Tubi FrightFest Announces 2026 Halloween Line-Up With Nine Premieres

 

By Jon Donnis

Tubi FrightFest is returning to London’s ODEON Luxe West End in Leicester Square for its annual Halloween event, with two days of horror, sci-fi and fantasy cinema taking place on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October.

Following its five-day August festival, the 20th edition of the Halloween event will feature nine premieres from five countries, spanning Europe, North and South America, and Australia/Oceania. Every film in the line-up will be screened twice across the two days.

The Halloween weekend opens with the UK premiere of Freaks Part II, from Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, the co-directors of Final Destination Bloodlines. The pair return to the mutant world of their 2018 cult hit Freaks with a sequel that promises a more intense and gory take on the Canadian sci-fi horror story. Both directors will be attending the screening.

THE CULL

The festival then heads to Cornwall for the World premiere of The Cull, J.P. Davidson’s gritty Halloween folk horror starring Craig Russell, who FrightFest audiences will remember from his role in Protein. Members of the cast and crew are also expected to attend.

Friday’s programme concludes with the UK premiere of American Dollhouse, described by FrightFest as the ‘meanest slasher of the year’. Drawing on Psycho and Black Christmas, the film introduces Sandy, an unhinged neighbour who is presented as one of the event’s most disturbing antagonists.

AMERICAN DOLLHOUSE

Saturday begins with the UK premiere of Talking to a Stranger, a supernatural thriller directed by Adrián García Bogliano. The film stars acclaimed filmmaker Gigi Saul Guerrero in her first leading role.

TALKING TO A STRANGER

The Christmas season then arrives early with the UK premiere of Unholy Night from Canadian director Michael Gabriele. The film promises a gruesome festive horror ride with echoes of The Evil Dead, bringing some decidedly bloody Christmas cheer to Leicester Square.

UNHOLY NIGHT

Sean Hogan follows with the World premiere of The Dark Gets In. Hogan has a long association with FrightFest through films including The Devil’s Business, Isle of Dogs and Daddy’s Girl. His latest film combines found footage and faux documentary elements with a claustrophobic horror thriller. Hogan will attend alongside members of the cast and crew.

THE DARK GETS IN

Marcel Walz then brings his latest splatter offering to FrightFest with the World premiere of Brute 1986, an ultra-violent sequel to Brute 1976. Walz, whose previous FrightFest appearances include Blood Feast, Blind and Pretty Boy, will be in attendance.

BRUTE 

The penultimate screening is a special presentation of Crawlers, which follows residents of an apartment complex battling to survive an infestation of rapidly multiplying venomous spiders. Matilda Lutz leads the cast in what promises to be an intensely claustrophobic body horror experience.

CRAWLERS

The Halloween event concludes with the UK premiere of Dead Howling, an action-packed post-apocalyptic horror that pits werewolves against zombies. The film comes from the producer of cult favourite Dog Soldiers and stars Ryan Kwanten, known for True Blood and Dead Silence, alongside Temuera Morrison, whose credits include The Mandalorian and Aquaman.

DEAD HOWLING

Ryan Gillett, Tubi’s Marketing Director, International, said: “Following an incredible five days in August, we are thrilled to keep the screams going as the headline sponsor for FrightFest’s Halloween event. Horror isn’t simply a genre to us, it’s one of the biggest, most passionate communities on our platform. Bringing the UK’s premier horror festival together with our permanent 'Terror on Tubi' hub allows us to give dedicated genre fans exactly what they crave this spooky season, completely for free.”

FrightFest co-director Greg Day added: “This is our 20th edition of the Halloween event, and it remains an unmissable highlight for genre cinema lovers, bringing an exceptional lineup of new horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films to London’s ODEON Luxe West End. We know this year’s selection goes some way into capturing the spirit of the Halloween weekend.”

Passes and tickets for Tubi FrightFest’s Halloween event go on sale at noon on Saturday 3rd October.

Prices: Two-day pass - £85 | Friday 30 Oct  Day pass - £36 | Saturday 31 Oct Day pass - £65 | Single tickets - £14.99

https://frightfest.co.uk/tickets/

All tickets costs may incur booking fee.

PROGRAMME

FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER

OPENING FILM:  FREAKS PART II (UK Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 5.45pm, Screen 2: 6.15pm)

Directors: Zach Lipovsky, Adam B. Stein. Cast: Amanda Crew, Lorelei Olivia Mote, Lili Taylor, Stephen Toblowsky. Canada 2026. 114 mins.

Synopsis: Mary  and her daughter Chloe are now living on the road, hiding their powers and identities, and being hunted by the Abnormal Defence Force, paramilitary police that specialise in ruthless extermination. Mary is fuelled by revenge: to find ADF officer Erica Lang who killed her first child while trying to control Chloe, now a precocious and powerful tween whose longing for a friend causes chaos and carnage.

