The Secrets of the Dead Short Horror Film Festival, a New York City horror tradition for over a decade, will host a series of screenings this winter at TV Eye in Ridgewood, Queens. On December 15, 2024, January 19, and February 23, 2025, the festival will showcase a curated selection of international and local short horror films, paired with live music and DJ performances.
Festival curator Jeffrey Wengrofsky, a veteran of New York City’s punk and goth scenes, describes short films as delivering an intensity akin to live music. This fusion is reflected in the event’s lineup, which includes performances by goth-inspired bands Figure of Fun, Charming Disaster, and The Wedding Funeral. Deathrock DJ Mark Spatter will also provide a post-screening soundtrack to the night.
The films, originally submitted through FilmFreeway, highlight talents from around the world, including Japan, England, Germany, and the United States. Featured works include Kaichi Saito’s Love Hotel on December 15, Ilya Polyakov’s Worm on January 19, and Chris Roe’s A Tale of Two Sisters starring Traci Lords on February 23.
Tickets are priced at $13, offering an evening of short films, live music, and a DJ set, blending visual and auditory experiences for a diverse audience of cinephiles and music enthusiasts.
Directors and Films
December 15: (with Figure of Fun)
Cally Trench (High Wycombe, UK), Burial
Kaichi Saito (Tokyo, Japan), Love Hotel: The Guide to Japanese Midnight Culture
Tizian Herzberger (Germany), The Little Girl Eater
Jeffrey Wengrofsky (NYC), A Blood Artist
January 19: (with Charming Disaster)
Jim Vendiola (Chicago), Pretty Pickle
Ilya Polyakov (Los Angles), Worm
Zalman Zuckerberg (Florida), Want
Jeffrey Wengrofsky (NYC), The Devil and Mr. Berger
February 23: (with The Wedding Funeral)
Benjamin Roberds (Georgia), Your Houseplants are Screaming
Chris Roe (Los Angeles) – A Tale of Two Sisters (starring Traci Lords)
She Rocola (London), The Trickster
Jeffrey Wengrofsky (NYC), Marti Domination in the Life of Dreams
Now entering its 13th year, Secrets of the Dead has evolved to include poetry, live music, and unique hosting personas by Wengrofsky, making each installment a unique experience. The festival continues to accept submissions from filmmakers worldwide for works under 20 minutes, regardless of production date.
For more information, visit the festival at TV Eye and immerse yourself in the haunting charm of short-form horror cinema.
