Huge congratulations to all of our Screamfest 2026 Screenplay Finalists! Meet the talented writers below, and check back to find out who takes home the grand prize.
2018 Festival Film Guide
Film Category
The Amityville Murders
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
You have heard the stories about the Amityville house being haunted by evil spirits. But you don't know the terrifying story of the family that died in the house at the hands of the eldest son.
On the night of November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo, Jr. took a high-powered rifle and murdered his entire family as they slept. At his trial, DeFeo claimed that "voices" in the house commanded him to kill. This is their story.
Starring John Robinson ("Transformers"), Chelsea Ricketts ("Jackals") and featuring Diane Franklin and Burt Young (both seen in 1982's "Amityville II: The Possession").
Q&A with writer/director Daniel Farrands and cast members after the screening. Moderated by Lydia Hearst.
Screening sponsored by Skyline Entertainment.
On the night of November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo, Jr. took a high-powered rifle and murdered his entire family as they slept. At his trial, DeFeo claimed that "voices" in the house commanded him to kill. This is their story.
Starring John Robinson ("Transformers"), Chelsea Ricketts ("Jackals") and featuring Diane Franklin and Burt Young (both seen in 1982's "Amityville II: The Possession").
Q&A with writer/director Daniel Farrands and cast members after the screening. Moderated by Lydia Hearst.
Screening sponsored by Skyline Entertainment.
Film Category
And the Winner is
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
When tennis champion and international superstar Stanley finds himself caught in the midst of a public scandal, he's left with no other choice but to seek out the very best in the world of PR and crisis management. Company representative Anja promises Stanley he's come to the right place: their service offers full redemption, in exchange for his commitment to the process… no matter the direction it takes. A desperate Stanley agrees.
What begins as an undefined stint in isolation slowly descends into a living nightmare as Stanley is 'triggered' by memories from the night of the incident. Driven to destruction, it's only when Stanley comes face to face with his darkest moment that he's pushed further beyond his limits than he ever expected - and met with the most unforeseen of consequences as he pays the ultimate price for freedom.
What begins as an undefined stint in isolation slowly descends into a living nightmare as Stanley is 'triggered' by memories from the night of the incident. Driven to destruction, it's only when Stanley comes face to face with his darkest moment that he's pushed further beyond his limits than he ever expected - and met with the most unforeseen of consequences as he pays the ultimate price for freedom.
Film Category
Atomic Ed
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
While his little town is in horror because of a mysterious serial killer, Ed, at the dawn of adulthood, only has eyes for Julia.
But when danger hits his door, Ed has no choice but to take responsibility and an improvised weapon to become the one he has always dreamed of being.
But when danger hits his door, Ed has no choice but to take responsibility and an improvised weapon to become the one he has always dreamed of being.
Film Category
Attack of the Potato Clock
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
In a stormy night, a potato clock experiment gets struck by lightning in an elementary schools' science lab. The mutated Potato Clock rises from death and sees the cafeterias' lunch lady chopping potatoes, creatures of his own kind. He begins to haunt her by taking potatoes away from her. The lunch lady feels suspicious, however it does not stop her from doing her job. The Potato monster will do everything he can to avoid the killing of his friends. But how far will he go?...
Film Category
Black Eyed Child (BEC)
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Since 1998 the appearances of the BEC has been constant, and the consequences of looking directly into their eyes has been irreversible. A terminally ill women will receive a visit from a BEC, who will not come alone on a stormy night, who will be accompanied by a malignant entity.
Film Category
Blame it on Toby
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
BLAME IT ON TOBY - Arthur Prentiss-Wilcox (Kevin J. O'Connor, Lord of Illusions, The Mummy, There Will Be Blood), one of the World's wealthiest men, is also one its most eccentric. For starters, he is never seen in public without his closest confident “Toby“ the doll that was given to him for his sixth birthday and is rumored to be responsible for the death of dozens. Despite his infamous reputation, a young gay couple, Calvin and Edward, become ensnared in Arthur's world with horrifying consequences.
