Grindhouse Nights combines the best in independent short films with live entertainment. Held twice per year, in Spring and Fall, this one day event is designed to showcase the filmmakers, and give them an opportunity to screen their films in front of local fans and to mix, mingle and network in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

We focus primarily on horror and exploitation type films, but we will also review and accept sci-fi, fantasy or dark drama at the panel's discretion.

We also have live entertainment throughout the day, for example, burlesque dancers, sideshow performers, singers, bands, etc. and we also have costumed entertainers and our models, The Grindhouse Girls, mixing and mingling with the crowd to bring the fans a truly unique experience that is unlike any other film festival.

We HIGHLY encourage the filmmakers to be in attendance if at all possible. One of the main features of our event is the Q&A that takes place after each film, and the ability for filmmakers and fans to mix, mingle and network with fans and fellow filmmakers.

Awards & Prizes

Please be aware that NO awards are given at the event. Our festival is designed to showcase the filmmakers and their work in a fun, relaxed environment, without worrying about awards or competition. However. we do provide "Official Selection" laurels.

Rules & Terms

PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THESE TERMS:

Films are reviewed for acceptance by a panel and all decisions are final. This is a curated festival, and there are no awards or prizes given. This festival caters specifically to filmmakers and fans in the NY/NJ/PA/CT area, and it is highly recommended that the filmmakers be in attendance where possible. Part of the attraction of our festival is the Q&A session that we conduct after each film, and the interaction between the filmmakers and fans.

We do occasionally accept exceptional films from outside this area, and we have screened films from all over the United States and International films as well. We just want to make it clear that we do favor local filmmakers. Again, we do accept and screen films from all over the world, but we like to focus on local filmmakers when possible.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We are no longer accepting feature length films. For a one day event with one screening room, we find that feature length films simply take up too much of the schedule, and it's not fair for us to accept features that we would likely not be able to screen. We are going to focus on short films that are 30 minutes or less, so we can screen as many films as possible.

Please also note that we are unable to grant requests for fee waivers, so kindly do not request a waiver. We feel that our submission fees are very reasonable, and if we granted all of the waiver requests we receive, we would not be able to run the event. We hope you understand.

Finally, if your film is accepted, you will be required to provide a link to a downloadable, screening ready film of the film. We accept various file formats such as MOV, MP4, etc. If you are unsure, please ask.

If there are ever any questions about this policy, please do not hesitate to send an email to grindhousenights@gmail.com and we will respond ASAP.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Franki Cambeletta

    We were unable to attend the festival but we were honored to be selected and screened! I love the no awards concepts. Make it about the films! We will definitely enter again. The communication was kind and astute.

    March 2020
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  • Debra Markowitz

    What a fun festival!! We knew there were not awards, but we wanted to see what reaction we would get for the first screening of Gem and the Photo Op. And, man, did we get what we were looking for. We could hear the laughs etc from the audience. Todd and Tom gave a great Q & A. The films were fun. Schedule was kept to, which is always appreciated. It's a fun, warm event!

    March 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your film with us Debra. We had a great time screening it and I'm glad to hear you had a great time!

    Todd

  • Joshua Nelson

    Great festival! We were thrilled to be a part of it!!!!

    March 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for being with us. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the event!

    -Todd Staruch, Festival Director

  • Marcus Slabine

    Our film THE LAST CALL screened this past saturday at this festival and we were lucky enough to attend this wonderful fest. We had an absolute blast and can not speak highly enough. It wasn't just a place screening your films to an empty venue, it was a packed house with love from start to finish. We met so many great filmmakers who were there having a good time as Todd and Tom would help people mingle within the space. The sound and picture quality was top notch and always checked to make sure the best presentation of the films was happening. The surprise guests and performers were such a delight to see and we will be 100% back again even if we don't have a film in the festival. The Q&A's were expertly run and the festival never ran behind or lacked in anything. The community feel was there and it became an event where everyone felt they gained from.

    As I said in the beginning of this review, I can't speak highly enough. If you are contemplating entering then let this tell you to just do it. You will be glad you did.

    March 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Marcus for screening your film with us and thank you for the kind words. I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the event so much, and your support is truly appreciated. I look forward to seeing you again!

    -Todd Staruch, Festival Director

  • John Silecchia

    A well put together event, with an amazing team behind it. Couldn't ask for a better experience, can't wait for the next festival!!!

    March 2020
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    Response from festival:

    I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the event. We definitely had fun screening your film, and I appreciate the feedback!

    -Todd Staruch, Festival Director