Essex hottest genre festival returns bigger and better than ever before!

As is now tradition, our annual three day genre celebration will once again take over Chelmsford, Essex in January 2025. A city that is rich with gothic history, for what promises to be an unforgettable, weekend long celebration of the best genre films from around the world.

And if that wasn't enough, by popular demand, we have expanded our events calendar by adding two mini festivals - Black Sunday Midsummer Scream (June) and Black Sunday Halloween (October). Giving you even more opportunities to see your films on the big screen!

As in previous years, our goal is to put a firm spotlight on the very best that independent genre cinema has to offer. Amateur or professional, we want to see your films.

Our definition of 'genre cinema' is not limited to just horror either. We want to see everything from sci-fi and dark comedy, to edgy drama, experimental animation and dark documentaries, to fantasy and everything in between.

So what you waiting for? Come, join us!

Awards & Prizes

Best Overall Film
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Local Film

Rules & Terms

Non English films must have English subtitles.

All rights must be cleared by the producers and is the sole responsibility of the films producers.

All films, shorts and features, must provide a DCP for screening. Feature films must provide a DCP via hard drive or via MovieTransit or LANsat.

Best Local Film will be awarded to one film where the filmmakers or film production are Essex based.

22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mitchell Tolliday

    I've been fortunate enough to have 2 films play at Black Sunday film festival now. My feature "Murder Ballads: How to make it in Rock 'n' Roll" in 2024 and the short "Everything is Going to be Fine" in 2021. Both times have been an awesome experience.

    The communication from the festival was excellent and any questions were answered quickly and clearly. Scott and Chris as super nice guys too and make you feel welcomed and clearly care about film and the horror genre - they both very active members in the horror community . The location for the festival was gorgeous, the crowd were great and the festival gave us the opportunity to introduce the film and answer questions after. Black Sunday is a festival well worth submitting and attending. I've made connections there which I will be working with on many future projects.

    February 2024
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  • Stewart Sparke

    I was lucky enough to have my feature film 'How to Kill Monsters' be selected for the 2024 edition of the Black Sunday Film Festival and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. Communication from the festival directors was excellent and I was always kept up to date on the schedule and important information at every step. The venue was superb and the festival gave every film the opportunity to introduce their work, giving each film the time and respect it deserves. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Black Sunday Film Festival to any genre filmmakers out there, regardless of your film's budget level.

    February 2024
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  • Justin MacGregor

    Clear communication. Great social-media presence and outreach. Was a pleasure having our film THE FOUNDER EFFECT take part. Wish we could have been there in person!. Thanks for having us!

    February 2024
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  • James Morris

    Everything went great! We had our lead and another crew-member attend, and they had nothing but good things to say. Thank you, Black Sunday for screening HE NEVER LEFT.

    February 2024
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  • Antonin Domage

    I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the organization of the festival. The featured films were outstanding, and having the opportunity to showcase and screen our short film before them was truly a privilege.

    Making the journey from France to Chelmsford was well worth it, as we were warmly welcomed. The cinema itself was exceptional, contributing to an overall fantastic experience. Thank you once again for making this event memorable for us!

    February 2024
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