Join us as we bring the Panic! to Kansas City. Held in the historic Screenland Armour theater our film festival features horror, thriller and sci-fi films.

Some of the films we debuted in previous festivals include Elijah Wood’s Maniac remake, Flight of the Conchords' What We Do in the Shadows (North American Debut), Dark Was the Night and many more.

In addition to our feature film lineup we also host a short film showcase that attendees vote for the best of fest. Our festival also features live podcasts (Last Podcast on the Left, Movie Crypt, Generation Why and Cult Podcast.) with Q&A sessions. Take a break from the action and check out some of our amazing vendors or vintage arcade games.

All of this brought to you by Screenland Theaters in collaboration with DownrightCreepy.com

Awards & Prizes

AWARDS:
Short Film Showcase - Best of Show*
Best Director - Feature Film
Best Film - Feature Film
Audience Choice - Feature Film*
Best Actress - Feature Film
Best Actor - Feature Film

*Voted By Festival Goers at the Festival

Other Awards Will Be Voted by A Selection of Festival Judges.

Rules & Terms

Feature films must be from 2019 without regular release. Films do not need to be in finished state to submit, please mark these as WIP (Work in Progress) Submission.

Only one feature may be submitted per filmmaker, per year.

Non-English language films must have subtitles burned in for submission.

Short films should be no longer than 16 minutes in length to submit.

Submission does not guarantee entry into festival. Filmmakers will be notified no later than December 15th 2019 if their film has be accepted into the festival.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • William Davis

    Panic Fest was an all around great experience! The programming was excellent. It was an honor to have our short film, Look Twice, included in such a great lineup. The festival staff was accommodating. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. We easily created many new friendships that will last.

    February 2019
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  • Randy Gonzalez

    My short film Anigos screened this year I unfortunately wasn’t able to attend. But communication with the festival staff was great and it looked like it was an awesome event. I’m sad I missed out.

    February 2019
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  • Charles Pieper

    Panic Fest was a radical fest indeed. 'Malacostraca' looked and sounded the best it ever has at a fest projected there and I met lots of great fellow filmmakers and film fanatic folks for sure!

    February 2019
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  • Fiona Campbell

    We couldn't make the festival sadly but it looked fantastic fun. We were really happy with the team and delighted to screen there. A great bunch of people and a very cool festival.

    February 2019
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  • 4EVR short

    Great communication, expertly curated, wonderful screening venue at a beautifully restored Art Deco theatre with excellent projection on a giant screen (in correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio!) And most of all, we met some terrific filmmakers. Go, if you are lucky enough to get in. These people know their genre. Inspiring, exhilarating. Recommended.

    February 2019
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