Popcorn Frights Film Festival Celebrates Horror with Record-Setting Attendance and Award Winners

Popcorn Frights Film Festival Concludes Its Ninth Year with a Resounding Success

The Popcorn Frights Film Festival has successfully wrapped up its ninth edition, marking a monumental year with record-breaking attendance. With more than 10,000 viewers attending both in-person and virtual experiences across all 50 U.S. states, the festival has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for horror fans and filmmakers.

The festival's eclectic lineup included 119 films, with 51 features and 68 shorts hailing from 20 different countries, spanning 8 distinct categories. Brandon Christensen's "THE PUPPETMAN" won the prestigious Jury Prize for Best Feature Film, while Erynn Dalton's made-in-Florida LGBTQ glam horror musical "BIG EASY QUEENS" won the Audience Award. Notably, this marks the third consecutive year that the Audience Award for Best Feature Film has been won by a woman.

Among other award winners were Jason Miller's "GHOSTS OF THE VOID" for the Scariest Feature Film Prize, Devanny Pinn's "THE BLACK MASS" for the New Nightmare Prize, and Michael Gabriele's "GET AWAY" for Best Short Film. The festival's spotlight on Florida horror was its largest program to date, featuring world premieres and classics alike, such as "SANTASTEIN" and "JAWS 3D."

Record-Setting Festival Makes Waves in the Horror Community

With 10,000 attendees and viewers spanning the nation, Popcorn Frights demonstrated the unbreakable connection between horror enthusiasts and filmmakers. The festival's hybrid format allowed for both in-person and virtual engagement, creating a unique and accessible experience.

Special awards such as the New Nightmare Prize celebrate emerging talent in the horror genre. This year's recipient, Devanny Pinn, shared her gratitude, expressing that the award inspires her to "continue to create more art in our genre." The festival's focus on Florida horror also ensured local talent was spotlighted, reinforcing its commitment to the local film community.

A New Chapter for Popcorn Frights

The ninth edition of Popcorn Frights was filled with memorable experiences, from world premieres to beach parties and industry sessions. Not only did it create a space for fans to engage with the genre they love, but it also offered a platform for new and established filmmakers to connect and grow.

With submissions for the 2024 Popcorn Frights Film Festival now open, the event promises to continue its legacy of celebrating horror's captivating storytelling power. The full list of the festival's award winners and other details can be found at www.popcornfrights.com.