Mayhem Film Festival announces 2024 Short Film Programme

Festival also sets date for full line-up announcement

Mayhem Film Festival is delighted to announce the 18 films that will make up this year's Short Film Programme. The festival will take place at Broadway, Nottingham on 17-20 October 2024.

Mayhem initially started as a single selection of shorts almost 20 years ago, and to mark the occasion, the festival will this year feature not one, but two Short Film Showcases. The 20th edition's shorts line-up includes three UK Premieres, with work from filmmakers making their first appearance at the festival, as well as long-time friends of Mayhem. For the second year running, the team worked with The Nottingham Horror Collective's Emily Malone to curate the programme.

"There were so many excellent shorts we have expanded your opportunity to discover new talent and of course, established proponents of short, sharp shockers and surreal storytelling", said Chris Cooke, Mayhem Co-Director.

The 18 films from this year's line-up are:

SHORT FILM SHOWCASE #1

We Joined A Cult

Dir. Chris McInroy, US, 4m10

The story of two friends who just wanted to play kickball.

She Talks in Her Sleep

Dir. Paul Taylor, UK, 8m44

Dan and Faye appear to be like any other couple, but when Faye starts sleep-talking, her eerie, unconscious messages lead Dan to believe that something sinister is coming for them…

Matta and Matto

Dirs. Bianca Caderas & Kerstin Zemp, Switzerland, 10m16

In a dystopian world where touch is forbidden, Matta and Matto offer refuge to the lonely at Hotel Vaip. In the deceptive labyrinth of mind-bending rooms at their transient hotel, deepest desires are fulfilled and surpassed, but this comes at a price.

The Thaw [UK Premiere]

Dirs. Sean Temple & Sarah Wisner, US, 16m31

In 19th-century Vermont, a young woman's parents drink sleeping tea to survive the harsh winter, but an early thaw leads to horrifying results.

Transylvanie

Dir. Rodrigue Huart, France, 15m, with English subtitles

Ewa is a 10-year-old girl living in a high building in a quiet town. She's an odd, lonely child and for good reason: she's convinced of being a vampire.

Make Me a Pizza

Dir. Talia Shea Levin, US, 12m25

BORED HOUSEWIFE seduces HOT PIZZA GUY for free pizza, but is desire worth $29.99?

Off Cuts

Dir. Ben Steiner, UK, 3m55

Returning home to his pregnant partner, a man brings an unwelcome presence with him.

Shé (Snake)

Dir. Renee Zhan, US, 15m30, partly subtitled

When pressures mount on a tightly wound violinist in a London youth orchestra, her internal monsters take external form.

The Visitor [UK Premiere]

Dir. Tony Morales, Spain, 10m, with English subtitles

Alone in her home overnight, a young influencer's solitude is interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

SHORT FILM SHOWCASE #2

Dream Creep

Dir. Carlos A.F. Lopez, US, 12m34

A couple awakens in the night to sounds emanating from an unlikely orifice.

The Sin-Eater

Dir. Kelly Holmes, UK, 17m

1852, Wales: a desperate young mother carries out a forbidden ritual to save the soul of her unbaptised dead baby, but is tricked into taking on a terrifying supernatural burden.

Perfect City: the Bravest Kid

Dir. Shengwei Zhou, US, 6m19

A paper boy who is dreaming of a big iron knife hand chasing him realises that his parents, whom he depends on most, are actually that knife hand.

The Rainbow Bridge

Dir. Dimitri Simakis, US, 12m40

Tina and her elderly dog visit a mysterious clinic offering human-to-pet communication. However, they soon get more than they bargained for when two sinister doctors uncover a bond between them that transcends time and space. They might just be the key to something greater… but at what cost?

Lullaby

Dir. Chi Thai, UK, 14m43

A refugee is haunted by a devastating incident from her past.

Pocketman

Dir. Ericka Clevenger, US, 2m

A wedding is terrorised by a supernatural being who can steal things from pockets. Things escalate when the wedding party tries to get their stolen ring back.

Storm

Dir. Lena Tsodykovskaya, US, 8m

A couple wakes on a stormy night to find themselves trapped in the mechanisms of a horror movie.

Triptych

Dir. Sophia Ray, UK, 14m29

Provocative artist Margaux Kasser plans to destroy a Bosch masterpiece, claiming it's performance art. But the artwork conceals a dark secret from her past. A horrific reckoning is coming. Margaux must fight to escape her fate.

Reel [UK Premiere]

Dir. Rodrigue Huart, France, 4m12, with English subtitles

1857. Coutances. Two farmer girls find a smartphone in their field.

With just over a month to go before this year's edition takes place on 17-20 October 2024, Mayhem have also announced they will reveal their full line-up on Thursday 18 September, with individual tickets set to go on sale at the same time.

Full Festival Passes remain available for £95, giving access to all films and events from this year's festival.