Scream Diego Horror Film Festival Screenings
We will be showing independent horror films made by horror fans on Saturday, October 17, 2026!
Scream Diego is thrilled to announce that short film submissions to the 3rd annual Scream Diego Horror Film Festival are OPEN for 2026!
Filmmakers – you are invited to submit your short films for a chance to share your unique take on all things terrifying, horrific and frightening. We can’t wait to see your ghastly work!
2026 Awards will be presented for:
- Best Short
- Best Director
- Best Cinematography
- Best Score
- Best Production Design
- Best Female
- Performance
- Best Male Performance
- Best Ensemble
And special shout-outs, depending what turns up!
All submissions must fulfill the following:
- The film must not exceed a total runtime of 30 minutes.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of the submission.
- The applicant must own all screening rights to their short film.
- A submission synopsis (100-150 words) must be included.
- A director’s biography (100-150 words) is requested.
- The submission must include a high res Director’s Headshot (300dpi).
- The submission must include 2 high res screengrabs from the short film (300 dpi).
Other notes regarding the Scream Diego Horror Film Festival:
There is no premiere status required, we want to share your work with the community!
We prefer films not be available online prior to the festival.
Films made with GAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence), in any way, will be rejected.
Please note that materials, drives, discs, etc. will not be accepted and cannot be returned under any circumstances. Please DO NOT send film prints, master tapes, primary hard drives, DVD Masters, or other irreplaceable original media.
Scream Diego Film Festival is not responsible for any materials that are lost or damaged.
All films must be in English or with English subtitles.
Filmmakers accepted and attending the festival are responsible for travel and all other expenses.
If accepted, filmmakers are expected to assist the festival in film promotion.
All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and it is the sole responsibility of the filmmaker to have cleared all rights and releases for exhibition (including music, audio, images, graphics, trademarked images, etc.)
Only the submitted version of the film may be considered in the acceptance process, we will not consider incomplete works.
Best of luck in your submissions!
Scream Diego is creeping your way on Saturday, October 17th at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Diego at the Hazard Center in Mission Valley!
If you’re interested in submitting to the 2026 Scream Diego Horror Film Festival, click the button below for the official submission site on FilmFreeway!
2025 Scream Diego Film Festival Winners
Best Short: Gemelas
Best Director: Gemelas – Carla Rodriguez
Best Cinematography: Cow – Jean Michael Auffant
Best Score: TattleTale – Jairo Ruiz
Best Production Design: Amira
Best Female Performance: Lisa Brenner – My Wife
Best Male Performance: Jay Jay Jegathesan – An Artist’s Curse
Best Ensemble: Butch
Special Mention Best Use of Body Part: Slay Ride

