) 

 Beginning its lineage in 2015, the 'Hell House LLC' films have become synonymous with the definition of all things fear, with the fifth and final entry in the series ', Hell House LLC: Lineage', being no exception. The films are not only a testament to the methods of indie filmmaking, but also to the creativity and world-building that the horror genre allows for. After hosting a behind-the-scenes tour of a haunt in the truly horrifying 'Hell House LLC: Lake of Fire' (2019), Vanessa Shepherd (Elizabeth Vermilyea) has never been the same. Feeling a call from another realm continually drag her back to the horrors of the Abaddon Hotel and the Carmichael Manor, she embarks on a journey to find closure; however, a relentless evil force lies in wait. As the series reaches its conclusion in Lineage, devoted fans are let into the grisly bones of the Abaddon Hotel, Tully himself and the mysterious horror behind it all. Lineage takes a bold approach, steering away from its found-footage roots and venturing down the classic filmmaking approach, in turn hosting a stage for Cognetti's unique eye for bold settings and well-crafted jump scares to flourish. 

Tabula Rasa (Directed by Juanfer Andrés and Esteban Roel) 

Tabula Rasa, an ancient Latin term that loosely means 'clean slate ', has been used as a literary and cinematic device countless times before; however, this Spanish horror film created by Juanfer Andrés and Esteban Roel takes this ominous motif and twist into a complex and devastatingly brutal tale of false realities and the tragic loss of self. Set against a stunning backdrop of a mansion dripping with wealth and opulence are Leo (Macarena Gómez), her husband Julio (Carlos Bardem), and their infant son, Izan. Although picture-perfect, Leo is feeling the effects of postpartum depression, with the pair struggling to experience the expected bond. Events descend even further when Izan goes missing, leaving an increasingly spiralling Leo to question everyone and everything she holds dear in the desperate struggle to regain normalcy and her suspiciously missing child. 

Sun (Directed by Dominic Lahiff) 

Using the art of movement and performance as a major plot device is Dominic Lahiff's 'Sun', a New York City set horror that sees dancer Sunhill (Cordell 'Storm' Purnell) spend a maddening night in the bustling city as the walls between reality and the mind become one. Sun keeps its cards close, revealing its complex and psychologically oriented horror through unconventional filmmaking methods. There are no grandiose creatures or monsters, no massive bloodshed or jumpscares, alternatively, the chilling terror is all ignited through the likes of intricate choreography and intense lighting that emulate Sunhill's internalised trauma that has been bubbling and lurking underneath the surface, desperate to come out for some time. 

He Kills at Night (Directed by Thomas Pickering)  

Festive frights unite in this bitterly icy British horror 'He Kills At Night'. Beaten to the point of black and blue, Marie (Levi Heaton) drives on a desolate, snow-filled backroad before coming across an oddly abandoned car. Watching from the shadows is Alan (Richard Galloway), a deeply disturbed man who hijacks Marie's car and demands that she smuggle him out of the country to escape the heat of his dangerous actions. Nothing is as it seems throughout this Yuletide psychological horror, with director Thomas Pickering throwing one curveball after another. As such, what unfolds is nothing less than a cleverly woven and cryptic cat-and-mouse game of 'kill or be killed'. 

A Mother's Recall (Directed by Mauro Iván Ojeda) 

In the harsh world of the foster system is Genaro (Santino Resta), an orphaned teenager who is adopted by a married couple, Adelina (Vilma Echeverría) and Aurelio (Edgardo Molinelli), joining his new siblings, the eerily quiet Samuel (Mateo Berti Tallarico) and the oddly enigmatic Nuria (Julieta Palermo). On paper, Genaro has been blessed with a nuclear family that fellow orphans can only dream of. However, creepy bumps in the night, strange familial ties and increasingly horrifying nightmares plague Samuel to the point of no return. 'A Mother's Recall' layers visceral scares that hit the audience with a guttural punch to the senses, weaponising some genuinely horrific practical effects whose sensory effect on us lingers long after watching. Scenes of disgust and abject terror are peppered amongst an equally emotionally terrifying plot that explores dramatic themes such as the innate horror of maternal presences and an omnipresent internal dread. 

Spectres and Shadows Short Films

OK/NOT OK (Directed by Pardeep Sahota) 

'OK/NO OK' offers an innovative and bold take on such a prevalent topic surrounding the loss of humanity and the falseness of emerging technology, a notion that is richly explored throughout Pardeep Sahota's short that follows Loretta (Bairavi Manoharan) tackle eerie relationships in the very scary modern world. 

