You know summer is just around the corner when creatures of the dark arrive at the Haapsalu Horror Film Festival and take over the streets of quiet provincial town. Trickster has made its own picks of genre films being screened this weekend – and all of them come with the filmmakers present for Q&A sessions!
Make sure you check out HÕFF schedule right here to make your own choices.
FREWAKA
Aislinn Clarke, Ireland, 2024
It's notable for being one of the first horror films primarily in the Irish language, adding authenticity and cultural depth to its storytelling. Fréwaka premiered at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival The film delves into Irish mythology, featuring entities like the Na Sídhe, and incorporates traditional symbols such as mummers and Sacred Heart lamps to create a haunting atmosphere. Beyond its supernatural aspects, Fréwaka addresses themes of intergenerational trauma, particularly focusing on the historical treatment of women in Ireland.
THE INSTINCT
Juan Albarracín, Spain, 2024
Juan Albarracín makes his feature film directorial debut with The Instinct, showcasing his talent in crafting intense psychological narratives. With a modest budget of approximately €398,000, the film was partially financed through crowdfunding, demonstrating strong community support and interest in the project. The Instinct premiered at the 26th Abycine Independent Film Festival in October 2024, where it received the main award, highlighting its critical acclaim within the independent film circuit.
ABOVE THE KNEE
Viljar Bøe, Norway, 2024
Bøe often works with small crews and limited shooting days, relying on natural and practical lighting. Influenced by the Dogme 95 movement and directors like Lars von Trier, this approach allows for real-time reactions and a grounded, realistic feel. Above the Knee premiered at Beyond Fest in Los Angeles, one of the most popular genre film festivals in the U.S., where it was hailed as a gut-wrenching ride into madness and physicality.
THE HOME
Mattias J. Skoglund, Sweden, Estonia, Iceland, 2025
The Home (Hemmet), the 2025 Swedish-Estonian-Icelandic horror film directed by Mattias J. Skoglund. The Home had its world premiere at SXSW 2025 in the Midnighter section, receiving praise for its unsettling atmosphere and emotional depth.The film won the Méliès d’Argent award at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF), highlighting its impact within the European horror scene. The film's sound design, crafted by Matis Rei, is crucial in building tension and enhancing the horror elements.
HOUSE OF SAYURI
Kôji Shiraishi, Japan, 2024
The film is based on the manga Sayuri by Rensuke Oshikiri, known for Hi Score Girl. Shiraishi co-wrote the screenplay with Mari Asato, recognized for her work on Ju-on: Black Ghost and Fatal Frame, bringing a blend of horror expertise to the adaptation. House of Sayuri premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2024, receiving praise for its inventive approach to the haunted house subgenre and its emotional depth. Critics highlighted its ability to simultaneously break hearts and lift spirits