Pulling the Rug Out

From heart-racing horror that will make you wince, to eerie stories that get under your skin, these short films are sure to leave you unsettled.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Total running time

    109min

  • Programmed by

    Victoria Millington, Sky Lewis

  • Content warning

    This short film programme contains scenes of graphic violence or injury and animal slaughter, and themes of suicide.

Chimera

  • Director-screenwriter

    Eamonn Hearns

  • UK 2025. 16min

  • Language

    English

  • Content warning

    Contains scenes of graphic violence or injury.

Aided by mythology and her twin sister, a lab technician uses unconventional methods to satiate her desires.

Flock

  • Director

    Mac Nixon

  • Screenwriters

    Mac Nixon, Daley Nixon

  • UK 2025. 20min

  • Languages

    English, Welsh
    With English subtitles

  • Content warning

    Contains scenes of animal slaughter.

The violence of mob mentality is unleashed when a remote farming community’s entire sheep population suddenly vanishes.

Speak with the Dead

  • Director-screenwriter

    Stephanie Paris

  • USA 2025. 12min

  • Language

    English
    With English subtitles

A séance begins as a slight of hand, but takes a dark turn once spirits are awakened.

Nostalgie

  • Director

    Kathryn Ferguson

  • Screenwriter

    Stacey Gregg

  • UK 2025. 19min

  • Language

    English

A 1980s popstar receives a surprising invitation to perform, pulling him out of musical retirement and into a moral dilemma.

Shiny Precious Things

  • Director

    Villő Krisztics

  • Screenwriter

    Gaia Mondadori

  • UK 2024. 14min

  • Language

    English

  • Content warning

    Contains scenes of graphic violence or injury, and themes of suicide.

A tale of teenage romance is turned on its head when a young woman chooses to seek revenge.

God is Shy

  • Director-screenwriter

    Jocelyn Charles

  • France 2025. 15min

  • Language

    French
    With English subtitles

  • Content warning

    Contains scenes of graphic violence or injury.

While discussing their deepest fears on a train ride, two friends are interrupted by an unusual passenger.

Grandma is Thirsty

  • Director-screenwriter

    Kris Carr

  • UK 2025. 14min

  • Language

    English

  • Content warning

    Contains scenes of graphic violence or injury.

Escaping bullies, George is lured by an offer to help him defend himself.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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