Shorts After Dark: Twisted Oddities
Step into the strange side of midnight with Shorts After Dark: Twisted Oddities, a block of genre-defying short films that take viewers on wild, uncanny journeys. These stories are filled with haunted objects, creatures at the edge of perception, and dangerous games of deception. The lineup features standout selections from the horror and cult circuit, including recent festival hits from Toronto After Dark and LA Shorts. Cruise through decades of desire, regret, and revelation in “The Ride,” where a classic Plymouth witnesses the beauty and terror of changing lives. Survive infernal plumbing in “Bidet,” and face generational curses in “MotherWound,” as unsettling presences bubble up from everyday spaces. “Vibeland: Zodiac” twists the serial killer trope into surreal urban horror, and “Chickentown” finds a young woman seeking justice in an unpredictable and dangerous confrontation with a suspected murderer. For a final offbeat encounter, “Swipe” offers a body-count dark comedy about dating apps and assembling the perfect man from the remains of failed matches. From haunted highways to demonic household fixtures, this late-night showcase plunges deep into the territory where reality bends, humor curdles, and retribution comes with a twist. Perfect for fans of genre festivals and midnight movies, these shorts promise thrills, chills, and a heavy dose of the unexpected.
- 100 minutes
Featured Short Films:
The Ride
A ’76 Plymouth reflects on its journey, witnessing decades of human life, capturing moments of freedom, temptation, and redemption as it changes hands from one owner to the next.
Director: Slava Denisov
Region: United States
Length: 15:00
Bidet
A group of best friends are hunted by a possessed bidet.
Director: James Brylowski
Region: Canada
Length: 07:30
MotherWound
A young woman is confronted by her mother's legacy that has manifested as a creature lurking in her peripherals. The more she ignores it, the more ravenous it becomes.
Director: Hana Holloway, Camille Zapata
Region: United States
Length: 18:00
Vibeland: Zodiac
In a surreal San Francisco where urban legends are real, a young Black woman's date night becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse with an infamous serial killer who targets women like her.
Director: Rodrigo Williams, Alexi Papalexopoulos
Region: United States
Length: 24:07
Chickentown
"CHICKENTOWN" follows a determined young woman, Mitzi, in pursuit of justice after her sister’s tragic death. Mitzi intentionally hitchhikes with Dodge, her prime suspect in her sister’s murder. As she skillfully navigates through tense conversation, suspense builds as Mitzi inches closer to an inevitable confrontation. After a chaotic and unpredictable series of events, Mitzi faces a critical choice: Will she attempt to avenge her sister, knowing she risks falling into the same fate?
Director: Madeline Poeta
Region: United States
Length: 13:10
Swipe
A girl attempts to swipe her way to happiness. After an exhaustive search, and astronomical body count, she resorts to assembling her dream boy from left over parts.
Director: Patrick Smith
Region: United States
Length: 05:00
About The Santa Cruz Film Festival
Dive into five electrifying days of world-class films, unforgettable parties, and celebration as the Santa Cruz Film Festival roars back this October 8–12 2025 for its 25th anniversary.
Experience the cinematic spirit of the Central Coast as the Santa Cruz Film Festival celebrates 25 years of movie magic. Over five unforgettable days this October, the city comes alive with world-class films fresh from Sundance, SXSW, and Tribeca, intimate conversations with visiting filmmakers, and lively parties under the Santa Cruz sky. From boundary-pushing documentaries to electrifying narratives, SCFF invites you to immerse yourself in the moving-image arts and connect with a community that thrives on creativity.
Experience bold and necessary storytelling from around the world, including award-winning films fresh from Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, and Tribeca, alongside powerful local stories that showcase Santa Cruz and our endlessly creative Central Coast. Plus, meet the filmmakers at screenings, Q&As, industry panels and at the Opening Night Gala at the Museum of Art and History!
SCFF 25 will be held at The Del Mar Theater, Santa Cruz Cinema Colligan Theater, The 418 Project, and Indexical.