Folk Horror Takes Over Derby with Darkness in the Fields Festival

Folk horror continues to thrive on cinema screens around the world, and this March the genre takes centre stage once again in Derby as the Darkness in the Fields Film Festival returns for its third edition. Hosted at Derby’s QUAD arts venue, the one-day event promises a packed programme exploring the eerie traditions, folklore and unsettling landscapes that have defined the subgenre for decades.

Drawing inspiration from classics such as The Wicker Man and The Blood on Satan’s Claw, as well as modern favourites including The Witch and Midsommar, the festival celebrates the way rural settings and ancient traditions can become fertile ground for unsettling stories. With four international features scheduled across the day, Darkness in the Fields continues to build its reputation as a destination event for fans of atmospheric horror.

The programme opens with Dog of God, an animated feature from Latvia that blends stark religious imagery with supernatural terror. Created using rotoscoped animation, the film centres on a devout community shaken by the discovery that a werewolf may be living among them. The striking visual style and morally complex story helped the film earn selection as Latvia’s submission for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category, and it is expected to leave a strong impression on festival audiences.

Next comes Her Will Be Done, which explores the life of a young farm worker named Naw. Burdened by hardship and the expectations of rural life, her world shifts when a mysterious new neighbour arrives. What begins as a personal awakening soon intertwines with something far older, as the story delves into the shadow of a family curse rooted deep in the land.

The third screening of the day, the Algerian feature Roqia, blends psychological tension with supernatural folklore. The story unfolds across two timelines, linking the experiences of a war survivor struggling with memory loss and the present-day fight of an elderly man facing Alzheimer’s. Through its exploration of memory, possession and identity, the film adds a distinctive perspective to the folk horror tradition.

Closing the festival is The Virgin of the Quarry Lake, a coming-of-age story adapted from the work of acclaimed Argentine writer Mariana Enriquez. Set during an oppressive summer, the film follows three teenage friends whose lives shift dramatically after the arrival of a charismatic newcomer. As jealousy and desire intensify, the consequences of their actions spiral in increasingly unsettling directions.

Alongside the screenings, attendees will also find a merchandise stall operating throughout the event, offering genre-themed items for visitors eager to take home a piece of the festival atmosphere.

The event takes place at QUAD, Derby’s long-standing cultural hub that has welcomed millions of visitors since opening in 2008. Known for its commitment to independent film, contemporary art and digital culture, the venue has hosted thousands of screenings and exhibitions while supporting artists and filmmakers from the region and beyond.

Full-day passes for Darkness in the Fields are priced at £30, with individual film tickets also available. Further information and booking details can be found through QUAD’s official website: derbyquad.co.uk/events/ditf2026/