"The World's 50 Best Genre Festivals"
- Moviemaker Magazine

"Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals"
- FilmFreeway

"A Fangoria Approved Film Festival"
- Fangoria

"The Best Horror Festivals in the World"
- Dread Central

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

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

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

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

Popcorn Frights Film Festival, the Southeast United States largest international genre film festival, will celebrate its tenth year on August 8-18, 2024. Over the last years, Popcorn Frights has been declared one of "The World's 50 Best Genre Festivals" by Moviemaker Magazine, recognized as one of the "The Best Horror Festivals in the World" by Dread Central, and noted as one of the "Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals" by FilmFreeway.

In 2023, Popcorn Frights hosted a hybrid festival that attracted more than 10,000 filmgoers, as well as more than 50 filmmakers, producers, talent, and industry professionals to its eleven-day summer event of inspiring films, panels, and parties.

This year, Popcorn Frights will host its marquee program at two signature venues, providing an opportunity for attending filmmakers to discover the tropical beauty and weirdness of South Florida as well as connect with local fans. Festival official venues include the O Cinema South Beach, located across the street from the world-famous Ocean Drive boulevard in the heart of Miami Beach, as well as the historic Savor Cinema in downtown Fort Lauderdale, a state-of-the-art theater that was originally built as a Methodist Church in the 1940s. Industry representatives will be in attendance during the Festival with several meaningful fun and intimate opportunities for networking.

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, Lucky McKee, Carter Smith, Nia DaCosta, Travis Stevens, Graham Skipper, Joe Lynch, Ruby Rose, Timo Tjahjanto, Colin Minihan, Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Mickey Keating, Darren Lynn Bousman, and horror legends Alex Proyas, Mick Garris, Chuck Russell, Barbara Crampton, Mary Harron, and Larry Fessenden have attended, participated, and premiered their films at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival.

We revel in discovering new talent. We don’t discriminate: shorts, features, documentaries, animation, film, and video — all are welcome submissions. Join us for a screaming good time in our magic city! 10,000 fans can't be wrong!

Jury Prize for Best Feature Film
Jury Prize for Scariest Feature Film
Jury Prize for Best Short Film
Jury Prize for Scariest Short Film
Jury Prize for Best Florida Film
Jury Prize for Best New Nightmare
Audience Award for Feature Film
Audience Award for Short Film

The 10th annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival will take place August 8-18, 2024

1. Submission Deadlines
Submissions will be accepted from August 25, 2023. The final deadline is July 19, 2024. Early entry is encouraged but in no way guarantees acceptance.

2. Submission Eligibility
- All submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2023.
- 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 may be used as well.

6. Scheduling
No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection nor add screening fees.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pirie Martin

    My film screened as part of the virtual programme, and while I wasn't able to attend in person the team at Popcorn Frights still made me feel really involved, with great coverage on social media and excellent communication. They arranged a virtual Q&A, and the attention they brought to my indie production has opened up a few exciting opportunities despite being half way across the world. I'm so glad I got to be a part of the 2023 festival, I can't recommend Popcorn Frights enough!

    September 2023
  • Pablo Pagán

    We had the chance to be a part of the virtual evento during this years festival. Marc and his team did an amazing job with the festival, it was truly an incredible experience. Can't wait to see what they have planned for the future installation of the festival.

    September 2023
  • Really great festival with an amazing programming and really dedicated team. As a filmmaker who couldn't attend the event I always felt well informed and in the loop, and communicating with the team was a breeze. The virtual platform was top notch and security was top tier. Have a premiere here if you're so lucky to get the chance!

    August 2023
  • Jack Dignan

    Great festival run by enthusiastic and communicative people. Had the pleasure of world premiering my new film Puzzle Box here and found it to be a fantastic launching pad for a small indie horror like ours. Strong recommendation.

    August 2023
  • Valery Garcia

    Had a blast at Popcorn Frights! Everyone was very nice and inviting!

    August 2023