THE CULL (World Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 8.30pm, Screen 2: 9.00pm)

Director: J.P. Davidson. Cast: Craig Russell, Sarah Bowden, Ollie McFarlane, Rory Wilton. UK 2026. 88 mins.

Synopsis: Wrongly imprisoned for his mother’s murder, Niall is finally released having found God and renounced a life of violence and addiction. Retreating to a remote woodland cabin seeking the truth behind her death, he finds a hostile community ruled by a ruthless family, where every encounter deepens the mystery surrounding his mother’s past. As brutal violence erupts and terrifying visions blur the line between nightmare and reality, Niall uncovers a sinister legacy of witchcraft, blood sacrifice and forbidden ritual.

AMERICAN DOLLHOUSE (UK Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 10.50pm, Screen 2: 11.05pm)

Director: John Valley. Cast: Hailley Lauren, Kelsey Pribilski, Richard C. Jones, Tinus Seaux.  USA 2026. 87 mins.

Synopsis: Sarah inherits her childhood home, seeking solace from a chaotic city life marked by addiction and debt. But Sandy, a psychotic neighbour becomes disturbingly obsessed with her due to a haunting resemblance to Sandy’s deceased mother. As the fixation turns violent, Sarah’s friends begin disappearing, drawing her into a perverted, blood-soaked Christmas nightmare she may not survive.

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

TALKING TO A STRANGER (UK Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 11.00am, Screen 2: 11.30am)

Director: Adrian Garcia Bogliano. Cast: Gigi Saul Guerrero, Eugenio Rubio, Yago, Andreu Sandoval, Tatiana de Real. Mexico 2026. 90 mins.

Synopsis: Tortured by grief and guilt after seeing her young son burn to death in front of her, Patricia  is unconsolable, her depression deepening with heavy medication. The pills keep her in a constant numb state and in this cloudy twilight she is confronted by an uncanny presence that wears the face of her lost child. Should we look towards darkness rather than away from it for consolation?

UNHOLY NIGHT (UK Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 1.20pm, Screen 2: 1.50pm)

Director: Michael Gabriele. Cast: Alissa Mahar, Al Sapienza, Celia Own, Cristina Rosato. Canada 2026. 91 mins. 

Synopsis: Gino’s traditional family Christmas Eve turns into a bloody battle for survival when his long-dead grandma drops by and goes on a murderous rampage. Amid the chaos, Gino reunites with his ex, and the dysfunctional duo must avoid his dead Italian relatives popping up all around the neighbourhood as they search for a way to get rid of these Yuletide revenants and survive his family’s Noel celebrations.

THE DARK GETS IN (World Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 3.40pm, Screen 2: 4.10pm)

Director: Sean Hogan. Cast: Charlotte Pyke, Cameron Lewis, Scott Burchell, Kezia Cotterell. UK 2026. 91 mins.

Synopsis: When a documentary team set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young girl, events soon take an unexpected turn, leading the filmmakers down an increasingly dark and horrifying path. Prepare for the worst as Hogan explores the outer limits of the genre

BRUTE 1986 (World Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 6.00pm, Screen 2: 6.30pm)

Director: Marcel Walz. Cast: Bill Kaulitz, Lew Temple, Gigi Gustin, Sarah French. USA 2026. 80 mins.

Synopsis: Leather Kobra, a glam metal band, decide to film their new music video in an abandoned Western town. Ignoring the ‘No Trespassing’ signs, the rebellious group have no idea they are being watched by the notorious Birdy family. And when their paths do finally cross, let the onslaught of brutal bloodshed begin! Stars Bill Kaulitz, Tokio Hotel frontman, whose band is among Germany’s most successful music acts.

CRAWLERS (London Preview)

(Times: Screen 1: 8.10pm, Screen 2: 8.40pm)

Director: Ángel Gómez  Hernández. Cast: Matilda Lutz, Gregg Sulkin, Melina Matthews,

William Miller. USA 2026. 86 mins.

Synopsis: Serena, the overworked manager of the Paradiso Palms apartment complex, discovers a mysterious death. But what begins as a suspected viral outbreak quickly spirals into something far more terrifying: a catastrophic infestation of venomous spiders spreading rapidly through the building. Armed only with her intimate knowledge of the building, Serena may be the only one of the residents who can keep everyone alive -- if she can confront her deepest fear.

DEAD HOWLING (UK Premiere)

(Times: Screen 1: 10.20pm, Screen 2: 10.45pm)

Director: John V. Soto. Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Temeura Morrison, Tom Burlinson, Tea

Heathcote-Marks. Australia 2026. 103 mins.

