The Midsummer Scream Halloween Festival packs all the thrills, scares, and fun of October into one summer weekend. Dozens of haunt and Halloween themed attractions, including walk thru 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!

The HorrorBuzz "Screaming Room" 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 films that celebrate Halloween and the spirit of horror to fill potential programming blocks including animated and family friendly shorts, "creepy pasta"/urban legend inspired tales, comedic horror, extreme horror, and anything spooky!

**Only submit films that fall into the horror genre or are featured around Halloween.**

In addition to an amazing lineup of films submitted specifically for Midsummer Scream, the Screaming Room has included presentations from Buzzfeed Unsolved, an exclusive video presentation of favorite clips from "Trick R Treat" by writer/director Michael Dougherty, and shorts blocks from the Etheria Film Fest. For 2020, even bigger surprises await - submit your film for a chance to be part of it!

**We do not provide waivers - requests will be ignored. Films must be under 20 minutes to be considered, without exception.**

Awards & Prizes

Two weekend passes to Midsummer Scream (August 1 & 2, 2020) will be provided to the creators of each accepted project.

Rules & Terms

Submitted films or video (hereafter referred to as "the project") must be 20 minutes or less in length. In an effort to include as many films as possible, shorter films will be given higher consideration.

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 August 1 & 2, 2020 in front of an audience. If accepted, filmmaker allows Midsummer Scream to use clips and images of their film in promotions.

33 Reviews
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  • Hassan El-Amin

    This was one of better festival experiences for me. It was so cool meeting the organizers who did a fantastic job and seeing my film on a big screen. Can't wait to check it out next year!

    July 2021
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  • Harker Jones

    We were thrilled to win the Audience Choice Award in our category! The communication with the festival was consistent and clear. Wish I could have made it to the festival in person. Would absolutely recommend entering!

    July 2021
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  • Ariana DiValentino

    Organizers and guests alike were so kind and welcoming, not to mention the program was killer. So honored to have been included among these impressive works and super glad I made the trip out!

    July 2021
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  • Matt Emert

    Had so much fun at this film festival! LOVED the venue and loved the hosts - you can tell they truly love and appreciate this genre. Totally recommend for indie horror filmmakers!

    July 2021
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  • Matthew Barber

    Excited to have my short film "Go Back" return to the Frida Cinema, this time with The Midsummer Scream/HorrorBuzz Film Festival! Honored to be included with so many outstanding indie films!

    July 2021
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