Join us for the 10th Annual Spooky Film Festival at Contra Costa Cinemas, 555 Center Ave, Martinez, CA 94553.

Date: Wednesday, October 29
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Screening: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
After the films: Filmmaker Q&A and Awards Ceremony

Submission Fees:
• Students: $10
• Indie: $15

Entrance to Event: FREE!

Trophies will be awarded in each category. Everyone is welcome to submit and compete for the Audience Choice Award.

***Please note that category awards are limited to films made in or near the California Bay Area.***

The Spooky Film Festival began as a way for artists to share their cinematic achievements with friends, family, and fellow filmmakers. Ten years later, the spirit is stronger than ever.

Don’t wait. Send us your spooky short film today. We are DYING to see it!

Awards & Prizes

In a continued effort to celebrate the filmmakers, TROPHIES will be presented to the winner of each category.

(TROPHIES will not be mailed at the cost of the festival.)

Rules & Terms

1) Films should not exceed a 20-minute runtime.

2) We're open to all spooky genres for screening consideration.

3) Entry does not ensure your film's screening. Notifications regarding acceptance will be sent by October 13th, 2025.

4) Films should cater to a broad audience. Avoid excessive gore or explicit content.

5) * Student Film (CA Bay Area) Fee: $10
* Indie Film (CA Bay Area) Fee: $15
* Filmmakers Outside of the CA Bay Area Fee: $20

6) Attendance at the event is FREE!

7) To enter as a student, the film should have been created during your academic years (college/high school). It doesn't need to be a school assignment. The filmmaker can currently be graduated as long as the film was created while they were students.

8) Award eligibility demands residency near the CA Bay Area. Non-residents can have their films screened, but they will not qualify for awards.

9) Multiple entries are welcome! However, only one project per director will be selected for screening. Collaboration among producers, actors, and other crew members is permissible across projects.

10) Award trophies will be handed over during the screening. However, they will not be mailed at the festival's cost.

11) Our judges' panel will determine the award winners for each category before the festival. The sole exception is the Audience Choice Award, which our festival attendees decide.

12) Any film not in English must have accurate English subtitles to be considered for screening.

13) All communication will be via email. Please provide a valid email address when submitting and check it regularly for updates and notifications.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Blake Killion

    Always a pleasure to attend the Spooky Film Festival! The quality only increases every year, and it is a great opportunity to showcase your work and connect with other local filmmakers. I appreciate the commitment to screening the work of filmmakers with a variety of experience levels, genres, and perspectives.

    November 2025
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  • John Angelo Serrano

    it was great!! It was a little awkward because my film, "The Human Touch," was the only one that primarily involved 2D animation. But it was fine, that does not impact anything about the festival, haha.

    October 2024
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  • Jim Zounis

    It was such a great honor to have our short selected to participate in this years event, thank you all so much.

    October 2024
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  • Austin Slayton

    An awesome turn out at a great venue with a lot of fun and inclusivity!

    October 2024
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  • Jay Salahi

    I was unable to attend the Spooky Film Festival this year, but the staff being in touch with me over email were extremely nice and timely. From what I saw the event went great as well. It was an honor to play here

    November 2023
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