Cinema / Film

Animated Horror Shorts

88 Lothian Road

Wed 21 Oct · 20:30

86m · Film

About this event

Screening as 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. FILMS FEATURED: Buzzkill (dir. Peter Ahern, USA, 2022, 5 mins) 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. Larval (dir. Alice Bloomfield, UK, 2025, 12 mins) 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. Something in the Garden (dir. Marcos Sanchez, Chile, 2021, 6 mins) It's nighttime in the suburbs and the stillness is interrupted by a strange presence, a creeping being that lurks in the dark. Sisowath Quay (dir. Stéphanie Landaque & François Leroy, France, 2024, 16 mins, Khmer w/ English subtitles) 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 transforms into a strange creature… Les Bêtes (dir.