The Birdwatcher (Directed by Ryan Mackfall) 

Isolation surveyed under a Lovecraftian lens summarises why 'The Birdwatcher' is such a captivating short. Although it has less than 15-minutes runtime, Ryan Mackfall's visions of an uncanny abyss have all the makings of an immersive and alarming, frightening feature film as we see a strange disappearance come to light. 

Don't Look (Directed by Danny Murphy) 

'Don't Look' follows a group of friends flocking to an old, creepy house in the woods for a game of Don't Look, requiring them to keep their eyes shut; otherwise, a fatal occult force will be unleashed. Classic in its story, but innovative in its execution, Don't Look is not to be missed.  

The Fairy Moon (Directed by Craig Williams) 

With an impressive cast featuring James Swanton, Johnny Vivash and Julia Davis, 'The Fairy Moon' follows a man whose odd encounter with a stranger leads to 12 minutes of nightmare fuel as the walls of normalcy slowly collapse. 

Teeth, Claws, Tentacles & Clowns Short Films

Killergotchi (Directed by Carlos Cobos) 

After Pepa (Zöe Millán) is given the latest toy, the 'Videogotchi', a handheld digital pet where the owner acts as its mother, things take a turn for the worse. The 1990s-set 'Killergotchi' plays with elements such as nostalgia and gory horror throughout, offering a milieu of fun and terror. 

Bloodbuzz (Directed by Daisy Bata)

This unsettling psychological creature-feature-esque short oozes grotesque body horror alongside an intricate plot that follows a conspiracy-obsessed teen (Beth Taylor) whose fixation on rumours of climate-mutated 'mosquitozoids' leads her down a deadly path. 

The Incredible Headless Woman (Directed by Chester Carr) 

'The Incredible Headless Woman' rattles the viewer just as much as it raises curious intrigue, with the short film displaying carnivalesque, dream-like surrealism and mind-bending thematics as we watch three men (Cyril Blake, Toby Wynn-Davies and Joseph Simpson-Bushel) play a mysterious game…

The Quackening (Directed by James Button)

'The Quakening' director James Button stars as an angry Welshman whose grandmother (also Button) has only gone and bloody cursed herself! Unlike anything you've ever seen before is this horror short that can only be described as pure comedic gold. 

God Squad (Directed by James Plumb and James Morrissey) 

Chock-full of enough humour and content to be adapted into a feature film is the rip-roaringly hilarious and riotously fun 'God Squad', an outrageous must-see that follows holy agents, Barry (Lucas Eisel) and Pat (Rob Murphy) on a call-out to exorcise a demon. 

Irish Son (Directed by Tolu Ogunware) 

'Irish Son' chronicles the journey of a man (Cameron Tharmaratnam) who stumbles upon a quiet cafe hosted by a hostile waitress (Vicky Allen). Bitter silence is soon cut when 'The Stranger' (Jonny Everett) arrives, catalysing a hellish series of events. Tolu Ogunware's short tackles a raw integrity to terror, combined with a keen and uncanny sense of otherness. 

Inside the Mind Short Films

Nap (Directed by Javier Chavanel) 

This intense Spanish short film sees people partake in a dangerous study, requiring them to be asleep at exactly 4:30 am; if not, they will suffer fatal consequences. With cryptic storylines and a focus on the primitive drive for survival, Nap is a fearsome experience. 

ES (Directed by Giovanni A. Pedde and Vittorino Testa)

Giovanni A. Pedde and Vittorino Testa's 'ES' has all the alluring ambience of a psychological thriller combined with a sense of foreboding horror that only fully unravels at the very last second, leaving audiences shrouded in a cloud of suspense throughout. 

Passion (Directed by Darren Ward) 

Pumped with a neo-giallo energy with plenty of ties to the beloved subgenre, alongside a bold baroque style and storyline, is Darren Ward's 'Passion', a film that is precisely what its title denotes; it's a project that oozes an admiration for classic horror that follows a black-gloved killer as they make their way to revenge. 

A Drive At Dawn (Directed by Joe D'Ovidio)

Three men take a turbulent journey through the dark night, tackling an unspeakable evil that will long haunt them and tear them apart. Visually stunning, brimming with mesmerising ordeals and packed with brutal interjections of violence is this incredible short film by Joe D'Ovidio. 

Alone (Directed by Shian Denovan) 

As a woman (Lucy Doyle) goes about her daily routine, she realises that the usually crowded city is entirely barren of human existence. Eerie solitude and a strange dreamlike world collide to create a remarkably chilling narrative throughout Shian Denovan's 'Alone'. 

