A place for underground, bizarre, insane, ludicrous, outlandish, unconventional, preposterous, incephalonamous, unorthodox films.

Every film will be rated on a "Panic Meter" showing how much the audience should be wary of the film they're about to watch, so they can't say we didn't warn them...

All films will screen at the historic Black Lodge in Memphis, TN. Since this festival is run by filmmakers, we know you don't want to screen at 10am on a Sunday, so we don't even have slots like that! We also encourage you to come and sell your movies, merch and other materials at your screening, because we want you to make money too.

In addition to film screenings, there will be a Psychotic Arcade Challenge that awards players for advancing in the world's most terrifying, deranged, and senseless games imaginable. Also featured are several food challenges that will test the limits of all five of your senses.

Memphis and Shelby County filmmakers receive free submission. Please email us at cinematicpanicfestival@gmail.com for more information.

***We are currently exploring the option of taking the festival online. Please stay tuned and we will make a decision once we have more information. Thank you for your patience.***

Awards & Prizes

Awards are chosen entirely by audience choice.

Best Feature
Best Comoedia Disturbia- Shorts
Best Horrorphilia/Sciencfections - Shorts

Rules & Terms

Final exhibition formats must be provided as one of the following: DCP, Blu Ray or a Digital File. The entrant guarantees that they have legal right to submit their film to the 2020 Cinematic Panic and have obtained all necessary rights and clearances to have it publicly screened during the festival dates. Submission of the film confirms that Cinematic Panic has permission to exhibit the work at the 2020 festival, should it be accepted, and that the entrant understands that no screening fees or other reimbursement is provided.

We are only accepting narrative films at this time, no documentaries.

If in a language other than English, the film must have burned in English subtitles for submission and exhibition.

Upon acceptance into the festival, you agree to give us the right to speed up any ending credit sequences, for time concerns, as long as they contribute nothing to the plot of the film.

You also agree to the possibility of your film being used in an online version of the festival, due to Covid-19, but it will only be viewable to paying festival goers.
26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kevin Walter

    A true underground film festival that celebrates independent art!

    February 2022
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  • Jim Ereaux

    Thanks for creating a venue for films that present creative ideas and alternative viewpoints!

    October 2021
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  • Aki Aitos

    I had an awesome experience! Thank you!

    January 2021
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  • Vincenzo Carubia

    So honored to have been a part of this great festival! :)

    September 2020
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  • Taras Vinni

    A very interesting niche festival. One of the few that didn’t cancel but functioned online during the pandemic.
    The organization was impressive and the communication was quick and at a high level.

    September 2020
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