Each year Abertoir invites filmmakers from across the globe to submit short films for the Abertoir Short Film Competition. As always, the response has been phenomenal and it’s not possible to show all of the amazing entries.

There are two awards on offer. The first being the Audience Award for Best Short Film, and the second is the Méliès d’argent awarded to the best European short film.

As part of Abertor’s role in the Méliès International Festivals Federation, our short film competition will award a Short Film Méliès d’argent. This is an internationally recognised prize specific to the Federation and is a testimony to the talented filmmakers in Europe. The winner of our Short Film Méliès d’argent will go forward to the final lineup at Sitges for the prestigious Méliès d’or Award for the Best European Fantastic Short Film. All our European fictional short films are eligible.

Films IN THIS SESSION are:

Imposter Syndrome, In, Inebriated, Into the Stand, The Newcomer, Not Too Bad, Obey!, OK/NOTOK, Planetagatik

Imposter Syndrome

Dir. Jennifer Rosiquez
Mexico 2025, 13mins

Elías is a young man who, after a very successful start as a horror writer, is now filled with insecurities and creatively blocked. He goes to Mercedes, his trusted therapist. During a therapy session, Elías reveals what happened the last time he tried writing, along with the mysterious and terrible events surrounding his creative process. Is Elías suffering from impostor syndrome? Or is he being influenced by something ancient and terrifying?

In

Dir. Van Poynton
Ireland 2025, 3mins

One hell of a distraction. A bizarre and brisk psychological horror, a hypnotic fusion of raw realism and unbridled fantasy.

Inebriated

Dir. Max Lincoln
UK 2025, 12mins

To rescue her possessed boyfriend, Van must confront her demons, beginning with her parents.

Not Too Bad

Dir. Anna Carbonell Lacárcel
Spain 2024, 14mins

Mireia and Laia will be forced to make a completely reckless decision in order to get the job they long for.

OK/NOTOK

Dir. Pardeep Sahota
UK 2024, 13mins

A genre bending love story set in the very near future with a darkly comic edge. Loretta, a working-class British Asian woman, attempts to navigate a turbulent world, a new stranger in her life and unskippable adverts.

Obey!

Dir. Jordan Wippell
USA 2025, 11mins

After the tragic death of her viral dog, Max, a pet influencer is confronted by a vengeful spirit demanding an apology for a life of exploitation.

Planetagatik

Dir. Eneko Muruzabal Elezcano
Spain 2024, 10mins

In an aseptic food research laboratory, Mario and Karla are two scientists dealing with a series of increasingly strict environmental regulations. When these reach absurd levels, Mario decides to turn to his boss for a solution.

Into the Stand

Dir. Mackenzie Hamilton, Taylor Fuchs
Canada 2025, 14mins

When an insurance clerk discovers a mysterious shop where priceless antiques can be purchased in exchange for years of his life, he’s forced to contemplate the true value of his youth.

The Newcomer

Dir. Zoe Cleland
Canada 2024, 14mins

Amy forges an intense bond with the ghost in her apartment, risking the erosion of her own identity.