Film Submissions

Popcorn Frights Film Festival, the Southeast United States largest international genre film festival, will celebrate its ninth year on August 8-18, 2024. Over the last years, Popcorn Frights has been declared one of “The World’s 50 Best Genre Festivals” by Moviemaker Magazine, recognized as one of the “The Best Horror Festivals in the World” by Dread Central, and noted as one of the “Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals” by FilmFreeway.

In 2023, Popcorn Frights hosted a hybrid festival that attracted more than 10,000 filmgoers, as well as more than 70 filmmakers, producers, talent, and industry professionals to its eleven-day summer event of inspiring films, panels, and parties.

Popcorn Frights also expanded its partnership with the genre streaming platform ALTER with representatives in attendance hosting and moderating industry panels and sessions, as well as considering all short films premiering at Popcorn Frights for distribution on its online platform.

Popcorn Frights showcases features and shorts by filmmakers from around the world to an audience of horror lovers and filmmakers, industry, and journalists. Amongst others, Adam Egypt Mortimer, Scott Beck & Bryan Woods, Lucky McKee, Carter Smith, Nia DaCosta, Casper Van Dien, Travis Stevens, Graham Skipper, Joe Lynch, Ruby Rose, Timo Tjahjanto, Colin Minihan, Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Mickey Keating, Darren Lynn Bousman, and horror legends Alex Proyas, Mick Garris, Chuck Russell, Barbara Crampton, Mary Harron, and Larry Fessenden have attended, participated, and premiered their films at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival.

We revel in discovering new talent. We don’t discriminate: shorts, features, documentaries, animation, film, and video — all are welcome submissions. Join us for a screaming good time in our magic city! 10,000 fans can’t be wrong!

Popcorn Frights Film Festival accepts entries via FilmFreeway.

DATES & DEADLINES

September 30, 2023
Pre-Early Bird Deadline

October 31, 2023
Early Bird Deadline

November 30, 2023
Fall Deadline

December 31, 2023
New Year Deadline

February 28, 2024
Winter Deadline

April 30, 2024
Regular Deadline

May 31, 2024
Late Deadline

June 21, 2024
Extended Deadline

July 19, 2024
Final Deadline

Awards & Prizes:

Jury Prize for Best Feature Film
Jury Prize for Scariest Feature Film
Jury Prize for Best Short Film
Jury Prize for Scariest Short Film
Jury Prize for Best New Nightmare
Jury Prize for Best Florida Film
Audience Award for Feature Film
Audience Award for Short Film

What filmmakers are saying:

“If you want to experience what film festivals are supposed to be — attend Popcorn Frights. They approach curation as fans, yet don’t lose sight of what it is all about — their community. That balance ensures programming that has something for everyone and even a few things that aren’t for some. Backed-up by a volunteer staff that makes you feel like part of the family, this is a fest that makes filmmakers and patrons want to come back for more.” —Andre Gower, actor/director of Wolfman’s Got Nards

“Had a fantastic time at Popcorn Frights, a rare experience hosted by film aficionados who are informed, aware artists themselves. I highly recommend it as a place for new filmmakers to break bread (and wine) with seasoned vets and enjoy sharing their love of thrills in cinema.” —Chuck Russell, director of A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and The Blob

“Popcorn Frights is an incredible community of the most passionate fans that the genre has to offer, and I am so thrilled and honored to have been able to show my films there. If you’re itching for a killer festival with an amazing lineup, look no further.” —Mickey Keating, director of Offseason, Psychopaths, Carnage Park

“Everyone at Popcorn Frights took incredible care of me, and made me feel at home from the second I walked through the doors. They care about cinema, filmmakers, and making sure everyone — audience and artist alike — has a fantastic time. I loved playing here and will do so again in a heartbeat.” —Graham Skipper, actor/director

“They’ve really put together something special here. If you have a chance to make it out to Popcorn Frights, do it. This is one of the good ones.” —Brandon Christensen, director of Superhost, Z, Still/Born