Mayhem Film Festival was founded in 2005 by filmmakers Steven Sheil and Chris Cooke. We screen the best in contemporary horror, science-fiction and cult cinema and television from around the world. Featuring premieres, previews, masterclasses, international special guest filmmakers, and unique live cinema events, the festival has developed a reputation as one of the strongest and most innovative genre festivals in the country. We are based at Broadway in Nottingham, one of the UK's leading independent cinemas and creative hubs.

"A highly entertaining mix of offbeat features, short films, special guests and unique events which sets it apart from many of its contemporaries." - Starburst Magazine

"Perfect venue, friendly atmosphere and of course great programming." - FAB Press

"Mayhem remains the cultural highlight of the year, a great social event, and an opportunity for cinematic discovery." - Strange Things Are Happening

Rules & Terms

We are currently accepting submissions for our 2026 edition. Entries must have been produced after 1 January 2025 and must be under 20-minute long. Submissions must be made digitally.

There is no premiere requirement for films.

If your film is selected, it will be screened once over the course of the festival. Selected films must be available on DCP or high quality download.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ben Hyland

    Sadly didn’t make it along but communication was great and seems like an absolute blast.

    January 2026
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  • Hoku Uchiyama

    I'm delighted our film WHITCH could be a part of this festival. Thank you Mayhem team!

    October 2025
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  • 13th Door

    Such a great festival, was well informed throughout and the marketing for all the films was really encouraging. Thank you Mayhem!

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for sharing your film with us and our audience!

  • Festival Formula

    With a much smaller genre festival circuit in the UK, it's great to sing the praises of those who do it well. Kudos to Mayhem Film Festival who put on a great show and their curation shows just that. We were thrilled to have two clients screen in 2024:

    🎬 Pocketman
    🎬 Triptych

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for taking the time to write up a review. We're so glad we've been able to support some of your clients and we are so grateful to you for sharing such great work with us and our audiences year after year.

  • Matthew Barber

    It was an honor to have my short film "No One Is Coming" celebrate its UK Premiere at this year's addition of Mayhem Film Festival! Thank you for this incredible opportunity! I was unable to attend due to Covid but am thrilled to have been included in this year's lineup. Looks like an awesome festival! I highly recommend submitting to Mayhem Film Festival!

    October 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Matthew! It was great to have your film play as part of our showcase. Thank you so much again for being a part of our 2020 edition. There will hopefully be many more opportunities and fingers crossed you can join us in person next time. Keep in touch and best of luck with the rest of your festival journey for NO ONE IS COMING.