Shriekfest
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Orlando, Florida, U.S.
 Shriekfest 2011 poster | |
| Location | Los Angeles, California, U.S. Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Language | English |
| Website | shriekfest |
Shriekfest Horror Film Festival was a film festival specializing in the horror genre. It was one of the longest running horror festivals in Los Angeles, until 2021. In 2017, Shriekfest expanded to include an Orlando, FL festival location.
Shriekfest Horror Film Festival was founded in August 24, 2001.[1] The first festival was held Oct. 27-28, 2001. It is held in October at Raleigh Studios on Melrose Boulevard in the Charlie Chaplin Theatre.[2]
The festival was founded by actress Denise Gossett[3] with her partner Kimberlee Beeson.[4] Gossett came up with the idea after starring in the horror film Chain of Souls.[5] She realized there was a scarcity of film festivals and competitions for the horror genre.[6] She and Beeson created Shriekfest in the hopes that young and upcoming filmmakers and screenwriters would find in it an outlet for their talent. Their partnership lasted until 2003, after which time Todd Beeson became the new partner in the festival.[7]
Shriekfest awards multiple prizes for horror films and screenplays. It also awards films in the science fiction, fantasy, and thriller categories. Prizes include trophies, as well as cash, product awards, and publicity.[8]
The festival also has an under-18 category open to young filmmakers and screenwriters.[9]
Shriekfest went green in 2010 and now accepts screenplays and films via email.[10]
Awards
Shriekfest awards can vary from year to year at judges' requests and have included the following categories.[11] In 2010 two new categories were added to the competition: Webisode and Original Song.[12]
- Best Horror Feature Film
- Best Sci-Fi Feature Film
- Best Fantasy Feature Film
- Best Thriller Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Supershort Film (under 10 minutes)
- Best Feature Screenplay
- Best Short Screenplay
- Best Acting Performance
- Best Cinematography
- Best Special FX
- Best Under-18 Film
- Best Under-18 Screenplay
- Pretty/Scary Award (portrayal of women in horror)
- Audience Choice Award