Grindhouse Nights combines the best in independent horror films with live entertainment, This one day event is designed to showcase the filmmakers, and give them an opportunity to screen their films in front of local fans.

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 and we 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.

NOTE: While we accept submissions from all over the country, we HIGHLY recommend that, if you submit, you are reasonably sure you would be able to attend the event, as that is a big part of what makes us successful. We DO NOT often screen films from filmmakers that are not from the NY/NJ/PA/CT area and we DO NOT want to mislead anyone!!

Awards & Prizes

This is a curated festival, and 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.

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, while we will accept your submission, we DO NOT often accept films from filmmakers that are not local to the NJ/NY/PA/CT area, and we DO NOT want to mislead anyone.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We focus on short films that are 30 minutes or less, so we can screen as many films as possible. We will however accept feature films for submission, just be aware that any feature really must be exceptional. We're just being honest here!

If there are ever any questions about this policy, please do not hesitate to ask.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Manny Serrano

    I've been attending Grindhouse regularly for almost the entire 6 years it has been alive, and have screened in over half of the events, and have attended nearly every one. They were one of the first events to screen our work, and Todd's commitment to showcasing new and LOCAL emerging filmmakers is what makes it so special. Watching Grindhouse grow, alongside the filmmakers who started in it, has been an indescribable feeling, and the casual environment they create allows filmmakers plenty of space and time to meet each other and form relationships. It is easily one of my favorite indie festivals in the the NY/NJ area.

    March 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words Manny. I appreciate your support, and it's been my pleasure to screen your work over the years.

    -Todd

  • JoeBert Entertainment

    This was an incredibly unique festival that showcased amazing live performances in addition to the films. It had a very relaxed and fun atmosphere that also felt very intimate, making it easy to network with other filmmakers and discuss each other's projects.

    March 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the kind words. We are thrilled that you enjoyed our event and we're glad that you were a part of it!