OCTOBER 2025
Epic Theatres at Lee Vista
Orlando, FL

FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival Announces Finalists for Short Screenplay Competition

FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition

Orlando, Florida – The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival is thrilled to announce the finalists of the highly anticipated Short Screenplay Competition. This prestigious competition, designed to unearth the most chilling, spine-tingling, and blood-curdling stories, has attracted an incredible array of talent from across the globe.

The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition challenged writers to craft original, never-before-produced short screenplays with a maximum length of 30 pages. From the moment the competition opened its doors, it became clear that the horror genre’s creative spirit was thriving.

After rigorous evaluation and deliberation, our panel of industry experts has selected the following screenplays as finalists for the 2023 competition:

  1. “The Warden” by Korea Black & Gianna Rose
  2. “The Cuckooo” by Donovan Swart
  3. “I Can’t With This” by Brian W Smith
  4. “Dark Ride” by Brian W. Smith
  5. “Quandering Questions” by Tom von Dohlen
  6. “Right Hand Man” by Christine N Rifkin
  7. “The Avon Lady” by Guillermo Ortiz & Geena Karsama
  8. “Gargoyle” by Kyle W Bailey
  9. “All the Rage” by Maryellen DeVivo
  10. “Unspeakable” by Jon Hughes
  11. “Oh, My Dear” by Billy Rex McAfee
  12. “The Funeral Director’s Assistant” by Sean Elwood
  13. “Stray” by Jason G Rice

These exceptional screenplays stood out among a sea of submissions for their originality, creativity, and the sheer terror they promise to deliver to audiences.

The winner of the FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival Short Screenplay Competition will be revealed during the festival’s grand finale on Sunday, October 15, 2023. The triumphant screenwriter will receive the festival’s coveted ‘FREAKY AWARD‘ for BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY.

“We are truly blown away by the quality of the submissions we received for this year’s Short Screenplay Competition,” said Robert Massetti, the festival’s founder and director. “The finalists have demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the horror genre, and we can’t wait to see their work come to life on screen. The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival continues to celebrate and champion the dark, the macabre, and the terrifying, and this competition is a testament to the enduring power of horror storytelling.”

The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival, renowned for its commitment to showcasing the best in horror cinema, has become a must-attend event for horror enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals. The festival’s 2023 edition promises an unforgettable experience, with a lineup of spine-chilling films, special events, and the eagerly awaited announcement of the Short Screenplay Competition winner.

For festival information, including tickets and a complete schedule of events, visit FREAKSHOWFILMEFEST.COM

About FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival: The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival is an annual celebration of all things horror and genre cinema. With a rich history of showcasing the best in horror filmmaking, the festival provides a platform for emerging and established talent in the industry. Each year, FREAK SHOW brings together filmmakers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals to celebrate the dark, the strange, and the terrifying.

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