Celluloid Screams: Sheffield Horror Film Festival is an annual celebration of the best in classic and contemporary horror cinema. Recently ranked as one of the Best Horror Festivals in the World by Dread Central, Celluloid Screams showcases a diverse lineup of films, from the hottest new horror features and genre discoveries to terrifying short films from the fearmakers of the future. Over the years, our festival has attracted special guest appearances by iconic directors and stars of the genre, including John Landis, Brian Yuzna, Frank Henenlotter, Ben Wheatley, Reece Shearsmith & Steve Pemberton, Catriona MacColl, Aaron Moorhead & Justin Benson and many more.

Founded in 2009, the festival has become a destination for horror fans seeking the very best the horror genre has to offer. In its short history, Celluloid Screams has premiered such high-profile films as Antlers, Paranormal Activity, Mandy, The Witch, Titane, The Void, Train to Busan presents: Peninsula, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Goodnight Mommy, The Editor, Creep 2, Raw and The Endless (to name but a few) and has an ongoing commitment to emerging genre talent.

As part of this commitment, we believe short films are just as important to our programme as feature films and we screen one or more short films before every feature film throughout the festival, giving them the best showcase possible.

With opportunities to meet and network with fans, filmmakers and industry professionals in an informal, relaxed atmosphere (as well as our now-legendary closing night karaoke party!) Celluloid Screams is a festival that brings the genre community together to enjoy the best new horror cinema on the big screen where it belongs.

Taking place each October at Sheffield's Showroom Cinema (voted the UK's favourite independent cinema by readers of The Guardian) Celluloid Screams has become one of the highlights of the UK Film Festival Calendar, and we want you to be a part of it.

"A highly enjoyable, welcoming, and spirited weekend." Dread Central

"A total triumph and great fun all-round." Starburst Magazine

"The Celluloid Screams festival was the experience of a lifetime, not only because my film was being showcased but also because the impeccable organization and the quality of the films shown were of the highest standards. Celluloid Screams is a strong motivation for making a second horror film." Chris Petropoulos, Director 'Subconscious'

"A tastefully chosen line-up of true horror, cult and the avant garde! The truly passionate and enthusiastic team, made it one of the finest festival experiences for me this year" Can Evrenol - Director 'Baskin'

"Festivals like Celluloid Screams are the only places you'll learn about some of the more adventurous cinematic creations that rarely find their way into multiplexes, and this makes it a truly vital festival." Robert Morgan - Director 'Stopmotion'

Celluloid Screams offers a number of awards each year, including an audience award for Best Feature Film (won in 2023 by Nicholas Tomnay's 'WHAT YOU WISH FOR') as well as our short film awards, which are decided by a jury of industry professionals.

Online screeners are the preferred method of submission to Celluloid Screams.

Our rules regarding film running times are as follows:
Short Films: 1 min - 30 mins
Feature Films: 60 mins - 150 mins

Films submitted for our 2024 festival must have been completed after 1st October 2022.

Though not a requirement, UK, European and World Premieres for feature films are preferred. Feature films must not have screened in Sheffield prior to screening at Celluloid Screams. There is no premiere requirement for short films.

Selected feature films must not have received a UK release prior to the festival dates, including release in cinemas, on DVD/Blu Ray/Digital or on streaming services (screenings at other festivals prior to Celluloid Screams are acceptable)

Selected films must be made available in DCP Format (with Blu Ray as a backup if possible.) Please note that it is expected that the highest quality screening format will be made available for the film if selected.

If submitting more than one film, a separate completed entry is required for each title.

Please do not send EPKs, Press Packs or additional information with your screener - If your film is selected we will request synopsis, stills in digital format and other information if required.

Feature films selected for the festival will be required to provide a short clip from the film as part of the EPK for publicity/marketing purposes.

Once a film is submitted and accepted to the festival you guarantee to not withdraw it from the festival under any circumstances. You also guarantee to make sure the screening copy of your film is with us at least two weeks before the festival.

Please note that by submitting a film you confirm that: 1) You are authorised to submit the film to the festival, including all permissions from any distributor and/or sales agent associated with the film and that all necessary clearances (including music) have been made. 2) The submission materials may be retained by Celluloid Screams for archive purposes.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Julien Allen

    Amazing festival. Brilliant programming and excellent communication from Rob and the team. We had a great time attending too.

    December 2023
  • Shane Bannon

    Thank you to Rob, Polly, Lucy and the whole team for making Celluloid Screams such a great time! The festival was incredibly well attended by an enthusiastic local audience and filmmakers alike. The weekend was jam packed with outstanding films and opportunities to connect with the other guests. Definitely worth the trip!

    October 2023
  • Andy Mitton

    I was lucky enough to be a guest at this year's festival to host the screening of my newest feature. The community spirit was over the top wonderful, with the venue providing everything in one place and making it so easy to engage. The films were excellent, everything looked and sounded great, the GhostWatch special event was epic, and I enjoyed every minute. Rob, Polly, Lucy and company - THANK YOU. And special shout-out to Clare for taking such great care of me while I was there.

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Andy! We're so thrilled that you enjoyed your time at the festival, come back again soon!

  • Adam Bouabda

    Thank you to Celluloid Screams Horror for screening our film this year. An amazing team of organisers and it was great to see our short showcased alongside a strong selection of films. Well done to everyone! And we hope to be back again in the future.

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Adam! We loved The Wilds and it went down really well! Come and see us again soon and let us know about your new projects!

  • Varun Raman

    Our short MAN OR TREE played in front of an extremely cool, incredibly receptive audience in a wonderful cinema. This was our first experience of it on the big screen and it couldn't have been better. Celluloid Screams in a proper genre festival with a chilled atmosphere and great fans who really love cinema. We'd love to return again!

    November 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Varun! We definitely want to have you come back!