Fanomenon Short Film Competition 3

The Bones Exist

1850s Alta California, a dwindling group of gold prospectors encounters a feral boy who forces the men to confront the horrors lurking in the woods and the sins of their past. Tensions run high but they soon discover the boy may not be alone. Yorkshire Premiere | Kelsey Bollig, Matthew DuVall | USA | 2026 | 14 mins | English, Spanish

Banshee

In 1880s Ireland, Róise’s family is haunted by a banshee after she discovers a mysterious comb, leading to a series of deaths in her village. Told with fantastic cinematography, this is a truly haunting tale from director Peter Vass. UK Premiere | Peter Vass | Ireland | 2025 | 16 mins | English

When You Hear Hoofbeats

A young woman struggles to have her distressing medical symptoms taken seriously, leading her to believe she may be possessed by the devil. Navigating the medical system as a woman is not for the weak as exposed in this very clever little short. International Premiere | Millie Donaldson | Australia | 2026 | 9 mins | English

Bait

On a hunting trip, young Martín accompanies his father and his father’s boss. As the day progresses, each man’s inner tensions and frustrations come to light, putting Martín’s sensitivity and quiet strength to the test. Yorkshire Premiere | Martha G. Ayerbe | Spain | 2025 | 16 mins | Spanish

This Place is a Sh*thole

If you thought your overpriced yet filthy flatshare was bad, this one might actually take the cake. Chaos and grime are at the heart of this fast-paced, horrifying, hilarious and imaginative film from Will Wightman. Yorkshire Premiere | Will Wightman | UK | 2025 | 4 mins | English

Benny’s Second Birthday

Benny is turning 2 and he’s apparently invited the entire town, leaving his mother rather confused. This deeply unsettling short is told through great performances, and we’re pretty confident Benny would be besties with Damien from The Omen. Yorkshire Premiere | R.J. Glass | USA | 2025 | 12 mins | English

Red Velvet

A serial killer goes on his dream date with his dream victim, but discovers he may have bargained for more than he can handle. A gorgeously shot short film that handles a familiar premise with great skill. International Premiere | Haley Hope | USA | 2026 | 14 mins | English

Content Guidance: Contains scenes with racist language, gore and bloody violence.