Synopsis: Carter is a lone werewolf fighting for survival in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Taking vengeance for his murdered family, he spends his days hunting down the living dead, until he finds new purpose after saving the lives of two humans seeking a rumoured sanctuary for survivors. However, despite Carter now joining them on their journey, the group faces new and unimaginable dangers when they discover that their undead enemy is beginning to evolve.

TUBI FRIGHTFEST UNVEILS MONSTROUS 2026 LINE-UP

Abner Pastoll’s NERVOUS and Marion Le Corroller’s SPECIES to open and close 27th edition

Be prepared for a terrifying, record-breaking selection of World, International, and UK premieres as Tubi FrightFest 2026, the UK’s No.1 horror & fantasy film festival, returns to the Odeon LUXE Leicester Square and the ODEON Luxe West End for its annual five-day celebration of nerve-jangling eeriness, hair-raising shock, and epic scares. This year’s line-up highlights the genre’s transforming landscape and reflects the amazing span of progressive global genre filmmaking.

Running from Thursday August 27 – Monday 31 August, Tubi FrightFest will showcase a record-breaking eighty-two features across five screens, including the popular ‘First Blood’, Documentary, and Retrospective strands. This year there are twenty-four world premieres, with sixteen countries represented, spanning four continents.

Ko Asung & Sarah Bolger star in NERVOUS

The opening night of the festival has a distinctive Asian flavour with the World premiere of NERVOUS, Abner Pastoll’s subversive, cross-cultural tale of psychological alienation and dangerous obsession. Shot entirely in South Korea, the film’s narrative is specifically rooted in the disorientating cultural and physical terrain of the Korean countryside and reunites Pastoll with his A Good Woman Is Hard To Find star Sarah Bolger, who plays a woman losing her ability to hear men’s voices. As her grip on reality starts to fracture, paranoia, hallucinations, and dangerous desires spiral out of control. The director and cast will be attending.

This is followed by Cannes sensation COLONY, the highly anticipated zombie shocker sensation from Yeon Sang-ho, director of SEOUL STATION and TRAIN TO BUSAN - both of which will also be screened – the latter to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the zombie shocker that became an instant cult classic.

The Asian line-up also includes 2026 Berlin Film Festival favourite GHOSTS IN THE CELL, where Indonesian genre wizard Joko Anwar crafts a gleefully grotesque horror-comedy, SALMOKJI: WHISPERING WATER, which has just become the highest-grossing Korean horror film of all time, and cult Japanese masterpieces CRAZY LIPS and GORE FROM OUTER SPACE, now remastered from original negatives.

SPECIES

The closing night film is the UK premiere of SPECIES, an exhilarating Gen Z shocker. French writer-director Marion Le Corroller’s debut feature is a darkly comic sci-fi body-horror with a deeper allegorical message about workplace burn-out. Its unique body-mutation sequences are created by special make-up effects designer Pierre-Olivier Persin, who won an Oscar for The Substance.

GATOR FACE

The twenty-five tales of terror, trauma and torment in the main screen sees the return of a lot of familiar talent, including The Adams family, with their deeply affecting apocalyptic fable THE GLORIOUS DEAD, Spider One with subversive dark comedy BIG BABY, produced by Cher, Holy Shit! director Lukas Rinker with his seat-edged survival thriller FROSTBITE,  Cheat directors Kevin Ignatius and Nick Psinakis with their stylish crime thriller VALLEY VIEW MOTEL, Italian horror maestro Federico Zampaglione, with supernatural chiller THE NAMELESS BALLAD, and Ryuhei Kitamura (The Midnight Meat Train) with LABYRINTH, a game-changing shocker in the Saw tradition.

SPIDER ISLAND

Tubi FrightFest also welcome back Christopher Smith, with the World premiere of his eight-legged satirical horror, SPIDER ISLAND, Padraig Reynolds with his teeth-snapping homage to 1970s creature feature exploitation, GATOR FACE, and James Nunn with survival thriller HUNGRY, where Louisiana bayou tourists are stalked by a ravenous, territorial hippopotamus.

Hammer also returns with ITHAQUA, a gripping period survival horror, directed by Casey Walker, who becomes the first director to have two films screening at the same festival, the other being HOME BODIES, a Christmas movie unlike any you’ve seen before.

Plus, there is the unique anthology THE PITCHFORK RETREAT, from the producers of the Terrifier franchise, which features the last appearance of Candyman star Tony Todd, twisted horror comedy DRAG, co-produced by Danny DeVito and starring his daughter Lucy DeVito. Brea Grant, Chelsea Stardust and Ed Dougherty bring us GRIND, a horror satire anthology about the modern gig economy, and actress Lulu Wilson is back as our favourite lethal anti-hero in Jenn Wexler’s THE LAST TEMPTATION OF BECKY, the biggest, bloodiest and most unhinged instalment yet.

