*Submissions for the 2027 Night Frights LA® Horror Film Festival are now open. While we prepare for our 2026 festival (entries now closed) filmmakers are invited to submit early and take advantage of our Early Bird entry fees. We review every submission with care and look forward to discovering the next generation of horror filmmakers.*

2100films Presents: Night Frights LA® Horror Film Festival

We program short and feature-length independent horror films at our annual flagship, and host consistent, well-attended monthly screenings of major horror IP in Los Angeles.

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Mission & Objective

Night Frights LA exists to champion bold, well-crafted horror, films with strong direction, striking visuals, immersive sound design, and stories that actually linger.

But we don’t believe a laurel alone helps a filmmaker.

Our focus is on what happens after your film screens.

Past Night Frights LA programs have:
• Played to live audiences on a monthly basis
• Been attended by industry professionals and studio-adjacent guests
• Led to press coverage, including features on Bloody Disgusting, Horror Press, and Dread Central
• Provided filmmakers with ongoing spotlight and community support

We are actively building a space where horror films aren’t buried in a lineup — they’re experienced, discussed, and shared for real distribution.

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Our Curatorial Vision:

At Night Frights LA, we’re passionate about bold, visionary genre filmmaking that pushes horror beyond convention. We seek films with unforgettable imagery, psychological depth, emotional resonance, and a distinct cinematic voice.

We’re especially drawn to stories that blur the boundaries between horror, psychological thriller, satire, speculative fiction, and science fiction. Films that challenge audiences, spark conversation, and linger long after the credits roll.

Our programming is inspired by the spirit of contemporary works such as The Substance, Infinity Pool, Divinity, Bring Her Back, Together, The Menu, Get Out, Saccharine, Midsommar, Black Mirror, and other visually ambitious, psychologically rich genre films that redefine what horror can be.

To be very clear: we celebrate originality above all else and are looking for filmmakers with fearless ideas, singular artistic voices, and new stories that leave a lasting impression.

If your film is daring, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget, we’d love to experience it.

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Monthly Screenings & Audience Pipeline

Unlike traditional festivals, Night Frights LA operates year-round.

Selected films may be featured in our monthly screenings in any city, giving filmmakers:
• Multiple opportunities to reach new audiences
• A chance to build word-of-mouth momentum
• Direct engagement with the horror community

All official selections are eligible for these screenings from the current and previous years.

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Join the Community

Night Frights LA is more than a submission portal. It’s a growing horror community centered around live audiences, real conversations, and long-term support.

If you’re looking for a festival that prioritizes visibility, consistency, and filmmaker respect, we’d love to see your work.

Follow us for updates:
@nightfrightsla
@2100films

Awards & Prizes

NIGHT FRIGHTS LA AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

Winners are selected by the Night Frights LA® Jury and honored during the annual awards ceremony at the conclusion of the festival. All official selections are eligible for award consideration.

Official Award Categories:

- Night Frights LA® Grand Jury Prize
- Best Horror Feature Film
- Best Horror Short Film
- Best Director
- Best Performance
- Best Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Practical Effects / Makeup FX
- Best Original Score / Sound Design
- Audience Choice Award

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Additional Awards Information:

Selected films will be announced prior to the festival. All submitters are invited to attend Night Frights LA, but only selected films will be screened during the event.

If a winner is not present at the festival, a digital certificate will be made available for download from our official website within 48 hours after the festival concludes.

Winning projects will be featured on our social media channels and permanently displayed on our website’s “Winners” tab.

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Judging Process:

Award recipients will be determined by a select panel of Night Frights LA official jurors, comprised of industry professionals, programmers, and creatives with a strong background in horror and genre filmmaking.

Rules & Terms

Thank you for considering Night Frights LA for your film’s premiere! Our 2027 competition is now accepting original horror features and shorts from around the world. Submissions are open on FilmFreeway until September 1st, 2027.

Eligibility:
• Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.
• Short films must be no older than three years from the festival date.
• Premiere status matters — especially for features.

We’re looking for World, North American, U.S., West Coast, or Los Angeles premieres for feature films, and Los Angeles County premieres for short films.

Screening Limitations:
• Feature films should not have been screened publicly or at festivals already.
• Neither short nor feature films should have been made available public.

Language:
• Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Film Categories:

Use the following to determine your film’s category for submission:
• Feature films (narrative or documentary) – 50 minutes and longer
• Short Films – 5 to 25 minutes

Screeners:

We only review one version of each film. Please do not email us updated links after submission.

Submission Info:
• Eligible films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
• Films that have already been released or distributed are not eligible.
• Accepted filmmakers will be notified via email or phone.
• Press kits will be requested following official acceptance.
• A trailer and poster will be required for accepted feature/short films.

Screening Format:

Accepted format for in-person exhibition is DCP only. No exceptions.

Promotional Use:

By submitting to Night Frights LA, you authorize us to use stills, trailers, and excerpts from your film for promotional purposes, including online, print, and press materials.

16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gabriel Gonzales

    Night Frights was truly a standout. The films were exceptional, the venue and staff were great. The festival hosts were very friendly and went above and beyond to support the filmmakers. Loved the program that featured a great description of all the featured films. Would definitely submit and attend this festival again!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Alex Havens

    The Winchester Brothers have put on an incredible spectacle of horror with rosters of wonderful talent but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out some flaws. It seems they only worry about hospitality to their Official Selections, which then makes it seem superfluous to announce any quarter/semi/finalist statuses after Official Selections are announced. I’m certain they were working out a lot of bumps in their inaugural year, but I was “selected” as a “Finalist” and emailed being told I would still be invited as a screenwriter. Days later, they messaged my Instagram and said they made a mistake and can only offer me a VIP badge. Cool! I accepted and they ghosted completely. No follow ups (despite having emailed them) until weeks before the festival saying any finalists would only be given a discounted rate on a badge.

    I hope the festival organizers move forward with a little more consideration behind the operation they’re running and what they’re offering before they do. Best of luck in the future, Night Frights LA!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your feedback! Just to clarify: finalists are recognized for their work, but only Official Selections receive full festival hospitality. We announce finalists to celebrate their achievements, not to guarantee VIP treatment.

    We offered you a VIP badge, your name was on the VIP list, and you were able to attend—our small team did not ‘ghost’ anyone. We hope you still enjoyed the festival experience!

  • Dillon Stewart

    Night Frights' flagship in-person festival, founded by the Winchester Bros., really demonstrated the promise and passion of the sibling duos' dedication to horror, and their celebration of other people's work to the craft. A welcoming environment, I networked with many of the attendees, grabbed drinks afterwards at Angel City Brewery, and got excited when hearing from the brothers of all of their plans for next year. I highly recommend submitting to this festival.

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Tyler Beveridge

    The first in person NightFrights LA was a blast. We had the opportunity to screen "The Nature of Death" at the LA convention Center to a pretty packed theater with great reactions. The curators truly believe in the indie filmmaker and they have a wonderful eye for creating a cohesive block and an incredible day celebrating all things horror. I can't wait to see what this becomes next year! It is for sure a festival you should submit to!

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Gerardo Maravilla

    Incredibly professional and supportive festival!

    September 2025
    Helpful