"One of the most exciting festivals emerging in the US"
- Daily Dead

"A natural gateway for the best in genre films from around the world"
- Screen Anarchy

"Brilliantly showcases the breadth and quality of genre work being produced worldwide"
- Entertainment Weekly

"Prioritizes inclusion and representation in their programming as well as the community they create for festival goers themselves"
- Dread Central

"Brings the latest and greatest in genre cinema from around the globe"
- Bloody Disgusting

"Kicks major genre ass"
- Gruesome Magazine

Popcorn Frights Film Festival, the Southeast United States largest international genre film festival, will celebrate its sixth year this August 6-14, 2020. The Festival is hosted in a state of the art theater that was formerly a Methodist Church in the 1940s.

The Festival is proud to continue its partnership with Gunpowder & Sky’s horror brand, ALTER. Selected short films will be eligible for review for distribution on the platform.

Popcorn Frights showcases features and shorts by filmmakers from around the world to an audience of horror lovers and filmmakers, industry, and journalists. Amongst others, Adam Egypt Mortimer, Scott Beck & Bryan Woods, Larry Fessenden, Travis Stevens, Graham Skipper, Joe Lynch, Neil Marshall, Greg McLean, Colin Minihan, Lucky McKee, Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Chuck Russell, Nicolas Pesce, Mickey Keating, and Darren Lynn Bousman have premiered their films at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival before they went on to win awards and broader recognition.

We revel in discovering new talent. We don’t discriminate: shorts, features, documentaries, animation, film, and video — all are welcome submissions.

What filmmakers are saying:

"If you want to experience what film festivals are supposed to be -- attend Popcorn Frights. They approach curation as fans, yet don’t lose sight of what it is all about -- their community. That balance ensures programming that has something for everyone and even a few things that aren’t for some. Backed-up by a volunteer staff that makes you feel like part of the family, this is a fest that makes filmmakers and patrons want to come back for more." --Andre Gower, director of WOLFMAN'S GOT NARDS

"Had a fantastic time at Popcorn Frights, a rare experience hosted by film aficionados who are informed, aware artists themselves. I highly recommend it as a place for new filmmakers to break bread (and wine) with seasoned vets and enjoy sharing their love of thrills in cinema." --Chuck Russell, director of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3

"Popcorn Frights is an incredible community of the most passionate fans that the genre has to offer, and I am so thrilled and honored to have been able to show my films there. If you're itching for a killer festival with an amazing lineup, look no further." --Mickey Keating, director of PSYCHOPATHS

"Everyone at Popcorn Frights took incredible care of me, and made me feel at home from the second I walked through the doors. They care about cinema, filmmakers, and making sure everyone — audience and artist alike — has a fantastic time. I loved playing there and will do so again in a heartbeat." --Graham Skipper, director of SEQUENCE BREAK

"Popcorn Frights offers the very best in genre programming in Florida or any other state. A festival not to be missed!" --Jackson Stewart, director of BEYOND THE GATES

"These guys are so on top of it. Passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, of course; but beyond that, organized and dedicated to promoting and championing their films. Popcorn Frights guarantees a film finds its audience, and that the audience has a blast. It’s a perfect place to be." --Bill Watterson, director of DAVE MADE A MAZE

"They’ve really put together something special here. If you have a chance to make it out to Popcorn Frights, do it. This is one of the good ones." --Brandon Christensen, director of STILL/BORN

"Sun, Sand and Horror. Popcorn Frights rocks and is one of the best festivals for indie horror!" --Padraig Reynolds, director of OPEN 24 HOURS

"I couldn't have been happier with the way Popcorn Frights handled our Florida Premiere. It's a fresh and exciting festival run by movie fans for movie fans and you can't ask for more. It's a pleasure to work with them and they make you feel like you're part of the family instantly. I'm excited to see what they have in store for us next year!" --Alistair Legrand, director of THE DIABOLICAL

"Huge thanks to the whole Popcorn Frights team, all of who showed a true passion for the genre, I can’t wait to show another film there!" --Paul Hyett, director of HOWL

"Popcorn Frights Film Festival is everything your fiendish heart could ever desire…and more!" --Justin Seaman, director of THE BARN

Awards & Prizes

Jury Prize for Best Feature Film
Jury Prize for Scariest Feature Film
Jury Prize for Best Short Film
Jury Prize for Scariest Short Film
Audience Award for Feature Film
Audience Award for Short Film

Rules & Terms

The 6th annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival will take place August 6-14, 2020

1. Submission Deadlines
Submissions will be accepted from November 1st 2019. The final deadline is June 26, 2020. Early entry is encouraged but in no way guarantees acceptance.

2. Submission Eligibility
- All submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2019.
- Popcorn Frights requires at least a Florida Premiere for any feature or short film.
- Works-in-progress are accepted.

3. Premiere Status
Feature Films and Short Films must be at least Florida Premieres: they must not have been released in the state of Florida on any format, nor screened publicly online.

4. Selection of Films
Submissions are reviewed and selected under the following criteria:
- Quality of narrative and production values
- Independent nature of the production

5. Festival Screenings
Popcorn Frights has the capability to screen Digital Cinema Package (DCP). Blu-ray will be used as well.

6. Scheduling
No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection nor add screening fees.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Noémie Besombes

    The festival seems to have a super nice atmosphere but I was not able to come. I'm very proud to have been part of the selection and wish to come one day !

    August 2019
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  • Andrew Hunt

    Absolute blast having our film Frost Bite play at the 2019 Popcorn Frights Film Festival. The organization is beyond accommodating. Always excited to have any film screen at the event. A total side note, our short film was picked up by Alter after screening at Popcorn Frights Film Festival. Huge success for the Frost Bite team. Can't recommend this festival enough.

    October 2019
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  • David Malcolm

    Though I could not attend Popcorn Frights 2019 it's clear it is one of the premiere events on the circuit with a high quality of genre programming, great value for money in comparison to the entry fees for some of their contemporaries and ran by people with a genuine love and knowledge of horror, science fiction, fantasy and weird stuff.

    September 2019
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  • Randy Gonzalez

    Having my short film Always Listening screen at Popcorn Frights was a great experience. Marc and Igor really care about horror and it shows. The screenings are packed the sound and picture quality of the venue was great. The Q and A was smooth and not awkward which is always a plus. Will definitely submit my next project here.

    August 2019
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  • Neal O'Bryan

    Popcorn Frights has been one of the most rewarding festivals we have submitted to. The communication has been top notch and they were great about marketing the festival as well as the films that were screened. We were fortunate enough to win the "Audience Award" for best short short film and they posted about it on social media. We weren't able to attend the festival, but judging from the press coverage, the seats seemed to be filled with enthusiastic horror fans every night. Popcorn Frights also partnered with Alter who reached out to us about distributing our short online. This is the first festival to make something like that happen. I definitely recommend submitting to this fest!

    August 2019
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