HUNGRY

Other Main Screen titles include ODDITIES, a twisty dark tale of antiques and aliens, starring genre royalty Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Escape From New York), YOU ARE THE FILM, an interactive, fourth-wall-breaking experimental feature, HYENA, a brutal, fast-paced serial killer thriller, Stewart Sparke’s DEAD RESET, a video game inspired twist on the time travel genre, tense paranoia thriller IMPOSTERS, and fresh from its sensational Tribeca Festival launch comes PONDEROSA, a hilarious, creepy and surreal Bunuelian nightmare.

GRIND

This year’s four Discovery strands continue to demonstrate Tubi FrightFest’s established ethos for promoting new talent, original content and experimental formats, and this is no more evident than in the ‘First Blood’ strand. 

The five World premieres this year are: Annabella Rich’s THE DEATH OF US, where grief and supernatural forces collide to devastating effect, Paul Stainthorpe’s THE BROOK, in which a search for historical answers spirals into a serial-killer mystery, William Brooke’s THE ALICE PARADOX, which offers a thought-provoking new perspective on the time-travel genre, as does Conscian Morgan’s BINDING EVA, where a man on the run is trapped in a terrifying time loop. Finally, there is Ashley Nashville‘s HERALDRY PARANORMAL, a boisterous unique take on the classic paranormal investigation horror which also stands as a vivid representation for queer voices, featuring many characters from LGTBQ+ backgrounds.

MyAnna Buring in ZIP WIRE

Besides the ‘First Blood’ entries, the UK is represented by many talents, both established and new, and include the World premieres of Lawrence Fowler’s demonic board game horror GRIN, Dan Schaffer’s erotically-charged ELECTRIC MEAT, which co-stars Emily Booth and Sylvia Soska, Justin Hardy’s WRATH OF THE GODS, the definitive conclusion to the "Wicker Man trilogy", and you’ll need to hang on tight for Howard Ford’s latest nerve-jangler ZIP WIRE, starring MyAnna Buring. Other UK titles include eerie B-movie homage THE PERIL AT PINCER POINT, WELCOME TO G-TOWN, a Glaswegian splatter-comedy from upstart twins Nathan and Ben McQuaid, and Chris Green’s music and murder mix SYNTHESIZED.

Emily Booth in ELECTRIC MEAT

Other Discovery Screen One highlights include FACES OF DEATH, the meta slasher retooling of the cult 1978 mondo classic, starring Charli XCX, the heart-felt gross-out shocker BOWELS OF HELL, unusual thriller TERRESTRIAL  from Hot Tub Time Machine director Steve Pink, razor sharp, gory satire STARSUCKERS, Larry Fessenden’s graveyard monster mash TRAUMA OR, MONSTERS ALL, intense, psychological found-footage horror INFIRMARY,  DRACULA: THE NIGHT AROUND US, a tale of flesh, fangs, forgiveness and funerals, dark web crime thriller COMPLIANCE, and SNAPSHOT, the first found-footage film which uses a unique pinhole camera aesthetic.

FACES OF DEATH

Discovery screens 2, 3 & 4 play host to a global menu of genre delights. From North America comes Kyra Elise Gardner’s horror dramedy SLAY, Cameron Francis’ psychological horror thriller BLOOD SECRET, Andy Chen’s much-anticipated ANOTHER, starring Heather Langenkamp and Doug Jones, Justin M. Seaman’s blood-spattered end to his creature feature trilogy THE BARN PART III, Henry Chaisson’s ghostly RECLUSE, starring Toby Poser, Codey S. Wilson’s brutal home invasion nightmare LESIONS, Casper Kelly’s trippy BUDDY, Nick Lyon’s demonic DO YOU WANT TO PLAY?, Robert J. Steinmiller and Chris Lightbody’s cursed BAD KARAOKE, Stefan Colson’s possessed BLOOM, Carson McKinnon’s emotionally-driven shocker MOTHER AND ME and from Josh Lobo, the rising star director of I Trapped The Devil, comes J-Horror inspired sci-fi shocker NIGHT AFTER NIGHT. Finally, Frogman is back as director Anthony Cousins returns to Loveland with his even wackier cryptid sequel FROGMAN RETURNS. Fans will also be able to catch a retrospective screening of FROGMAN, with Cousins in attendance.

Larry Fessenden in TRAUMA OR, MONSTERS ALL

South America is represented by director Patricio Valladares’ Chilean sequel to Invoking Yell, INVOKING SCREAM, from Brazil we have Ian SBF’s sinister psychological thriller THE FLESH ITSELF, plus REMANENCE, Kapel Furman’s high voltage cosmic drama and from Uruguay comes SWEET VIOLENCE, the feature debut of Jeremias Segovia, one of the most exciting talents in South America.

