Indie Frights and Free Events Collide at Screams By The Sea

Bournemouth’s Screams By The Sea International Horror Film Festival is broadening its scope for its third annual edition, unveiling a packed programme of free events, industry talks and community activities to run alongside its curated line-up of independent genre cinema on 13 and 14 March.

Returning to Pavilion Dance South West, the Dorset-based festival continues its commitment to international horror while placing a renewed emphasis on accessibility and professional development. This year’s edition builds on its established screenings of titles including Mag Mag and Alien on Stage, but organisers are keen to underline that the weekend extends well beyond the cinema screen.

A new strand of high-impact industry sessions will form part of the festival’s Industry Hub. Among the headline discussions is How to Make Your First Feature Film, with filmmakers Paul Butler and Stewart Sparke detailing their transition from short-form work to features, covering finance, distribution and launching a Blu-ray label. Bournemouth-based writer Peter Stanley-Ward will host Working with the Studios, reflecting on his experience navigating the US studio system and developing genre scripts for international audiences. The Independent Horror Society will also present On the Road to a Feature, a panel discussion featuring filmmakers from this year’s programme.

Networking remains central to the weekend, with a 1-to-1 mixer and a live script pitching session designed to connect emerging creatives with industry professionals.

For the wider public, Friday’s free events at Brass Haus in Bournemouth include a live recording of the Script2Scream podcast, a book reading from author Rob Ulintsky and an opening night cabaret. On Saturday, the festival introduces a revamped Screams Market at Pavilion Dance South West, offering genre-themed comics, posters, apparel and artwork.

Festival director Radi Nikolov said creating a celebratory atmosphere remains at the core of the event, with additional programming designed to reflect a shared passion for horror. In the week leading up to the festival, from 9 March, organisers will host daily meet-and-greets in Bournemouth Town Centre arcade, inviting passers-by to engage with the team and take photographs with the festival’s puppet mascot.

Supported in part by Bournemouth Town Centre BID, the expanded line-up reinforces the festival’s ambition to become a staple on the South Coast cultural calendar. Full day passes are priced at £34, with single screening tickets and further details available via the festival’s official website. Just visit screamsbythesea.com/