About

In 2023, when we launched the first edition of our festival, Bulgaria still lacked a dedicated genre film event. We believed it was time to fill that void — and today that conviction feels stronger than ever.

What began as a bold idea has grown into a platform for filmmakers, audiences, and artists who share a passion for bold, provocative, and imaginative cinema. While there are hundreds — even thousands — of genre film festivals around the world, we set out to build a home for this community in Bulgaria: a space where horror is not a niche, but a celebration.

We chose horror as our starting point because of its uniquely devoted fan base and rich cultural tradition. Horror brings people together through a shared love of fear, suspense, and the unknown — but it also goes far beyond entertainment. The genre has always served as a mirror to society, confronting audiences with timely and urgent themes: political anxiety, social injustice, identity, trauma, technological fear, and the boundaries of morality.

As we continue to grow, we remain open to expanding into other genre territories in the future. But horror remains at the heart of our mission — as a powerful artistic language, a cultural force, and a catalyst for meaningful conversation.

We are driven by a deep love for cinema — and an enduring passion for horror in all its forms. From the very beginning, we have welcomed filmmakers who share that same devotion to bold storytelling, unsettling atmospheres, and fearless imagination. We seek out films that pulse with intensity, that disturb and provoke, that linger long after the lights come back on.

Over the past three editions, our festival has grown into a multifaceted celebration of the genre. Here is what we have built — and continue to expand:

1) Curated Contemporary Selections

Each year we present a carefully curated lineup of recent international titles, united by distinct themes and subgenres that reflect both the diversity and evolution of horror. Our past editions have explored Folk Horror, Body Horror, Horror Comedy, and Ecological Horror — examining how the genre reinvents itself while responding to cultural anxieties and shifting social landscapes.

2) Thematic Retrospectives

We honor the foundations of the genre through special retrospective programs dedicated to horror classics. These screenings reconnect audiences with essential works that have shaped cinematic language, influenced generations of filmmakers, and defined the aesthetics and philosophy of fear.

3) Competition Program – Short and Feature Films

At the heart of the festival lies our competitive program, showcasing outstanding short and feature-length films from around the world. Each year, we award our coveted festival prize — Wooden Frankie — celebrating originality, craft, and daring artistic vision.

Beyond the screenings, the festival experience extends into immersive and communal events:

• Genre-themed parties that transform fear into celebration
• Lectures and panel discussions exploring horror’s cultural, political, and artistic dimensions
• Special events and filmmaker Q&As
• Interactive challenges and a horror-themed pub quiz
• And a prestigious Closing Ceremony that brings the community together to celebrate the year’s most remarkable achievements

What we offer is more than a screening program — it is a gathering place for those who believe horror is not just a genre, but a vital and expressive cinematic force.

Us – We are a group of young film enthusiasts who believe in the power and beauty of horror. 

You – You are the viewers, filmmakers, artists, cinephiles, who also believe that horror cinema is here to stay, because of its endless potential for visual, emotional, and intellectual experiences.