An unconventional new horror short has made its debut on the UK festival circuit, with Granny DJ receiving its world premiere at the 2026 Horror on Sea Film Festival in Southend-on-Sea.
Directed by Sussex-born filmmaker Faith Elizabeth, the film’s premiere marks a notable success for local talent, with the Haywards Heath native celebrating a major milestone at one of the UK’s leading genre film festivals. The screening is being hailed as a win for Sussex filmmaking, highlighting regional creatives making an impact on the national horror scene.
Granny DJ blends horror, dark comedy and vibrant visual storytelling to deliver a fresh and unexpected take on ageing, identity and family relationships. The film centres on a rebellious older woman who reinvents herself as a DJ, embracing colour, music and self-expression later in life — much to the concern of her grandchild, Lola.
What begins as an energetic and playful transformation gradually takes a darker turn. Told largely from Lola’s perspective, the film explores the fear of losing a loved one to emotional instability, using surreal imagery and exaggerated horror elements to reflect inner turmoil. Bright neon visuals clash with unsettling character designs, creating a striking contrast between joy and unease.
The short features stylised monsters known as “Smilers”, which serve as manifestations of emotional chaos rather than traditional villains. These figures add an unsettling edge to the film while reinforcing its emotional themes, using horror as a metaphor for very real experiences.
Fiith Elizabeth is known for emotionally driven genre filmmaking and for championing women working within horror and independent cinema. Her work has been recognised at international festivals, and she is also active in initiatives supporting female filmmakers and improving representation across the industry.
The Horror on Sea Film Festival is one of the UK’s most respected showcases for horror, sci-fi and cult cinema, attracting filmmakers and fans from across the country. Held annually along the Essex coast, the festival is known for championing bold independent films and emerging voices in genre storytelling.
With its world premiere at the 2026 event, Granny DJ has positioned itself as a standout short — combining visual flair, emotional depth and genre creativity — while marking a proud moment for Sussex film talent.
Add your first comment to this post