The Screaming Room Film Festival at Midsummer Scream features a carefully curated mix of film programming blocks with terrifying creations to cater to every taste and an especially keen interest in supporting the indie horror and beginning filmmaker communities.

We're seeking a variety of short films that celebrate horror and the spirit of Halloween to fill a variety of potential programming blocks including Animation, Comedy, Gore/Extreme, Folklore, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Experimental, All-Ages, and more.

**FILMS MUST BE UNDER 20 MINUTES TO BE CONSIDERED, WITHOUT EXCEPTION**

The festival is just one part of the Midsummer Scream Halloween and Horror Convention. The con packs all the thrills, scares, and fun of October into one summer weekend. Dozens of haunt and Halloween-themed attractions, including walk-through mazes, horror-themed VR experiences and escape rooms, and immersive theatre, along with over three stages featuring panels, presentations, and performances from Southern California's biggest theme parks and names in dark entertainment!

Each selected film will be granted a total of two weekend passes to Midsummer Scream including access to the Saturday night parties.

Awards & Prizes

Three awards will be voted on and bestowed by the Screaming Room Jury. They are:

Palme D’Gore – Best of the Festival

Jack-O-Lantern – Best exemplifies the Spirit of Halloween

Mary Shelley – Best exemplifies Creativity/Ingenuity

Additionally, Audience Awards will be presented for each screening block.

Rules & Terms

Submitted films or videos (hereafter referred to as "the project") must be 20 minutes OR LESS in length.

The submitter agrees to take all responsibility for obtaining any and all rights and permissions for screening the project at Midsummer Scream.

By submitting the project, you agree to provide Midsummer Scream and its agent with a non-exclusive right to screen the project at Midsummer Scream on July 26, 27, 28 2024 in front of an audience. If accepted, the filmmaker allows Midsummer Scream to use clips and images of their film in promotions.

**WE DO NOT PROVIDE WAIVERS - REQUESTS WILL BE IGNORED**
60 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • JT Seaton

    Midsummer Scream is an absolutely AMAZING convention and film festival. The quality of everything was incredibly high. The communication was exceptional. And the feedback from other filmmakers and festival goers was fantastic. Could Midsummer Scream get any better? Well, it did for us as our film, "The Haunted Baby Carriage From Hell" was an Audience Award Winner!!!

    August 2023
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  • Ed Willey

    Being in the UK we unfortunately couldn't attend in person, but comms beforehand were clear and helpful. Very well organised! Thanks again for screening us!

    August 2023
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  • Jacob Balken

    The film my friend and I directed called "THE CURSE" was selected for the Happy Halloween block of this year's festival. Norm, Eric and the rest of the HorrorBuzz team were amazing. Our film didn't win any awards but to have that title of having our film screen at such a large convention is an award in of itself. Thank you!

    August 2023
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  • DAVID McADOO

    I always have a blast at Midsummer Scream, but this year was even better because I had a short accepted into the film festival. "Mum's the Word" didn't win any awards but I was stoked when the HorrorBuzz crew knew who I was and said how much they really liked my short! Thanks Midsummer and Horrorbuzz! See ya next year!

    August 2023
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  • Johnny Giacalone

    A real treat to take part in the convention. Especially great time for horror nerds. The screening room gets great crowds and was a pleasure to play at.

    August 2023
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