It’s the final day of the festival and Toronto After Dark always takes this opportunity to showcase some of the amazing genre shorts that have been submitted to them from all over the world. This year, there are ten shorts to dive into, something that is sure to tickle your fancy is to be found in this blend of titles and genres.

There is Apotemnofilia from Jano Pita. If you don’t know the definition of the word, you may not be prepared for the body horror that spills across the screen for the short’s nine minute runtime. Graphic with solid practical effects, the film follows a performer as she succumbs to the disorder.

Alexander Lee Deeds directs Butterscotch is a fun, and creepy little tale that sees a young boy visiting a nursing home and taking a butterscotch candy from the wrong resident. The visual effects are fun, and there’s a wonderful sense of play to the creepiness that pervades it.

Crushxd was directed by Abraham El-Makawy and Alex Futtersak, and it’s a fascinating experimental short that is a delight to watch, and features all manner of animation styles. A variety of moments and animals entertain in this little charmer.

Fck’n Nuts is brought to us by Sam Fox who delivers a bizarre and laugh-out-loud tale of a young woman, her latest suitor, and the problem he has with their parents, and why they think it will never work out. Strange and funny.

The Heritage comes from Andrew Rutter and we see a young man looking for some closure on the loss of his mother and goes to meet his father, and finds himself completely unprepared for what he discovers in this body horror escapade.

Nap is brought to us by Javier Chavanel, and follows a sleep study group that is required to be asleep, but what if they can’t fall asleep or are still awake at the wrong time? I like this one, it’s a little unnerving and very well shot.

The Old Young Crow comes to us from Liam LoPinto and is probably my favourite of the collection, and arguably my favourite short I’ve seen in a while. Part ghost story, part tale of acceptance of being of two worlds, the short follows a young boy and a wonderous connection he makes and the discovery he makes about himself. Loved this one.

Directed by Mdhamiri a Nkemi, Original Skin has some very relevant themes brought to the fore as a young woman is given one night away from her convent? cult? sisterhood? and discovers passion and self-expression. But she doesn’t want to change back to who she was before that night. Will they accept her back, or will she learn to love herself and the opportunities before her?

Toad Boy is from Phillip J. McLaughlin is a fun little creature feature or a shorrort as McLaughlin refers to the film in its opening credits. A principal is concerned about the fact that a young bullied boy hasn’t been in class for two weeks, and asks the boy’s sister for help. But things aren’t going to go the way he thought they would. Fun and featuring some nice practical effects!

And rounding out the shorts programme is Wayward Gods from Nate Pantumsinchai is a fantastical piece of art, and I have one complaint about the whole thing. And I understand that what we see on screen probably tooks months upon months of work, but it’s too short. I was just getting into this little adventure and then it was done and wrapped up. Still, it looks stunning!

But don’t take my word for it, hit Toronto After Dark’s website here to book tickets, check screening times and find films. And I will see you After Dark!