DARK CINEMA
The Harbinger of Halloween
Dark Cinema is a short film festival for all things dark, haunting, and supernatural. The festival returns October 10, 2026, at the historic Ritz Theater, inviting horror enthusiasts, filmmakers, and anyone eager to welcome in the Halloween season. For one night only, the festival will showcase a carefully chosen collection of short films; stories meant to scare, unsettle, and serve as a harbinger for the 2026 Halloween season.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Date: October 10th, 2026
Location: Ritz Theater, Tooele, UT.
Times:
4pm- Youth Film Showcase (Free to public)
5pm- Filmmaker Lectures (Free to public)
7pm- Dark Cinema Official Selections
9pm- Awards Ceremony
10pm- Late Night Feature
Tickets: Get tickets here! (Available fall 2026)
Parking: Tooele County Health Department
FILMMAKERS
Welcome, visionary filmmakers, to Dark Cinema. We invite you to showcase your talent in crafting terrifying stories that delve into fear, suspense, and the unknown. Dark Cinema celebrates storytellers who explore the darker corners of the human psyche and the supernatural. We’re seeking original short films that haunt and unsettle: ghost stories, monsters, folklore, supernatural horror, and psychological suspense.
Submissions for the 2026 festival open March 10, 2026. Visit our FilmFreeway page for full details, submission guidelines, and deadlines. All ages and skill levels are welcome.