Celebrate 20 Years of FrightFest at Glasgow Film Festival 2025

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest returns to the Glasgow Film Festival from 6–8 March 2025, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a thrilling line-up of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi. Hosted at the iconic Glasgow Film Theatre, the three-day event is set to deliver world premieres, UK debuts, and an exciting showcase of rising talent, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone of genre cinema.

Over the years, FrightFest has established itself as a powerhouse for horror and fantasy filmmaking, playing a key role in launching the careers of visionary directors such as Neil Marshall and Eli Roth. This year’s edition continues that legacy, boasting four world premieres and a spotlight on fresh talent from the UK and Ireland through an exclusive short film showcase.

FrightFest co-director Alan Jones praised the Glasgow audience’s unique energy, calling them “vibrant and welcoming,” and expressed excitement about sharing this year’s dynamic programme. Featuring a blend of unsettling tales, dark humour, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, the festival offers a cinematic feast for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Pigeon Shrine FrightFest Glasgow 2025 is saping up to be a weekend of unforgettable experiences.

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest Glasgow 2025 lineup

Thursday, 6 March

The festival begins with the Scottish premiere of Psyche, a surreal sci-fi thriller directed by Stephon Stewart. The film follows Mara, a woman trapped in limbo during a near-death experience. Guided by a vintage 1980s computer, she pieces together cryptic clues from discarded memories to uncover the meaning of her life. With stunning visuals and a thought-provoking story, Psyche offers a unique journey into fractured realities. Stewart will attend the screening, making it an unmissable opening night.

Friday, 7 March

The second day kicks off with House of Ashes, Izzy Lee’s International premiere. This ghost story explores societal repression and supernatural terror as Mia, under house arrest after her husband’s suspicious death, is plagued by mysterious phenomena. With a sharp socio-political edge, the film promises to chill and provoke in equal measure.

Following this is The Last Sacrifice, a documentary by Rupert Russell that delves into Britain’s eerie folk horror traditions, framed through the 1945 witchcraft killing that inspired The Wicker Man. Russell’s deep dive into cultural and cinematic history is an unsettling yet fascinating exploration.

Next comes By the Throat, a world premiere that follows Lizzy, a traumatised woman working as a housekeeper in a remote home. As nightmares blur with reality, Lizzy confronts dark forces in a story that blends psychological tension with supernatural horror.

Friday night takes a wild turn with The Doom Busters. Director Jack McHenry, known for Here Comes Hell, brings an outlandish mix of 1940s Britain and alien invasion. This period horror-comedy pits a Home Guard team against extraterrestrial creatures, delivering gore, laughs, and thrills.

The evening concludes with In Our Blood, Pedro Kos’ gripping psychological horror. When a filmmaker’s mother disappears, she uncovers dark truths about addiction, trauma, and the sinister forces surrounding her family. Kos masterfully weaves personal tragedy with supernatural terror for a haunting finale.

Saturday, 8 March

Saturday begins with the UK premiere of A Mother’s Embrace, a Brazilian supernatural thriller set during a devastating storm in Rio de Janeiro. Young firefighter Ana must rescue elderly residents from a sinister care home built on ancient, cursed grounds. Cristian Ponce crafts a rain-soaked, occult tale that blends human drama with supernatural horror.

Next is FrightFest’s Short Film Showcase, highlighting emerging talent from the UK and Ireland. From eerie campfire stories like By the Light of the Fire to spine-tingling tales like Pumpkin Guts, these shorts promise to terrify and delight.

The world premiere of Hearts of Darkness: The Making of The Final Friday follows, offering an unprecedented look behind the scenes of one of horror’s most divisive entries, Friday the 13th: The Final Friday. Featuring interviews with cast and crew, this documentary is a must-watch for slasher fans.

The evening begins with The American Backyard, a gothic thriller by Italian filmmaker Pupi Avati. Inspired by true crimes, this story of unrequited love and terrifying disappearances promises to keep audiences on edge.

The penultimate feature is Scared to Death, a supernatural comedy-horror about a film crew that holds a séance in a haunted orphanage. Starring Lin Shaye and Bill Moseley, this chaotic tale of ghostly revenge is as funny as it is terrifying.

Closing the festival is the world premiere of Rumpelstiltskin, a dark reimagining of the Brothers Grimm tale. Directed by Andy Edwards, this adaptation turns the fairy tale into a blood-soaked nightmare. With chilling performances and gruesome twists, Rumpelstiltskin ensures the festival ends on a high note.

Ticket Information

FrightFest Passes (£88) and individual tickets (£12/£9.50 concessions) go on sale Friday, 17 January. Pass holders can enjoy access to all films on Friday and Saturday, while individual tickets for Psyche and other screenings are available from 23 January for Cinecard holders and 27 January for the general public.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit frightfest.co.uk/2025Glasgow/