DARK CINEMA

A short film festival for all things dark, haunting, and supernatural.

Dark Cinema 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 deep into fear and suspense. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this festival offers a platform to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and the supernatural.

Submissions for the 2026 festival will open on 03/10/2026, and we encourage you to be part of this chilling celebration of horror. Check out the details on FilmFreeway (link below) and be ready to immerse our audience in nightmares they won’t soon forget. All ages and skill levels are welcome—see rules and submission guidelines on FilmFreeway.