2025 short screenplay competition
The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival’s Short Screenplay Competition celebrates the writers who dare to imagine the darkest stories. Open to filmmakers and storytellers worldwide, the competition seeks the most original, terrifying, and unforgettable short horror screenplays. Finalists are recognized during the festival and compete for the FREAKY Award for Best Short Screenplay, honoring excellence in horror writing and creativity.
2025 WINNER BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY
THE METAL SHOW – Written by Ashland Thomas
FINALISTS
The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival proudly presents the finalists of our Short Screenplay Competition! These chilling tales represent the next generation of horror storytelling — original, bold, and bloodcurdlingly creative. Each screenplay captures the dark imagination and innovation that define the spirit of independent horror. The screenplays on this list will now be in competition for the Best Short Screenplay FREAKY AWARD.
test of death
Written by Linda Niccol & Michael Botur
Testing their friendship to the limit, a terminally ill Auckland teacher persuades his best friend to help him prolong his life using the Buddhist practice Tukdam which sustains him past death – with terrifying results.
Metal Show
Written by Ashland Thomas
When a local heavy metal band unleashes a forbidden Satanic ritual during their final song, the music becomes a deadly symphony, and the audience pays the ultimate price.
Frankie's on edge
Written by Lori Lee Daliposon
When a mob of homicidal townspeople descend on innocent, misunderstood Frankie, a mom knows just what to do.
When everyone knows you are dead
Written by Tore Simonsen
A group of friends gathers to play in a gaming pub when zombies and company assassins try to kill them.
Apple doll
Written by Jesse Patrick Hiltz
A couple finds an old apple doll in the basement of their new house, triggering questions about their new home and relationship.
SEMI FINALISTS
Cut
Written by Sean Kenealy
A friendly conversation between two dads at a cigar shop takes a twisted turn when it’s discovered one of their sons has been bullying the other’s son.
Squeak
Written by Evan Schullery
After being tossed away, the beloved squeaky toy of an abused golden retriever gets infested by a mysterious fungus and seeks revenge.
Squeak
Written by Evan Schullery
After being tossed away, the beloved squeaky toy of an abused golden retriever gets infested by a mysterious fungus and seeks revenge.
Be The Match
Written by James Ferda
A dying man calls out into the void, and the void answers.
Terrorific Night
The night Gabriel and Lance open their antique store, a strange leather bag appears inside their home, and a veiled woman is seen watching in silence. One night, one couple, and something that should never have made it through the door.
Vampira and Timbo
Written by A. L. Jobrail
A lone prepubescent soon-to-be werewolf falls in love with a vampire. His family disapproves, but it’s too late to stop them.
Red Ritual
Written by Leonardo Andres Machado
On Christmas Eve in a crumbling Latin American home, a fractured family reunites for what should be a warm holiday dinner. But as old wounds resurface, a chilling political broadcast ignites a supernatural force tied to a dark national ritual. Red Ritual is a haunting exploration of generational trauma, authoritarianism, and the fragile bonds of family.
Secrets Unkept
Written by Joseph DiFrancesco
A man is tormented by the secrets he keeps, and most of them are not his own.
Solipsism
The Shepard Joshua And His Flock Bible Hour
Written by James Ferda
The final episode of a children’s show.
MSG: Eumbok Restaurant
Written by Ho-seung Son & Ri Yang
Burned out by brutal reviews, banchan shop owner Kim On loses his sense of taste.
Longing for a place free from judgment, he opens a ritual meal delivery service—for the dead.
But on his very first delivery, a wandering spirit curses him: “Tasteless.”
Now cursed, Kim On must survive 365 nights, cooking a new dish each night to appease a different restless spirit—or face the consequences.
Nyarlathotep
Written by Kermet Key
A strange figure stirs up trouble in a small Midwestern town so the police send in an undercover agent to investigate, but will they fall under the madman’s spell?