Torrerífico horror film festival reaches record 173 entries

The ninth edition of the Torrerífico horror short film festival in Torrevieja has reached a record participation level, receiving 173 entries from 44 different geographic locations. Of these submissions, 143 are currently undergoing preselection by a jury, while 30 were disqualified for failing to meet competition requirements.

Submissions originated largely from Madrid (22.3%), Barcelona (13.4%), and Alicante (5%), including works by various international filmmakers residing in Spain. The entries span over 50 horror subgenres, with a notable presence of supernatural, psychological, slasher, body horror, zombie, and social horror films. Regarding authorship, 80% of the entries were directed by men, with 29 directed by women and six featuring mixed authorship.

The festival is a collaborative effort involving the University of Alicante, the Torrevieja Town Hall, and the local association La Comarca. Selected films will compete for a total of €1,700 in prizes. A public screening and audience vote are scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.