Horror Fans Flock to Screams By The Sea for a Killer Festival Lineup

Horror and genre cinema fans are set for an unmissable event as Screams By The Sea returns to Bournemouth on 29th March for a single-day celebration of independent horror, sci-fi, and the macabre. Hosted at Pavilion Dance South West, this year’s festival promises an intense lineup of five feature films, a selection of short horrors, industry panels, and an opportunity for aspiring screenwriters to pitch their projects for a chance to land a major production deal.

The festival’s centrepiece is JT Mollner’s Strange Darling, a gripping psychological thriller that transforms a one-night stand into a fight for survival against a serial killer. This highly anticipated screening will close out the festival after a day of mind-bending and blood-soaked cinema.

Audiences will also get to experience Scarlet Blue, a hypnotic French horror-drama exploring trauma and repressed memories, Suicide for Beginners, a darkly comedic exploration of a killer struggling with his victims, and The Dæmon, a slow-burn Lovecraftian nightmare about a family confronting demons beyond their comprehension. Adding a unique sci-fi twist to the lineup, Time Travel Is Dangerous follows two vintage shop owners who stumble upon a time machine, only to find that some things are better left in the past.

Beyond the films, Screams By The Sea has curated a programme packed with industry insights. Talks include Marketing Strategy for Indie Success, a panel featuring Ruby Adams, Mike Hewitt, and Neil Fraser, as well as From Figment to Success, where producer Jen Handorf delves into the complexities of packaging indie films for financing. There’s also a storytelling discussion hosted by the Independent Horror Society.

A highlight of the festival is the screenwriting pitch competition, where four shortlisted writers will present their film ideas before a jury of established screenwriters and filmmakers. The winning script will be awarded a production deal with Silent D Pictures, securing up to £200,000 in funding and a theatrical release across Southeast Asia and the UK.

Festival director Radi Nikolov, a filmmaker and horror enthusiast, promises an unforgettable day for genre fans. “You must see what we’ve curated this year—a kaleidoscope of the most exciting independent cinema currently on the big screen. It’s not to be missed,” he says.

In addition to its packed schedule, Screams By The Sea is offering a 10% student discount to encourage aspiring filmmakers to engage with the industry. With its combination of cutting-edge horror films, insightful industry panels, and opportunities for emerging talent, this year’s festival is shaping up to be a major event in the UK horror calendar.

Tickets are priced at £24 and can be booked via the festival’s website: rnikolov.co.uk/screams-by-the-sea-film-festival

Screams By The Sea trailer