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 are 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, Music Videos, Documentary, and more.

**FILMS MUST BE 20 MINUTES OR FEWER IN RUN TIME TO BE CONSIDERED, NO EXCEPTIONS**

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 no longer than 20 minutes in length, including credits. If the project exceeds this running time it will be DISQUALIFIED from consideration, WITHOUT EXCEPTION. Refunds of submission fees will NOT be issued for films that have been disqualified.

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, in front of an audience, at Midsummer Scream on August 7, 8, & 9 2026 . 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**
97 Reviews
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  • Derek Bensonhaver

    We had such a good time attending this to support our film. The staff and programming team were just a delight to talk to both through email pre fest and even better in person. They love horror and their selections were so varied and quality. I spent almost the entire convention inside the screaming room just watching movies. I can't wait to be back with another film!

    October 2025
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  • MK McGehee

    An absolutely wonderful film festival - from the first moment we found out we were an official selection, communication was clear and encouraging. I would recommend this festival to all indie horror filmmakers looking to have their films screened. Thank you Midsummer Scream!!!

    September 2025
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  • Jacob Lazarow

    Our team member who attended had an incredible time at the festival and spoke very highly of her experience. Super responsive team and so helpful, we will absolutely submit again and definitely attend in the future!!

    August 2025
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  • Anne Hickey

    Honored to have been a part of this!! Bummed we couldn’t make it to the event but everything about the fest was great!! Beyond great communication and so easy to work with. Hoping to submit again for next year and actually get out there for the event!!

    August 2025
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  • Dragan Jovićević

    I am super happy and thrilled to have a chance to be a part of this amazing film festival with my super short film "A Boy Opens the Door". Unfortunately, I could not attend to the festival this year, but I hope I will have another chance in the future. Thanks to the organizers! You guys are real professionals and film lovers. See you soon!

    August 2025
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