Celluloid Screams: Sheffield Horror Film Festival is an annual celebration of the best in classic and contemporary horror cinema. Recently ranked as one of the Best Horror Festivals in the World by Dread Central, Celluloid Screams showcases a diverse lineup of films, from the hottest new horror features and genre discoveries to terrifying short films from the fearmakers of the future. Over the years, our festival has attracted special guest appearances by iconic directors and stars of the genre, including John Landis, Brian Yuzna, Frank Henenlotter, Ben Wheatley, Reece Shearsmith & Steve Pemberton, Catriona MacColl, Aaron Moorhead & Justin Benson and many more.
Founded in 2009, the festival has become a destination for horror fans seeking the very best the horror genre has to offer. In its short history, Celluloid Screams has premiered such high-profile films as Antlers, Paranormal Activity, Mandy, The Witch, Titane, The Void, Train to Busan presents: Peninsula, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Goodnight Mommy, The Editor, Creep 2, Raw and The Endless (to name but a few) and has an ongoing commitment to emerging genre talent.
As part of this commitment, we believe short films are just as important to our programme as feature films and we screen one or more short films before every feature film throughout the festival, giving them the best showcase possible.
With opportunities to meet and network with fans, filmmakers and industry professionals in an informal, relaxed atmosphere (as well as our now-legendary closing night karaoke party!) Celluloid Screams is a festival that brings the genre community together to enjoy the best new horror cinema on the big screen where it belongs.
Taking place each October at Sheffield's Showroom Cinema (voted the UK's favourite independent cinema by readers of The Guardian) Celluloid Screams has become one of the highlights of the UK Film Festival Calendar, and we want you to be a part of it.
"A highly enjoyable, welcoming, and spirited weekend." Dread Central
"A total triumph and great fun all-round." Starburst Magazine
"The Celluloid Screams festival was the experience of a lifetime, not only because my film was being showcased but also because the impeccable organization and the quality of the films shown were of the highest standards. Celluloid Screams is a strong motivation for making a second horror film." Chris Petropoulos, Director 'Subconscious'
"A tastefully chosen line-up of true horror, cult and the avant garde! The truly passionate and enthusiastic team, made it one of the finest festival experiences for me this year" Can Evrenol - Director 'Baskin'
"Festivals like Celluloid Screams are the only places you'll learn about some of the more adventurous cinematic creations that rarely find their way into multiplexes, and this makes it a truly vital festival." Robert Morgan - Director 'Stopmotion'
Celluloid Screams offers a number of awards each year, including an audience award for Best Feature Film (won in 2024 by Aislinn Clarke's 'FREWAKA') as well as our short film awards, which are decided by a jury of industry professionals.