BAD KARAOKE

Audiences can also sample devilish delights from down-under including OUR EFFED UP WORLD, the latest mindbender from transgender director Alice Maio Mackay, first-person found-footage horror DEAD EYES, haunting chiller THE LATCHER, and BUNNY RABBIT, the apocalyptic genre breakout of the year.

From Canada, Sam Scott brings the axe-shredding punk-rock tribute TURN IT UP!, while Daniel Turres delivers the wild, blood-soaked survival horror FRESH MEAT. Rounding out the line-up is the even meatier MEAT KILLS, from Dutch director Martijn Smits.

TURN IT UP!

Tubi FrightFest has always explored industry movers and shapers in its documentary strand and this year is no exception with the world premiere of Sarah Appleton’s FULL MOON RISING: THE CHARLES BAND STORY, a new feature documentary about the truly incredible life and career of Charles Band, prolific producer/director of such genre classics as Re-Animator, From Beyond, Trancers, and Castle Freak. Charles will be attending the festival.

RUBBERHEAD: THE LIFE & TIMES OF STEVE JOHNSON

There is also the European premiere of RUBBERHEAD: THE LIFE & TIMES OF STEVE JOHNSON, a humorous and heartfelt portrait of one of Hollywood’s most prolific special effects makeup artists. Plus, there is the UK premiere of THE FRIGHT STUFF, Mike Meyer’s all-access documentary that takes the viewer behind the scenes of the haunted house industry in America.

This year, Tubi FrightFest presents 4K restorations of both GHOSTKEEPER, Jim Makichuk’s Canuxploitation supernatural slasher classic, and Val Guest’s timeless THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN. This is a World premiere presentation from Hammer Films and is a restored version of the original UK cut complete with original title sequence.

Co-director Alan Jones comments: “Tubi FrightFest knows what creates resonance with its audience: that there has to be space for depth of exciting storytelling and that what is important in the ultimate scheme of festival priorities is to interact, scream, laugh and debate in a safe space, with a like-minded community”.

Full Festival Passes on sale from Sat 18 July, noon

Day Passes and Single tickets on sale from Sat 25 July, noon

https://www.frightfest.co.uk

The festival guest line-up, the Short Film Showcases and other events will be revealed soon.

Graham Humphreys’ stunning FrightFest 2026 poster art revealed.

 

FrightFest has unveiled Graham Humphreys’ stand-out poster design for 2026 which marks the 27th anniversary of the UK’s most popular genre festival.

Graham, one of Britain’s most highly acclaimed British graphic artists and illustrators, said today: “The iconic monster stays the same, but turning the sky an apocalyptic blood red seems to hit the mood of the brutal heatwaves frying Europe this year, whilst making a hefty reference to a staple of horror movies and the favourite drink of all vampires. In a world scammed by media manipulation and the relentless march of AI, the FrightFest mascot takes a turn at puppeteering and reminds us that when we are stripped of symbols and identities, we are all clattering bags of bones alike”.

This year’s annual Bank Holiday event, the UK’s largest celebration of genre cinema, takes place at Odeon LUXE Leicester Square and Odeon LUXE West End between Thurs Aug 27 & Mon Aug 31, 2026.

The line-up of films will be announced on Thursday 16 July, 2pm UK time.

www.frightfest.co.uk | FB: /FrightFestreal | ‘X’: @frightfest | IG: @frightfestUK

FrightFest Brings Three Days of Horror Back to Glasgow in 2026

 

FrightFest returns to the Glasgow Film Festival for its 21st year with three days of horror, fantasy and genre cinema, running from Thursday 5 March to Saturday 7 March 2026. Once again the event will take over the Glasgow Film Theatre, continuing its long-standing place within the festival calendar.

The UK’s leading horror and fantasy showcase promises a packed programme of global discoveries. Across the three days there will be eight feature films, five of them world premieres, alongside a short film showcase dedicated entirely to filmmakers from the UK and Ireland. The event continues its reputation as the country’s most enthusiastic celebration of genre cinema, built around shared gasps, laughs and screams.

The Curse

FrightFest co-director Alan Jones said the festival has spent more than two decades programming films designed for a collective audience experience at Glasgow Film Festival. He added that this year’s selection aims to innovate and challenge while showcasing both feature films and shorts from some of the most imaginative voices working in the genre.

The event opens on Thursday night with the world premiere of JAILBROKEN, a high-pressure action thriller directed by Vasily Chuprina and set entirely within a single prison cell. The film is rooted in Scottish production talent and features a cast led by David Hayman, Bryan Larkin, Shauna MacDonald and Armin Karima. Chuprina, along with members of the cast and crew, will attend the screening.

