"Dead Grandma": A New Short Horror Film Set to Debut at Slamdance

“Dead Grandma,” a short horror film written and directed by Rachel Kempf and Nick Toti, is poised to make its debut at the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival in Los Angeles. The film, which runs for just 80 seconds, is part of Slamdance’s innovative 99 Special program, designed to promote affordable and accessible filmmaking. This initiative encourages filmmakers to create compelling narratives within a limited timeframe, emphasizing creativity over budget constraints.

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The concept for “Dead Grandma” originated from Toti's experiences as a preschool teacher. He recounted a moment of dark humor when he contemplated lying on the floor as if dead to observe the reactions of infants. Toti explained, “One day, I had the urge to lie down on the floor as if I were dead, just to see what the babies would do. This idea made me laugh at the time, and I thought it would make a good short film.” This blend of humor and macabre elements is a hallmark of the film, which aims to evoke a unique emotional response from its audience.

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“Dead Grandma” has already garnered attention from other filmmakers. Uwe Boll remarked on the film's surprising depth, stating, “I thought it was a photo, not a film. But then it ended up surprisingly…and dark.” Alex Ross Perry described it as “an entire saga of humor, dread, and discomfort somehow squeezed into the length of a commercial.” The film's ability to deliver a powerful narrative in such a brief format has created buzz ahead of its official release.

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Anna Lee Lawson, the Slamdance film festival & screenplay competition manager, highlighted the significance of the 99 Special program, stating, “Inspired by Slamdance’s $99 Special, our new 99 Special program embraces affordable technology, apps and DIY filmmaking methods to unleash your imagination into 99-second (and under) moving image gems.” This initiative reflects a broader trend in the film industry towards democratizing filmmaking and encouraging diverse voices.

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Following the premiere of “Dead Grandma,” Kempf and Toti are set to begin production on their next project, “Scary New Year.” This upcoming film, scripted by Kempf and produced by Liane Cunje and Divide/Conquer, will feature a cast that includes Lauren Viteri, Sam Hook, Amelia Ann, Beck Nolan, and Zach Schnitzer, with Adam J. Minnick serving as the cinematographer.

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“Dead Grandma” exemplifies the potential of short films to deliver impactful storytelling, and its debut at the Slamdance Film Festival is highly anticipated by both audiences and industry professionals alike.

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