Film Category
The Bloody Ballad of Squirt Reynolds
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
The kids at Camp Nawgonamakit are about to find out the tragic tale of Squirt Reynolds is more than just a legend.
Film Category
Bride of Chucky
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Chucky, the doll possessed by a serial killer, discovers the perfect mate to kill and revive into the body of another doll.
Film Category
Bullets of Justice
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
During the Third World War, the American government initiates a secret project code named "Army Bacon" in order to create super soldier by inbreeding human beings with pigs.
25 years later a breed called "Muzzles" have occupied top of the food chain, eating and farming humans like animals.
Rob Justice is an ex-bounty hunter working for the last line of human resistance - a group of survivors hiding in a nuclear bunker deep underground. His mission is to find out how muzzles came to power and destroy them.
25 years later a breed called "Muzzles" have occupied top of the food chain, eating and farming humans like animals.
Rob Justice is an ex-bounty hunter working for the last line of human resistance - a group of survivors hiding in a nuclear bunker deep underground. His mission is to find out how muzzles came to power and destroy them.
Film Category
Catcalls
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A man cruises around late at night looking for something. He pulls in to ask two young girls for directions - only to flash them to get a cheap thrill. Unfortunately, he has picked the wrong girls. They are also out hunting tonight and they will stop at nothing to get their kill.
"Catcalls" explores the themes of street harassment and the idea of women being made victims in safe spaces like their own communities. In this fictional horror, the power is shifted and the predator becomes the prey.
"Catcalls" explores the themes of street harassment and the idea of women being made victims in safe spaces like their own communities. In this fictional horror, the power is shifted and the predator becomes the prey.
Film Category
To Catch a Mouse
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A thief posing as an injured civilian seeks refuge in the home of a suburban couple. Little does he know the couple has lured him into a trap of their own.
Film Category
Chuck Steel: Night of the Trampires
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
It’s not 1985 anymore…it’s 1986, and Chuck Steel is ‘the best God damn cop on the force’ according to his long suffering boss, Captain Jack Schitt. But even this maverick, renegade, loose cannon, lone wolf, cop on the edge, who doesn’t play by the rules has his work cut out when the Governor of LA decides to reduce the licensing hours for clubs and bars triggering a sudden, inexplicable spate of high profile disappearances in the city. The disappearances all have the same thing in common, a crime scene covered in blood but with no sign of the victim. The police are perplexed until they get a break in the case when one of the victims manages to escape. Chuck goes to interview the victim at the hospital but is confronted by a crazed old man who introduces himself as Abraham Van Rental. He warns a disbelieving Chuck that an evil scourge is about to descend on the city of Los Angeles – the scourge of the TRAMPIRES – a mutated hybrid of vampire and tramp…
Film Category
The Coatmaker
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
When a tailor closes his store at night, he quickly discovers that he is not alone.
Film Category
CODA SACRA
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A small group of people are determined to protect their way of life. They know they are exposed to the worst stalking, because their enemy is nature dressed in Satanism and witchcraft. They will have to face that darkness only with the help of their faith, and against the unknown until their last breath.
Film Category
The Collection
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
An elderly man's morning routine is disrupted by sounds of a turbulent struggle next door. As the man continues to clean his house it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems.
Film Category
The Converted
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
After Mitch doesn't show up at a neighborhood bar on Halloween night, Josh and Trent decide to pay their evasive friend a visit at home.
Film Category
Deep Clean
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A troubled kid forced into boring work experience on his Uncle's road crew
discovers it is hiding an amazing secret...
discovers it is hiding an amazing secret...
Film Category
Deliria
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A slow, hot summer afternoon. A father sleeps while his child is drawing colors in a cross word puzzle. A wind moves through the grass - something bad is about to happen.
Film Category
Dementia Part II
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Suzanne wasn't always this confused. She wasn't always DEAD either... When an ex-con takes a job as a handyman for an unstable elderly woman to avoid a parole violation, it becomes a choice he may regret.