The two-day FrightFest pass programme begins on Friday 6 March with the UK premiere of BURY THE DEVIL, a fast-moving and twist-heavy mystery that offers a fresh take on the exorcism genre. This is followed by the world premiere of Howard J. Ford’s creature feature BONE KEEPER, a survival story set deep inside a remote cave system. Ford will return to Glasgow to introduce the film alongside cast members.

Bone Keeper

Later on Friday comes the UK premiere of BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL, a documentary directed by David Kittredge examining the troubled production and lasting legacy of Exorcist II: The Heretic. The film features interviews with John Boorman, Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher and others connected to the infamous sequel.

The main Friday evening presentation is the UK premiere of Glenn McQuaid’s sci-fi horror comedy THE RESTORATION AT GRAYSON MANOR. Blending camp horror with classic monster movie influences, the film will be introduced by McQuaid alongside stars Alice Krige and Chris Colfer. The night concludes with the UK premiere of Kenichi Ugana’s THE CURSE, a sharp satire that updates the idea of cursed media for the age of addictive internet algorithms.

Saturday opens with the international premiere of Connor Marsden’s VIOLENCE, a visceral and fast-moving love story powered by punk energy and action-horror intensity. FrightFest then presents its second SHORT FILM SHOWCASE, continuing a strand launched last year that highlights emerging directors from the UK and Ireland. All participating filmmakers and several cast members will attend, marking a celebration of new talent.

Boorman and the Devil

The afternoon continues with the UK premiere of THE CONVENIENCE STORE, directed by Jiro Nagae and adapted from the Chilla’s Art game. Kotona Minami stars as a night-shift worker confronted by terrifying events in a seemingly ordinary Japanese convenience store.

Saturday evening begins with the world premiere of RED RIDING, Craig Conway’s directorial debut which reimagines the Little Red Riding Hood story in a contemporary horror-thriller setting. Conway will attend alongside executive producer Neil Marshall and members of the cast. This is followed by the UK premiere of KARMADONNA, a dark dystopian fable directed by Aleksander Radivojević that blends extreme violence with social commentary on religion, greed and modern life.

Karmadonna

The festival closes with DEATHKEEPER, an Australian fantasy horror film directed by Tristan Barr and adapted from the novella series by Vasilios Bouzas. The film promises an unsettling and mysterious atmosphere to bring FrightFest 2026 to a close.

FrightFest passes are priced at £88 and go on sale at 10am on Friday 16 January 2026. Passes will be exchanged for wristbands before the first screening on Friday 6 March and are valid for films on Friday and Saturday only. Tickets for the Thursday night film JAILBROKEN, along with individual tickets for Friday and Saturday screenings, go on sale to CineCard and CineCard+ members from 10am on Friday 23 January, with general sale starting at 10am on Monday 26 January 2026. Individual tickets are priced at £12, or £9.60 for concessions. The Thursday night screening is not included in the FrightFest pass and requires a separate ticket.

FrightFest 2024: A Feast of Genre Short Films

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.

Daniel Mays in THE AWAKENING

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.

BREAKFAST 

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

Black Water Pictures Announces the World Premiere of "Members Club" at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest

Black Water Pictures has announced that their latest horror comedy, Members Club, will celebrate its world premiere at this year's Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on August 24th. The film, both written and directed by Marc Coleman, showcases an array of prominent British actors.

The cast includes Dean Kilbey (ManFish, Boiling Point (2023), Top Boy), Perry Benson (Love Honour and Obey, This is England, Benidorm), Barbara Smith (EastEnders, Call The Midwife, Casualty), Juliet Cowan (Culprits, Cuckoo, Motherland), Mark Monero (Sid and Nancy, Free Fire, Happy New Year Colin Burstead), Steve Oram (Sightseers, The World's End, Aaaaaaaah!), David Schaal (The Inbetweeners, EastEnders, Down Terrace), Alan Ford (Snatch, Cockneys vs Zombies, Toast of London), Liam Noble (Peep Show, ManFish, Bridgerton), and Peter Andre (Dragged Up Dirty, On The Other Foot).

Members Club tells the story of Wet Dreams, a group of middle-aged male strippers who are struggling with a series of failed performances. As they contemplate disbanding, Alan, the group's optimistic leader, takes control and books them for a mysterious and lucrative gig in rural Essex. However, the night takes a sinister turn when they become entangled in a plot to resurrect a murderous 16th-century witch.

The film promises a journey from the mundane life of middle-aged strippers to an outrageous world filled with talking cheese and pineapple hedgehogs, whiskey-drinking toads, and OnlyFans for pensioners. The highlight is Peter Andre’s most unconventional role to date, contributing to a finale unlike anything seen before on screen.

Marc Coleman, the film's writer and director, expressed his excitement about the premiere: "I’m really excited for the world to see Members Club. We’ve been working on this project from script to screen for over two years, and I can’t wait to show audiences what we’ve been up to. It's a middle-aged ‘Magic Mike’ meets a British ‘From Dusk Till Dawn.’"