 Unravelling (Directed by Aimie Willemse) 

Aimie Willemse uses horror as a tactical vessel to explore the discourse surrounding body dissonance and the haunting ways that internal battles unfold. As the film progresses, what seems like an innocuous plot of a granddaughter caring for her ill grandmother transforms into a complex and terror-filled horror short. 

Twisted Tales Short Films

A Good Death (Directed by KAZ PS) 

KAZ PS, director of this emotionally provocative horror, categorises 'A Good Death' as a 'high femme gothic horror' that explores the story of a death doula (Tracie Thoms) who soon senses that something is deeply disturbed when she arrives at the home of a new client. 

Better Anything (Directed by Jonjo Lyons) 

 Moody forests and old wounds being torn open are what make 'Better Anything' the indescribably intense boiling pot that it is. The film further excels with its heavy characterisation that forms an integral, raw aura that stands alongside the atmospheric dread that blooms throughout. 

For Sale (Directed by Barney Pell Scholes and Thomas Harnett O'Meara) 

In the search for a new house, married couple Lucy (Ebony Buckle) and David (Adam El Hagar) meet with an intensely creepy estate agent (Alexander Devrient) whose insistent pleasantries eventually lead to the discovery of a dark secret hiding within the walls. 'For Sale' continually taunts its audience, with its dark ambience and unnerving portrayals of evil conjuring a truly frightful horror short. 

La Croix (Directed by Joris Fleurot) 

Joris Fleurot's 'La Croix' sees an uninspired graphic designer (Anaïs Parellò) experience strange phenomena after performing a hedonistic ritual. Ignited with horror from its menacing displays of terror, combined with its powerful motif of perfection and self-doubt, La Croix is an excellent short with the capacity for feature potential. 

 Rip Advisor (Directed by Ludovic Matthey) 

Obsessed with rating every single detail, a man (Bastien Burgi) becomes hell-bent on going on a killing streak in order to achieve the perfect score. Ripe with timely social commentary on the burgeoning consumerist culture, 'Rip Advisor' is brutal and violent as well as darkly comedic and, above all, entirely fascinating. 

Surprise! (Directed by Dave Gardner) 

Working-class mum Sam (Dodie Finamore) arrives home to an unexpected party; however, she is soon to be greeted by something much more sinister than balloons and birthday cake. 'Surprise!' is precisely that - a total surprise. Not for one moment could audiences guess where this intriguing and deeply disturbing short film is headed. 

Next Show in 90 Minutes (Directed by John T. Hill) 

In a deserted snowy landscape within the heart of one of America's most cherished places, a biohazard-suited man walks alone. Watching as the lonesome man treks across the abandoned world, 'Next Show in 90 Minutes' is both moving and solemn, whilst remaining rooted in the fear of uncertainty. 

Santa's Little Helper (Directed by Lucy Foster) 

'Santa's Little Helper' follows a little festive gnome who keeps a very watchful eye on who will end up on the 'naughty or nice' list. Themes of twisted surveillance and festive horrors collide in this creative indie short. 

Grandma Is Thirsty (Directed by Kris Carr) 

The continually bullied George (Harris Kiiza) jumps at the offer when a pair of eccentric twins (Harrison Little and Jessie Johnson) invite the lonely schoolboy over to play. 'Grandma is Thirsty' is sinister, intriguing and mind-bendingly surreal, creating a short film with bold gravitas and refined cinematography. 

Flesh & Bone Short Films 

The Itch (Directed by Gordon Phillips) 

When Will (Nathan Nagvajara) awakens in a small empty apartment, overcome by an infuriatingly itchy sensation, he begins to weaken as his flesh rots. A grotesque body horror narrative combines with a revenge-ridden subplot throughout this visceral and effective short from Gordon Phillips. 

Bath Bomb (Directed by Colin G Cooper) 

'Bath Bomb' sees Dr Jordan (Anders Yates) preparing a luxurious bath for his self-obsessed boyfriend, Grant (Daniel Henkel); however, events turn deadly when infidelity is revealed. This visually striking short is richly stylish, balancing provocative aesthetics with a gruesomely violent flair. 

Poly Baggage (Directed by Emma Ramsay) 

Unlucky in love after having been dumped yet again, Poly (Amy Manson), walks the city streets with her ripped-out heart in a bloodied poly bag. Brooding with emotive catharsis and entirely moving is 'Poly Baggage', a film that is agonisingly cruel and brilliantly feral. 