Film Category
The Den
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Mario is driving under the rain. It's dark in a lonely road.
Suddenly he has to stop. In the middle of the way there's a woman. She is disorientated and covered in blood. She doesn't remember where she's been or what happened to her.
Mario needs to look for assistance. They stop at the first place they can find: A quiet bar called La Guarida / The Den. People in the bar kindly will help them out. Until the truth starts to surface.
By then the bar won't look like a safe place anymore.
Suddenly he has to stop. In the middle of the way there's a woman. She is disorientated and covered in blood. She doesn't remember where she's been or what happened to her.
Mario needs to look for assistance. They stop at the first place they can find: A quiet bar called La Guarida / The Den. People in the bar kindly will help them out. Until the truth starts to surface.
By then the bar won't look like a safe place anymore.
Film Category
Discarnate
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A neuroscientist's obsession with a drug that expands the human mind inadvertently unleashes a deadly supernatural force on his team
Film Category
DISTORTION
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
In a small town, seven lifelong friends hit it off with a guy who arranges for them to party at the abandoned convent where he is night watchman.
When Dianne awakens from the euphoric haze of the rave, things aren't quite right. That's when everything spins out of control.
Do you have what it takes to withstand the mind-bending horror of Dianne's nightmare?
When Dianne awakens from the euphoric haze of the rave, things aren't quite right. That's when everything spins out of control.
Do you have what it takes to withstand the mind-bending horror of Dianne's nightmare?
Film Category
The Dollhouse
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A filmmaker who grew up with the Chucky doll seeks out the other families surrounding the franchise to get their perspective on life with Chucky.
Film Category
Draug
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
In the 11th century a missionary goes missing somewhere in the huge forests bordering the northern parts of Sweden. Among the rescue party chosen to find him is Nanna, a young woman on her first real mission and her first return to the part of the country where she was born.
But what they will find deep inside those woods is something else entirely. Something dark. Something ancient. Something evil.
But what they will find deep inside those woods is something else entirely. Something dark. Something ancient. Something evil.
Film Category
EVA
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Though being a swimmer, Eva was unable to save her brother from nearly drowning at sea. He now lies in a coma and the cold relationship with her mother is not helping Eva's conscience either. She stumbles upon a mysterious puddle in her bathroom, which takes her to the depths of the sea. As her mother looks for Eva, she only finds a puddle of water that she starts to wipe away.
Film Category
The Familiar Fingers of Culture
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
The Familiar Fingers of Culture is a dark psychological horror that explores our societies' extremes through a high-class escort and mother of one.
Film Category
Fears
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
The most terrifying fears creep into a little girl in her room when the lights turn off, just before she goes to sleep. Her father tries patiently to calm her; however, the darkness and the unknown are much more powerful and voracious. There's something even worse there, that hides a frightening reality.
Film Category
The Final Wish
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
From the creator of the Final Destination franchise comes a new tale of death. Following the passing of his father, Aaron Hammond (MICHAEL WELCH) returns to his hometown to help his devastated mother (LIN SHAYE) and to confront his past demons. Shifting through his father's belongings, Aaron comes upon a mysterious item that is far more than it seems.
Film Category
THE HAUNTED
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
In a rambling, isolated house, Emily's first night-shift as carer to an elderly dementia patient turns into a nightmare as she is tormented by a vengeful spirit and uncovers the house's dark secrets.
Film Category
I Am the Doorway
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
After a journey to investigate desolate Pluto, astronaut Arthur returns home a shattered man. He sees eyes forcing their way through the skin of his hands, eyes that distort his friends and the landscape itself into monstrous visions. Believing himself the doorway to alien invasion and gruesome murder, he must take desperate action.
Film Category
Killer Black
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A Pulitzer-prize winning author, who hasn't been seen in decades, has an unexpected knock at the door...
