Animated Horror Shorts – Edinburgh
Tickets sold through Filmhouse
Date and Time
21 October 2026
Venue
Filmhouse
Address
Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, UK
Map
Duration
86 mins
Language
English
Accessibility
Our animated film programme will be captioned in English
Content Warning
Body horror, sexual content, disturbing imagery, gore, child loss
Rating
Age 18+
Part of Manipulate Arts Autumn Animation Season
This dark and mesmerising collection of horror and thriller shorts showcases the extraordinary power of animation to illuminate the shadowy corners of the human imagination.
Each film delves into the depths of fear, obsession, and the unknown, transforming intangible nightmares into hauntingly beautiful visual experiences. Through a blend of striking artistry and storytelling, creators from around the world unravel cautionary tales that warn of human folly, bring to life the monsters lurking within, and paint chilling visions of futures twisted by our own desires and mistakes. Together, these animated works remind us that sometimes, the most terrifying worlds are the ones we create ourselves. The programme will feature films from four continents, including some of the most exciting titles on the current festival circuit.
Shorts Programme
Buzzkill – Peter Ahern (USA)
After hitting it off on a blind date, Rick and Becky decide they’re ready to go steady. But as the night heats up, an unexpected discovery reveals first impressions can be deceiving.
(5 Mins)
Praying Mantis – Joe Hsieh (Taiwanese)
A praying mantis mutant seduces and preys on men out of desperation to save her child. A failed mission led to revelations of her past and dark secrets as the story unfolds.
(18 Mins)
Larval – Alice Bloomfield (UK)
A lonely girl dreams of beauty, fame, and the love of an oblivious takeaway worker. When a moth-like spirit grants her wish in a surreal turn of events, she learns it comes at a cost.
(12 Mins)
Something in the Garden – Marcos Sanchez (Chile)
It’s nighttime in the suburbs and the stillness is interrupted by a strange presence, a creeping being that lurks in the dark.
(6 Mins)
Les Bêtes – Michael Granberry – (USA)
A mysterious rabbit with a set of magic keys summons a host of strange creatures to entertain a wicked king and his decadent court in this dark stop-motion animated fantasy inspired by the works of Ladislas Starevich.
(12 Mins)
Regenerative Being – Stas Santimov (Ukraine)
The official music video for “Regenerative Being” by Eluvium. A lonely man finds himself in a strange place where everything is planned for his arrival.
(8 Mins)
Sisowath Quay – Stéphanie Landaque & François Leroy (France)
Phnom Penh. Nakry and Sothear meet on the Sisowath quay for their first date. At nightfall, the romance turns into a nightmare when the young girl transorms into a strange creature…
(16 Mins)
Playing God -Matteo Burani (Italy/France)
A clay sculpture comes to life in the darkness of workshop, surrounded by strange creatures…
(9 Mins)
Partners and Funders
Manipulate Arts’ Autumn Animation Season is supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery
