SCREAMS BY THE SEA - INDUSTRY HUB

SCREAMS BY THE SEA - INDUSTRY HUB

After the tremendous success of its two previous editions, Screams By The Sea, Dorset’s premier independent horror and genre film festival, is back this March 13-14th, 2026. And this year we have a brand new location dedicated for all industry related events - PATCH, Bournemouth.

With a strong focus on fostering connections and advancing careers, this is a must-attend event for filmmakers, industry professionals, and creatives eager to dive into the world of indie film.

Why Industry Professionals Can’t Miss This Event?

The festival brings together a curated selection of cutting-edge indie horror cinema, showcasing titles from over 10 countries. But it’s not just about the films. The Industry Hub is packed with invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration. This year, we're offering several high-impact talks and live sessions tailored to industry professionals. Here are some of the hightlights:

• How to make your first feature film (and keep making them) – A deep dive talk by Dark Rift Films. Producers and directors of movies like "Book of Monster", "The Creature Below", and the previous Screams By The Sea award winner - "HOW TO KILL MONSTERS" will talk about how they broke out of shorts and into feature filmmaking, raising budgets, getting distribution and starting their own Blu-ray label - all while working around their 9 - 5 day job.
• Live screenplay pitches – Have you wondered how writers pitch a script? What questions do proeducers ask? Come and join the four shortlisted writers in out screenwriting competition as they pitch their films to a panel of industry professionals. Hosted by "From Script to Scream" podcast
• A re-run screen – Are you festival pass holder that doesn't want to miss out on the films but also wants to hear the talks? This year we have a re-run screen in our industry hub that will re-play the films from the main program an hour behind.

Festival Director Radi Nikolov says, “This year, we’ve curated an exciting program with some of the freshest voices in horror. For industry professionals, this is an unmissable opportunity to witness the next generation of filmmaking talent while engaging in critical conversations about the future of indie cinema.”

Ticketing:

Industry hub access: £10 + booking fees (doesn't include re-run screen)

Full festival pass: £34 (sold through our website)

Disclaimer!

The film hub is open for all ages.

To attend the main event of the festival or watch any of the films, attendees must be 18+.