Film Category
The Last Wish
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Angelica and Rob are tied up in a cellar not knowing how they got there but soon they realize they are being a part of an elaborate, diabolic game of life and death.
Film Category
THE SILVER
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Driving back from a weekend in Las Vegas, a normal pitstop in the middle of the desert becomes an otherworldly nightmare. Jenna, with a broken leg, finds herself fighting for survival against an unknown enemy that has taken over her boyfriend Matt. With no help in sight and more aliens on the horizon, she has only one option, escape.
Film Category
Lost In Apocalypse
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A group of seemingly unrelated individuals fight their way out of a virus-infested hotel, only to find themselves at a worse place than before.
Film Category
Meet You in the Parking Lot
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Following the cryptic instructions from a battered Mead composition book, best friends Sam and Alex hope to get a glimpse of their lives-to-come by performing a ritual designed to conjure their future selves. But when Sam's future self arrives, she learns that her 'future' may not last through the night.
Film Category
No Friend in the Forest
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A boy on a fishing trip, a girl camping with friends and a hunter looking to vent his frustration on the local wildlife, all fall prey to a mysterious and sinister presence lurking in the woods.
Film Category
Open 24 Hours
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A paranoid delusional woman, Mary White (Vanessa Grasse), has just been released from a mental hospital for setting her serial killer boyfriend on fire. Her boyfriend, James Lincoln Fields is brutal serial killer known as The Rain Ripper. After being released from the Hospital, Mary's vulnerable demeanor aids her in obtaining employment at an all-night petrol station. However, left alone to her own devices, her paranoia and hallucinations return with furious consequences. Customers and friends suddenly start turning up dead, mutilated, all around her. Is The Rain Ripper back to finish her off?
Film Category
Or Best Offer
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
When Maureen places an online advertisement for her used coffee table, an unexpected buyer surprises her at home on a Friday night.
Film Category
Out of the Darkness
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A mysterious old man is moving into the abandoned apartment next to Sara.
Someone is now in trouble. Destiny is no matter of chance.
Someone is now in trouble. Destiny is no matter of chance.
Film Category
PLASTIK
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A wannabe Actress opts for plastic surgery to join the social elite in Hollywood, broke and near destitute she doesn't know if she can make it happen but dreams of it desperately. Her plastic surgeon though, goes above and beyond to give her what she wants - little does she know what she will have to pay.
Film Category
REFORMED
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
John, an old reformed criminal, is stranded after his release from prison and is forced to take public transport to a halfway house. His abrupt return to society instantly exposes him to old temptations that challenge his righteous, new-found path. John's conflicted as suppressed memories of his childhood and dark past resurface. He begins to realise his faith may not be enough to keep his inner demons at bay.
Film Category
SANG PAPIER
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A strange Romanian trying to enter Canada is confronted by an overzealous custom officer and his curiously cooperative colleague.
Film Category
The Serpent and the Rainbow
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
In a time of social and political unrest in Haiti, anthropologist Dennis Alan (Bill Pullman) travels to the torn country to study a Voodoo drug used in religious practices to turn victims into living zombies. With the help of a witch doctor (Brent Jennings) and a fellow researcher (Cathy Tyson), Dennis pieces together the deadly mystery. But as Dennis uncovers the secrets behind the mysterious powder, he must evade the Haitian authorities who view his research as a potential threat.
Film Category
The Serpent and the Rainbow
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
In a time of social and political unrest in Haiti, anthropologist Dennis Alan (Bill Pullman) travels to the torn country to study a Voodoo drug used in religious practices to turn victims into living zombies. With the help of a witch doctor (Brent Jennings) and a fellow researcher (Cathy Tyson), Dennis pieces together the deadly mystery. But as Dennis uncovers the secrets behind the mysterious powder, he must evade the Haitian authorities who view his research as a potential threat.
Film Category
So She Might Live
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A young girl tries to save her mother from a deadly illness.
Film Category
Splinter-versary
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Trapped in an isolated gas station by a voracious Splinter parasite that transforms its still-living victims into deadly hosts, a young couple and an escaped convict must find a way to work together to survive this primal terror.
