New Out Of The Cellar Horror Film Festival Calls For Submissions

A new addition to the genre festival circuit has been announced with submissions now open for the inaugural Out Of The Cellar Horror Film Festival, set to take place across 13 and 14 November 2026 in Castro Valley, California.

Positioned as a boutique event, the festival will be held at the historic Chabot Theater, a long-standing cultural venue that has served the East Bay community since 1950. Organisers plan a two-day programme focused on curated short horror films, presented in themed screening blocks designed for a theatrical setting.

Founded by filmmaker Veronica Craven, known for the cult horror soap opera In The Cellar, the festival is being developed with author and screenwriter Barry M. Putt, Jr., alongside a team of programmers and festival professionals. The initiative aims to provide a dedicated platform for filmmakers working within the genre, with an emphasis on visually distinctive and story-focused work.

Submissions are currently open via FilmFreeway, with the festival inviting short-form projects across a range of styles and production approaches. Selected films will be showcased alongside filmmaker Q&As, as well as both juried and audience awards.

In addition to screenings, organisers have outlined plans for a broader event experience, including a live Creature Feature presentation hosted by television horror personality Count Gore De Vol. The programming is structured to combine film exhibition with elements of fan culture, creating a format that extends beyond traditional festival screenings.

Craven has indicated that the project emerged from a desire to support independent horror filmmakers whose work can struggle to find sustained visibility after completion. The festival is intended to function as a centralised space where such projects can be presented in a theatrical context, while also connecting creators with audiences and industry peers.

The Chabot Theater, which remains one of the few independent single-screen cinemas in the region, provides a distinctive setting for the launch. Its history as a community venue has made it a focal point for local arts activity, and the festival’s organisers have positioned the event as part of a wider effort to bring independent genre cinema into established exhibition spaces.

Beyond its debut edition, Out Of The Cellar Horror Film Festival is expected to expand its activities, with early plans including filmmaker networking opportunities, collaborative initiatives and additional programming tied to the genre community.

The inaugural festival will run over the Friday the 13th weekend in November, with further details on programming and selections to be announced in the coming months. For more information, and to submit a movie, visit: outofthecellarfilms.com/