Producer Raghav ‘Gav’ Mukerji highlighted the film’s unique concept: "The world has been calling for a stripper-killing witch film for years, and we were brave enough to do it and make it as balls-to-the-walls mental as we could. It's a testament to our director's ability that there's enough substance, heart, and craft in the project to have the audience walk away feeling something too."

Kevin Harvey of Black Water Pictures also shared his enthusiasm: "When Gav and Marc approached Black Water with this project, we jumped at the chance to bring to market this highly original and frankly hilarious riot of a horror comedy."

With its world premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, Members Club is set to captivate audiences with its blend of horror and comedy, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Witness the Rise of Saint Clare: A Haunting Thriller at FrightFest

 

This August, prepare to be gripped by the chilling intensity of Saint Clare, a blood-soaked thriller set to make its UK premiere at London's FrightFest. Starring Bella Thorne, known for her roles in Blended, Midnight Sun, and Scream: The TV Series, this film promises a mesmerizing performance from the actress as she takes on the eponymous lead in a spiritually charged tale. Imagine the unholy blend of American Psycho meeting Joan of Arc in a small town, and you get a glimpse of what’s in store.

Saint Clare is an adaptation of the novel by Don Roff, brought to the screen by the visionary Italian director Mitzi Peirone, acclaimed for her work on Braid. Peirone co-wrote the screenplay with Guinevere Turner, renowned for her writing on American Psycho, ensuring a narrative that's as sharp and unnerving as it is profound.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ryan Phillippe (Crash, Cruel Intentions), Rebecca De Mornay (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Risky Business), Frank Whaley (Broken Arrow, Pulp Fiction), and Bart Johnson (High School Musical). Enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere is an original soundtrack by Zola Jesus, whose haunting melodies perfectly complement the movie's dark themes.

Set in a small town, Saint Clare follows a solitary young woman, Clare, haunted by voices that drive her to eliminate those with malicious intents who believe they can act with impunity. However, her final assassination plunges her into a nightmarish world of corruption, human trafficking, and otherworldly visions. As she spirals deeper into this dark abyss, the film questions whether Clare can save herself from the unimaginable horrors that her quest for vengeance unearths.

Don't miss the UK premiere of Saint Clare at FrightFest on 25 August 2024. For those who can’t attend, the film will be available digitally later this year, with the release date to be announced by 101 Films.

Prepare yourself for a journey into darkness and redemption, and witness the rise of Saint Clare.

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest Unveils 25th Anniversary Celebrations at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, the UK's premier horror genre festival, has announced its 25th-anniversary celebrations with a move to the prestigious ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. Alongside this exciting transition, the festival revealed the stunning poster art by renowned artist Graham Humphreys, promising an unforgettable experience for horror enthusiasts.

Graham Humphreys, the mastermind behind this year's poster, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the significance of the venue change. He drew parallels between the iconic ODEON Luxe Leicester Square and the legendary Art Deco Empire State Building in New York, highlighting the historical and architectural significance of the new location.

"In the 1933 movie 'King Kong,' the giant primate scaled the Empire State Building. It seems a fitting homage to have our own monster scale the Leicester Square landmark... the top of the world for the king of horror festivals," remarked Humphreys, capturing the essence of FrightFest's milestone year.

Co-director Ian Rattray echoed Humphreys' sentiments, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving behind past successes while embracing the fresh opportunities afforded by the new venue. "As we celebrate 25 years, we look forward to welcoming FrightFesters to this exciting new chapter for the UK’s biggest, brightest, and most successful genre event," Rattray affirmed.

Rattray also commended Humphreys for his exceptional artwork, noting the artist's consistent ability to captivate and surprise audiences year after year. Humphreys' poster art has become synonymous with FrightFest, embodying the spirit of the festival with each new creation.

Bill Brock, Event Manager at ODEON Cinemas Group, expressed delight in hosting FrightFest's 25th-anniversary event at the iconic ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. "We share FrightFest’s passion for this genre and are honored to be hosting the event," Brock stated, emphasizing the venue's status as the home of UK premieres and its renowned luxury cinema experience.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square from Thursday, August 22, to Monday, August 26, 2024, coinciding with the annual Bank Holiday weekend. Attendees can expect five days filled with thrilling screenings, exclusive premieres, and immersive experiences, solidifying FrightFest's reputation as the UK's largest celebration of genre cinema.

The official lineup of films will be unveiled on Thursday, July 11, promising an eclectic mix of horror, fantasy, and suspense to enthrall audiences and commemorate FrightFest's remarkable journey over the past quarter-century. As horror finds its new home at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, fans eagerly anticipate an unforgettable celebration of the genre's most iconic moments and emerging talents.

