Little Ghosts Books, an inclusive Ontario horror-themed bookstore and press, in collaboration with the 35MM Peter film group, is scouring the earth for the spookiest, bizarre, silly, wry, brutal, peculiar, splatter-y, punk, and/or horrifying short films ever made. If there's a left-of-center short film passionately made out of bubblegum and grit destined for cult infamy, we want to see it.
The 2nd annual festival will select 10 short films compiled into a feature-length anthology designed to replicate a midnight television special, including retro commercials, special guests, and trailers for upcoming events. Released in September to capitalize on the spirit of Halloween, the screening will once again be hosted at Toronto's own Tranzac Club. The film festival will be a part of the 2nd annual Little Ghosts Fest, which will also host Art Vendors, Publishers, Author signings, readings, Q&A's, and more.
Little Ghosts Halloween Film Festival is targeted at anyone passionate about the genre. With 50% of the films coming from Ontario residents, we are dedicated to reaching across the globe for diverse unsung voices. Horror may exhibit terror, but it is ultimately about love, and we strive for a comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming environment. The invitation is open to submissions from wayward high school student films to seasoned filmmakers looking to experiment.
An editor will compile the anthology, trailers, and clips with a hi-res export and tapes prepared for screening materials. In September, an announcement trailer will be released and promoted on X, Bluesky, and Instagram. Banners and posters will be distributed in local Ontario stores and online, along with dates and information on how to access the event. All involved are seasoned marketing and editing professionals, ecstatic about such an opportunity.
Let's see what you got, and happy shooting!
All ten finalists will receive a one-on-one online interview for the Little Ghosts Books Newsletter, free entry to the first-ever Little Ghosts Books Festival, a digital copy of the film block, and the coveted individualized Film Festival laurel. Bonus award titles will be adjusted per individual movie. Anyone and everyone is invited to submit to this festival. We profoundly do not care if the film was screened 100 times six years ago or if this is your first movie. We are not here to judge race, ethnicity, gender, pronouns, physical or mental capabilities, sexual orientation, or religion.