Film Category
Stray
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
After three long years away, Thomas Elliot, a crippled war-hero, returns home expecting a heartfelt reunion with his beloved wife, Bonnie. However, their reunion takes an unexpected turn when Bonnie fails to recognise him. Thomas soon comes to realise that Bonnie's life now revolves entirely around serving a sinister stray cat that has taken up residence in their house. As Bonnie commits bizarre and horrific acts in service of the stray, Thomas desperately tries to reconnect with her. Pushed to the brink of madness, Thomas soon comes to realise he is up against something far greater, older, and darker than he had ever imagined.
Film Category
Taylor is Missing
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A woman hiking long-distance, struggles trusting a stranger she meets after he comes across her lost in the woods. She must decide how far she is willing to travel with someone who may prove dangerous.
Film Category
Terminator
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A seemingly indestructible android is sent from 2029 to 1984 to assassinate a waitress, whose unborn son will lead humanity in a war against the machines, while a soldier from that war is sent to protect her at all costs.
Film Category
The Unthinkable
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
When Sweden faces a mysterious attack Alex is forced back to his childhood village. There he must be reconciled with both his father and youth love, Anna, while they all struggle to survive.
Film Category
Vonnis
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
When Linus tries to bite through the loneliness at his farm, he gets confronted with a dream about his past and a guilt he carries within.
A nightmare that becomes soon reality.
A nightmare that becomes soon reality.
Film Category
Welcome to Mercy
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
A young woman struggles against the unholy forces that possess her in this terrifying occult thriller. After being stricken with stigmata, single mother Madaline (Kristen Ruhlin) is sent to a remote convent where nothing is what it seems and her friend August (Lily Newmark) is seemingly the only person she can trust. Together, they must confront the demons inside Madaline before she becomes the Antichrist.
Film Category
You Die - Get the app, then die
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
Asia, a young student finds an app on her phone. It looks like an augmented reality game, but soon she realizes it's much more than that.
It's an app that connects to the world of the dead, which allows her to see the dead through the camera of the phone. The timer starts counting down from 24 hours and Asia's insanely horrific experience begins.
People around her struggle to believe her as she ends up facing this evil curse and fighting for her survival, all by herself.
It's an app that connects to the world of the dead, which allows her to see the dead through the camera of the phone. The timer starts counting down from 24 hours and Asia's insanely horrific experience begins.
People around her struggle to believe her as she ends up facing this evil curse and fighting for her survival, all by herself.
Film Category
Young Liars
Meet the Filmmaker
Synopsis
In hopes of breaking a lucrative story, a young journalist tests out an experimental psychic technology only to find himself trapped inside someone else's nightmare.
We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate the theatrical release of APPOFENIACS, hitting theatres nationwide tomorrow, October 2nd! Following its standout West Coast Premiere at Screamfest 2025, writer-director-producer Chris Marrs Piliero’s darkly comic techno-thriller is officially making its big-screen debut. Get tickets at AMC
Prepare for a night of horror and celebration! The 26th Annual Screamfest kicks off with the highly anticipated film, NIGHT DRIVER, screening on Opening Night at 7:30pm.
Discover the official 2026 Screamfest Horror Film Festival lineup, schedule, and event details. Read the full press release to get the latest updates on terrifying indie films, special screenings, and tickets.
Join Screamfest for a special 15th-anniversary Fears & Beers screening of The Cabin in the Woods under the stars at McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga on Sept 12, 2026! Enjoy an exclusive Q&A with actor Fran Kranz, grab a bite from Sarah's SammichesSaladsSides food truck (available for purchase), and sip on complimentary Golden Road Brewery beer for ticketed guests 21+. Plus, stick around after the screening for horror trivia!
Celebrate 25 years of Thirteen Ghosts on the big screen! Join Screamfest LA at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for dinner, drinks, and sheer terror. Grab tickets now!
