Twisted Tales and Comic Carnage Short Films - Dead Northern 2026 Festival

The Belly (Directed by Jamie Hooper)

Maximalist on the gross-out factor, this indeed 'twisted tale ' from Jamie Hooper is not for those with a weak disposition, thanks to its grotesque, yet undeniably hilarious feat of a man with a killer stomach-ache. Frank's (Edward Hogg) dwindling marriage is already on the brink, and adding insult to injury are his jarring intestinal problems that refuse to ease. However, as time goes on, it becomes graphically clear that Frank's problem is not a simple dicky tummy, but a cruel metamorphosis of pure horror. 

Lucky Bastard (Directed by Iris Elaine Almaraz) 

Close friends Joey (Chris Michael Gongora) and Tyler (Chris Guanlao) settle in for a casual game night; however, any semblance of friendship soon disperses when Tyler reveals that he won the lottery jackpot. Cruel fates and cunning truths collide in Iris Elaine Almaraz's devilishly deceiving 'Lucky Bastard'. Akin to a domino chain of events, Lucky Bastard takes a simple and classic premise and adds a wicked twist, delivering a truly unexpected conclusion that has audiences second-guessing what they just witnessed and desperate for a rewatch. 

Muff (Directed by Elliot Ancona) 

This quirky, comedic and definitely innovative short horror from Elliot Ancona sees the commitment-phobe Noah (Jason York) end another situationship, only to stumble upon a bewitching muff belonging to a spectral lady (Ronni Ancona). 'Muff' delivers a memorable frightful tale of spooky encounters and deadly duels, as Noah battles the mesmerising force. The short wades its horror through a darkly hilarious lens, with the characters all peppering their own quips and one-liners throughout. 

Bloodsuckers (Directed by Rosie Brear) 

Meet Bliss (Thaddea Graham), a twenty-something, lonely, unemployed and self-proclaimed vampire slayer who is on the hunt for bloodthirsty creatures. Convinced she's the chosen one, Bliss begins to take her passions a step too far in discovering the beasts that lie in wait. 'Bloodsuckers' stunning colour palette, quick pacing, and sinister scenes speak to director Rosie Brear's extensive career as a music video creator, producing projects for the likes of Coldplay and Wet Leg. Despite its short runtime, Bloodsuckers conjures enough tension and visually enigmatic sequences to resemble a feature film, with Bliss' antics making for pure horror-filled entertainment. 

The Humbug (Directed by Cole Paviour) 

Who would've thought that the humble humbug sweetie could cause such chaos? London-based filmmaker Cole Paviour answers this question in such a morbidly creepy, gruesome and chucklesome way throughout his short horror 'The Humbug'. The short sees two elderly women (Jiggy Bhore and Yvonne D'Alpra) call forth a mystical being, whose summoning leads them on a journey of absurd pleasure. This short film promises audiences something that they have never seen before, with the film's events unfolding in such hilarious, uncomfortable and delightfully uncanny ways. 

Rock Paper Scissors Death (Directed by Dayle Saunders) 

 A deadly game of rock paper scissors sends the captive John (Jay McMahon) through the wringer. Having competed and won countless times, he is ready to forfeit it all; however, convincing his fellow players to rig the game is not as easy as it sounds. The simplicity of the basic premise is key in 'Rock Paper Scissors Death's' superb execution of frightful, unexpected horrors, with the film taking this familiar game and melding it into a wickedly macabre turn of events. 

What's in Your Bag? (Directed by Béla Baptiste) 

It is not uncommon to see celebrities riffle through their bag and explain their contents and significance towards their daily routine, a practice that director Béla Baptiste highlights as being rather surreal when dissected under a cinematic lens. 'What's in Your Bag?' breaks the fourth wall and subverts the story into one of banal horror as we witness a charming woman (Dolly Lewis) upend a materialistic segment, resulting in a surprise bloodbath that transcends into something utterly unforeseen.

Pleased to Kill You (Directed by Adolfo Vico) 

A deceiving serial killer (Dominic Quinn) runs through a host of identities and professions, gaining access to countless homes under the guise of gas leaks, broadband issues and of course, opportunities to talk about our lord and saviour… However, when he knocks on the door of a fellow murderer, this chameleon slayer is in for one hell of a surprise. 'Pleased to Kill You' has mastered the art of psychological trickery, teasing a milieu of possible conclusions, only to leap out and shock the audience with its twisted ways. This short thrives on its closeness, stripping away distractions and enforcing an eerie proximity between the minds of two seriously disturbed characters. 

The Tall Dark Man (Directed by Taylor Phillips) 

Natalie (Ashleigh Morghan) turns to the legendary mythical hitman, 'The Tall Dark Man' (Aion Boyd), to put an end to her cruel ex. However, when the plan is botched, the triggerman's heinous force boomerangs back to her. Thrilling violence, exciting twists and supernatural elements combine to create this widely nefarious and deeply poetic short horror film from the mind of filmmaker Taylor Phillips. The Tall Dark Man punctures in hints of bleak, cynical humour, forming a narrative with enough body for an adapted feature. 

Watch the unmissable 'Twisted Tales and Comic Carnage' short film block at this year's Dead Northern Film Festival on Friday 25th September at 15:15

You can grab your tickets to watch Dead Reset at this years Festival here!

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