Are you a creature of the night? If so, then the 2025 HorrorFest International Film Festival will be right up your alley! Presented by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU), HorrorFest is a four-day celebration of independent horror films from all around the world.
Now in its 23rd year, HorrorFest will not only treat (or is it trick?) attendees to horror films new and old, but this frightful cinematic platform will also present plenty of other fiendishly delightful goodness. Included: horror trivia, a costume contest, after-parties, an arcade, a horror-inspired art gallery, a Cereal Killer Breakfast Bar, networking opportunities galore, an awards ceremony, and more!
Additionally, HorrorFest is marching out a handful of highly respected horror-centric industry pros. Included: Studio Gillis founder Alec Gillis, an iconic creature maker (Predator, Aliens, Tremors), actor (Playtime), and director (Harbinger Down) with decades of experience under his belt; Joseph and Vanessa Winter, the horror-loving power couple behind the Shudder gem Deadstream; This Monstrous Life host Frank Dietz, a veteran screenwriter (Creepshow TV series), actor (Black Roses), and animator (Disney’s Hercules) who has nothing but love for the world of horror; and last but certainly not least, James and Chelsea of the legendary Dead Meat, who, among other things, are responsible for the work of genius that is The Kill Count.
Of course, many attendees will be on hand for the movies and filmmakers themselves, and there will be absolutely no shortage of frightfully memorable shorts and features to choose from. Among them: A Rare Grand Alignment from director Cinqué Lee, a survival thriller about a trio of boys who find themselves trapped midair in a cable car high above a snowy Norway landscape during a rare celestial event; the world premiere of Rob York’s highly anticipated all-age ‘80s horror throwback Curse of Crom 2: Crom’s Fury; the atmospheric slice of elevated period-piece horror that is Heresy; the world premiere of the brutal psychological thriller The TreeHouse; the world premiere of Ben Brown’s love letter to the slashers of yesteryear, Severed Road; the world premiere of the experimental ode to film, fathers, and sons that is Projection from directors Evan Samaras and George Scoufaras; and the not-to-be-missed Elisabeth Moss/Kate Hudson–headlined horror-comedy Shell from director Max Minghella.
Beyond that, HorrorFest International will also unload over 40 unforgettable short films offering multiple shades of horror. Additionally, the festival will host a few oldies but goodies, because programmers are quick to point out that the old horror guards paved the way for the new generation. Included among a trio of horror gems of yesteryear are the Mel Brooks comedy masterpiece Young Frankenstein (presented in glorious 16mm) and an ‘80s Throwback Mystery Double Creature Feature. That’s right—you won’t know what two films of the past are showing until the lights go down.
HorrorFest is a magical time at the movies for horror fans, and it’s located in a beautiful city surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenic locales in the U.S. For more details, including lineup, schedule, film synopses, and ticket info, log on to fmasu.com/horrorfest. HorrorFest International…a film festival with bite!
Correction: The print edition listed incorrect dates. HorrorFest International Film Festival will run September 17–20, 2025, at the Electric Theater. We apologize for the misprint.
