OCTOBER 2025
Epic Theatres at Lee Vista
Orlando, FL

'BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY' Winner
*2023 SHORT SCREENPLAY WINNER *
'RIGHT HAND MAN' written by Christine N Rifkin
FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition

2023 Short Screenplay Finalists

We are thrilled to announce the Finalists who have been selected from a talented pool of submissions. It was an incredibly tough decision, but after careful consideration, we have narrowed down the list to these exceptional writers and their compelling screenplays. Keep an eye out for these rising stars and their stories. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for the art of screenwriting.

THE WARDEN

Written by Korea Black & Gianna Rose

During a lunar expedition, a wormhole was discovered near the dark side of the moon. This wormhole was later named “The Looking Glass” and is connected to an Earth-like planet called Naraka. Naraka was an unforgiving perilous venture, that was known as “The Light at the End of the Tunnel Where Demons Dwell”.

THE CUCKooo

Written by Donovan Swart

When drug dealers con their way into the home of an odd young man, Robin, things become increasingly sinister and horrific as one by one the men pay for what they’ve done

I CAN'T WITH THIS

Written by Brian W Smith

A young woman encounters something unspeakable in her soft drink.

DARK RIDE

Written by Brian W. Smith

A good deed takes a turn.

QUANDERING QUESTIONS

Written by Tom von Dohlen

A young boy struggling with grief, wanders into the woods where a mystical Fae offers the answer to any question before the sun rises. However, there is a hefty price; time.

RIGHT HAND MAN


Written by Christine N Rifkin

After a rocket explodes, a 10-year-old boy and his best friend must learn to live with each other...forever.

THE AVON LADY

Written by Guillermo Ortiz & Geena Karsama

Two women on the fringes of 1950's American society collide in an inconspicuous Avon home visit where everything but the purchasing of lipstick occurs.

GARGOYLE

Written by Kyle W Bailey

An ancient guardian toils in the duty to protect their ward from an adventurer's greed and curiosity. With consequences that will last longer than a lifetime.

ALL THE RAGE

Written by Maryellen DeVivo

As well-to-do Victorians don the latest fashions in the trendiest color, women work themselves to death in an artificial flower factory to keep up with the demand.

UNSPEAKABLE

Written by Jon Hughes

A troubled teenager's attempt to free herself from her father's abuse has deadly consequences.

OH, MY DEAR

Written by Billy Rex McAfee

Ernie can't shake his incel energy so when the opportunity strikes to land a cute date, he will stop at nothing to win, even bloodshed.

THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S ASSISANT

Written by Sean Elwood

A funeral director's assistant is forced to reveal a dark secret while watching over a dead body in the viewing room of a funeral home.

STRAY

Written by Jason G Rice

While a young woman and her grandmother try to come to terms with major life changes, a stray animal forces them to face their fears together.