Mad Monster Film Festival 2026

Unleash Your Nightmare at the Ultimate Celebration of Genre Cinema!

This August 21st to 23rd, immerse yourself in the spine-tingling world of the Mad Monster Film Festival 2026, proudly sponsored by Mummy Butter. Set within the eerie confines of the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Concord, North Carolina, this event promises a convergence of the macabre, the uncanny, and the fantastical. Held as a key part of the Mad Monster Expo, our festival is a tribute to horror, science fiction, and fantasy, showcasing the genre's top celebrities, vendors, and, most importantly, its most innovative films.

A Beacon for the Future of Genre Cinema

The Mad Monster Film Festival, created in 2012, has become a seminal event for filmmakers and fans alike, offering a platform for new voices to be heard and new nightmares to be seen. We invite submissions of horror, science fiction, and fantasy films, from the deeply disturbing to the fantastical and everything in between. Our history is rich with discoveries, having been the site for the first-ever public screening of the "Cabal Cut" of Clive Barker's Nightbreed, among over 300 other features and shorts that have captivated our audiences.

Presented by My Way Pictures

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s festival is sponsored by My Way Pictures, a leading name in film distribution with a keen eye for groundbreaking genre content. Their involvement offers an unprecedented opportunity for filmmakers, as film distributors will be in attendance, scouting for fresh and compelling content. This collaboration could open the door for your work to gain distribution, placing it on an international stage and into the hearts of genre enthusiasts worldwide.

Honoring Excellence in Filmmaking

Our festival recognizes the extraordinary talents of filmmakers with awards in several categories, including Best Feature, Best Short, Best Story/Script, Best Performance, and Best Trailer. These awards highlight the innovation and creativity that define the best of genre cinema, celebrating those who dare to explore the depths of horror, science fiction, and fantasy storytelling.

A Hub of Opportunity

Beyond the screenings, the Mad Monster Film Festival serves as a vital networking hub, bringing together artists, professionals, and fans in a vibrant celebration of genre culture. With My Way Pictures representatives and other film industry veterans in attendance, filmmakers have the unique chance to pitch their work, discuss potential distribution deals, and connect with key industry figures. This festival is not just about showcasing your films; it's about opening doors to new possibilities and partnerships.

Step Into the Spotlight

With the backing of My Way Pictures, the Mad Monster Film Festival 2026 invites filmmakers to submit their latest projects for consideration. This is your chance to present your vision to an enthusiastic audience and catch the attention of industry professionals looking for the next big thing in genre cinema.

In a realm where nightmares are embraced, and legends are forged, the Mad Monster Film Festival is your gateway to the future of genre cinema.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Story/Script
Best Performance
Best Trailer

Rules & Terms

NOTE: The following items must be included when submitting your film:
1) Poster
2) Trailer must not exceed 90 seconds
3) Stills and/or set pictures
4) Film Synopsis
5) Filmmaker Biography
6) IMDB Link and social links when applicable.

GENERAL RULES
1. Mad Monster Film Festival defines a short film as any film with a running time of 40 minutes or less (This includes the final version with credits). Feature films are defined as films longer than 40 minutes.
2. All films submitted to the Mad Monster Film Festival must not have been distributed. VOD or your film being readily available to stream may affect your status.
3. Films that have shown theatrically or virtually in the United States, were broadcast on television prior to the Mad Monster Film Festival, or are available on home entertainment formats (including Blu-Ray/DVD/TVOD/VOD) will be deemed ineligible.
4. All applicants must complete the official festival submission form located on FilmFreeway.
5. Mad Monster Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify any film not submitted through these websites without refund of any application fees.
6. The applicant holds the sole responsibility for copyright clearance of any copyrighted material in the film. Films, including unauthorized copyrighted material, are ineligible.
7. Films not in English must be subtitled in English unless the dialogue is minimal and not necessary for comprehension.
8. All projects must be submitted in a format FilmFreeway can support. Virtual reality work will not be considered.
9. Multiple versions of the same film will not be considered. Only the first submitted version of a film will be considered for Mad Monster Film Festival.
10. If the submitted film link does not play, the password does not work, or the film is otherwise not viewable, Mad Monster Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify the film without refunding the submission fees. It is the responsibility of the person submitting the film to update any changed passwords or links.
11. If your film is accepted, acceptable screener formats are .mp4, roRes, .mov, .avi, or .wmv.
12. Applicants acknowledge that Mad Monster Film Festival reserves the right to change the nature of screenings and events due to circumstances related to public health and welfare or at the direction of local, state, or federal authorities. In such cases, no submission refunds shall be issued.
13. Mad Monster Film Festival is under no obligation to provide comments regarding submitted films to any applicant. The festival is not responsible for any internal comments obtained by the applicant regarding their film.
14. Mad Monster does NOT pay for artist transportation such as airfare, train, etc.
15. By submitting your film to Mad Monster Film Festival, you grant Mad Monster Film Festival and Mad Monster the right to use promotional materials, including, but not limited to, trailers, images, excerpts, and posters. Material may be posted on websites and social media.
16. If your film is selected for screening at the festival, filmmakers will receive a pair of weekend passes to the Mad Monster Expo.

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mike Madigan

    Thank you again for accepting our film to Mad Monster, and we apologize that this was the one event weekend that we were unable to attend after going to Phoenix. But we will definitely be submitting again in the future! Thank you for your support of indie fiommakers!

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Derek Bensonhaver

    We were so stoked to be shown at this years Mad Monster, and it hurt terribly to not be there in person to experience it. But well be submitting again and again in the future and guaranteeing finally making it in person too.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Kyle Hintz

    Thanks to Tony and Peter for including my film "Arcane" in the film festival and awarding us the Best Actor Award! Unfortunately, I was not able to attend, but I will definitely be submitting my next project to Mad Monster.

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • Christopher Matthew Spencer

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” (https://www.instagram.com/theredmarketfilm/) featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly.

    August 2025
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  • Craig Renfroe

    Thanks for programming our short film "Public Speaking 101"! It was a fun time. I heard a suggest that the films could be played after panel sessions, and I think that would be amazing for future festivals!

    August 2025
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