Snare (Directed by Sam Blakeney-Edwards) 

After a family embarks on a remote hunting trip, they unwittingly disturb the intricate, sacred and ancient woodland civilisation, rattling the long-standing natural order. Dramatic and valiant themes such as humanity versus nature are explored in a poignant and haunting way throughout 'Snare'. 

Pimple (Directed by Fernando Alle)

Throughout this gory and gross-out short horror, expect nauseating irreverence and epic displays of monstrosity as we see a young teen unleash a beastly form from his almighty large pimple. 

Set Menu (Directed by Denim Candenza) 

Charlie (Marcos González) and Josiño (Rubén Di Groovie) fates take a turn for the worse when they enter a desolate restaurant home to some sinister characters. Prepare for a truly unexpected experience that is so spontaneously maddening and obscurely gnarly that you can't help but laugh. 

Student Short Films

The Ferris Wheel (Directed by Victoria Mukhonko) 

 'The Ferris Wheel' sees a young child's (Elizaveta Rufina) attempts at vengeance against her killer take an unexpected turn when his loyal companion impedes her retribution. Taking aim at the convoluted premise of the afterlife and unbreakable bonds, this student short film traverses the cycle of life and death in a melancholic yet horrifying way. 

Crèche and Burn (Directed by Frank O'Neil) 

Telling a zombie story with a welcome twist is Frank O'Neil's animated short 'Crèche and Burn', which sees the corporate world take on a zombie infection. The freedom of animation proves fruitful for this timely horror that tackles rich themes of the 'zombification' of the working world and corporate dread. 

Lily of the Valley (Directed by Jade Kemble) 

'Lily of the Valley' follows two best friends (Emma Halvax and Claire Gavin) in their pursuit of perfection and the subsequent escalation into a horrifying transformative body horror as the pair suffer the grotesque consequences. Extreme body horror collides with the allegories of femininity throughout this exemplar student short. 

Marrow (Directed by Jay T Grimes) 

'Marrow' follows a shift that a rookie paramedic (Lola Cranleigh) will never forget as a surreal emergency call opens the door for explorations of unnerving psyches and blemished humanity to come to life. As the short film unravels, Marrow manifests its horror through an incredibly dark visual atmosphere that both alarms and mystifies as the terror reaches an alarming peak. 

Music Videos

SNAILS by Mould (Directed by Martyn Thomas)

Quick-paced, energy-packed and extremely catchy is 'SNAILS' from Bristol-based band Mould, whose fiery POV-style music video perfectly matches the chaotic rawness that the song oozes. 

Sliding by Bernadette Novembre (Directed by Andrew Yeremeyev) 

Bernadette Novembre's sultry and rich vocals reminiscent of 1960s experimental rock are brought to life on screen throughout the 'Sliding' music video. With an 'American Horror Story: Hotel'- esque aura joined with a sleek noir vibe, this witchy and dark music video is a haunting feat. 

Release the Hounds by Michael Shynes & Letra (Directed by Bil Richardson) 

'Release the Hounds' immediately grips us with an indie-rock meets electronic-pop vibe that speaks to the song's immense catchiness. Visually complementing this unique sound is a zombie music video which shows a gnarly and nightmarish zombie metamorphosis. 

Walk With Me Through The Fire by The Curse of KK Hammond (Directed by Kris Hammond) 

Dusty landscapes, operatic gunslingers and the melodramatics of spaghetti westerns all come to life through The Curse of KK Hammond's music video for the southern gothic Americana tune 'Walk With Me Through The Fire'. 

Medieval Knievel by Håndgemeng (Directed by Henrik Østreng Eriksen) 

'Medieval Knievel' sees Norwegian band Håndgemeng living it large with Satan himself throughout this comedically aware music video that balances the band's rocking, heavy-metal flair with their signature sense of explosiveness, often explored in both their music videos and live performances. 

Veiled in Shadows by Trypanon (Directed by Sami Ylönen) 

'Veiled in Shadows' powerfully intense sound is met with an equally disturbed music video, with visuals of disturbed industrial backgrounds and chaotic performative movement all colliding to create an unforgettable piece. 

Blade by Grayshapes (Directed by Ihor Zhebko)

Grungy backdrops and volatile situations take centre stage in the music video for 'Blade', an original song by Ukrainian metalcore band Grayshapes. Viscous bodily transformations are coupled with visuals of a gruesome possession to create a whirlwind of a story. 

'VEXXD' by Sinners in the City (Directed by Adam McHattie) 

'VEXXD' begins and ends with a lightning-heavy ferocity that does not quit throughout, which is made all the more boomingly loud by the music video, which sees the band members from Sinners in the City undergo an array of wicked experiments. 

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