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Glasgow Film Festival 2024 line-up announced by Pigeon Shrine FrightFest

FrightFest, the premier horror fantasy event in the UK, is returning to the Glasgow Film Festival for its 19th year from Thursday, March 7th to Saturday, March 9th, 2024. We're excited to unveil the stellar lineup of talent set to grace the stage at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

Leading the pack is Emily Hampshire, known for her roles in "Schitt’s Creek" and "The Rig", who will be hosting the World Premiere of "MOM" alongside director Adam O’Brien. Emily not only stars in the film but also serves as Executive Producer.

Emily Hampshire

Joining us as well is the mega-genre talent Lauren LaVera, star of "Terrifier 2" and the upcoming "Terrifier 3", presenting her latest chilling movie, "THE WELL", alongside Italian director Federico Zampaglione.

Abigail Hardingham, acclaimed for her performances in "The Missing" and "Nina Forever", will also grace us with her presence for the World Premiere of "CUSTOM", a passion project in which she stars and co-produces. Director Tiago Teixeirin, marking his impactful feature film debut, and co-star Samantha Steel will also be in attendance.

Also marking their feature film debut with "KILL YOUR LOVER" are dynamic filmmaker duo Alix Austin and Keir Siewert, who will be in Glasgow alongside key cast members Paige Gilmour and Fair City’s Shane Quigley-Murphy.

While the monster in "THE INVISIBLE RAPTOR" may be unseen, the talent behind it certainly isn't. Joining us are writer, lead actor, and producer Mike Capes, as well as actor David Shackleford.

The genre is experiencing an influx of emerging new auteurs, and we're delighted to welcome two talented directors into the fold - Paul Duane, director of "ALL YOU NEED IS DEATH", and Alan Scott Neal, director of "LAST STRAW".

Please note that all films contain graphic scenes of strong violence and sustained threat.

How to Buy Tickets

Online: https://www.glasgowfilm.org/frightfest/

Telephone: 0141 332 6535 (£1.50 fee per transaction, voice-mail available during peak business periods.

In person: Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB.

Lauren LaVera

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest announces Halloween 2023 line-up

Following the sensational success of its five-day event in August, the UK's largest genre film festival is returning to Cineworld, Leicester Square with an exhilarating two-day Halloween event on Friday, October 27th, and Saturday, October 28th. The event will showcase nine premiere titles never before seen in the UK.

Kicking off the proceedings is the world premiere of "THE WATERHOUSE," an urban psychological chiller directed by Sam Clemens, making his debut in the director's chair. Sam, son of the renowned genre writer/director Brian Clemens, will grace the event, accompanied by the film's cast. The Friday lineup continues with the international premiere of the tense Halloween slasher "HE NEVER LEFT," marking the directorial debut of US-based director James Morris. Also on Friday night, Argentine director Gabriel Grieco presents the UK premiere of his shocking feminist revenge horror "MARIA," adding an exhilarating end to the day's lineup.

Saturday commences with the international premiere of the delightfully bizarre flesh-eating horror musical "ELDRITCH U.S.A.," with director Ryan Smith in attendance. Following is the UK premiere of "LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP," the feature debut of Teresa Sutherland, the writer of "The Wind" and "Midnight Mass," offering a disconcerting blend of folk horror, psychodrama, and cosmic fever dream.

Director Karoline Lyngbye makes her feature film debut with the haunting and twist-laden Danish thriller "SUPERPOSITION," which receives its UK premiere. Next in line is the UK premiere of "HOOD WITCH," the debut film of the emerging French director Saïd Belktibia. This gripping horror-thriller, exploring a malevolent mobile app, carries a dark, social, and feminist edge. This is followed by the UK premiere of "THE LAST VIDEO STORE," a fusion of The Monster Squad and Clerks, where die-hard genre movie enthusiasts must unite to survive the supernatural apocalypse at their doorstep.

Wrapping up the event is the world premiere of the chilling ghostly thriller "BLUE LIGHT," directed by Andy Fickman, known for "Race from Witch Mountain" and "Heathers: The Musical." The screening will be hosted by Andy, and plans for a prequel and sequel are already underway.

Alan Jones, FrightFest co-director, expressed excitement about the Halloween 2-day extravaganza, stating, "We’ve assembled nine new genre titles to make this year’s Halloween event a happy haunting ground with all treats – no tricks – to satisfy your jaundiced appetites".

Passes and tickets will be available for purchase starting at noon on Saturday, September 30th, at the following prices:

Two-day pass: £70

Friday, October 27th day pass: £35

Saturday, October 28th day pass: £55

Single tickets: £15

All ticket prices are subject to ticket costs.

To book: https://www.frightfest.co.uk/Halloween2023/frightfesthalloween.html

(Online booking only)

For full programme details: http://www.frightfest.co.uk