Dark Cinema
A short film festival for all things dark, sinister, and supernatural.
Dark Cinema is Utah’s premiere horror film festival for filmmakers with a passion for the dark side of storytelling. For one night only, the darkness descends upon the historic Ritz Theater, inviting audiences to experience an unforgettable evening of chilling short films that stretch the boundaries of fear and imagination.
New for 2025, the festival will feature guest lecturers exploring horror-themed filmmaking topics, a dedicated youth film category, adding to an already immersive experience that includes dark-themed vendors and local food trucks to keep the eerie energy alive between screenings.
With over 300 brave souls attending the 2024 event, Dark Cinema is a must-experience event for both horror enthusiasts and filmmakers eager to share their darkest visions. It’s a night of cinematic dread that offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in fear and the unknown, right here in Utah.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Date: October 11th, 2025
Location: Ritz Theater, Tooele, UT.
Times:
4pm- Youth Film Showcase (Free to public)
5pm- Filmmaker Lectures (Free to public)
7pm- Dark Cinema Official Selections
9pm- Awards Ceremony & Filmmaker Q&A
10pm- Special Feature: High School Ghost Story by East Hollywood High
Tickets: Get tickets here! (Limited Quantity)
Parking: Tooele County Health Department
FILMMAKERS
Welcome, visionary filmmakers, to Dark Cinema! We invite you to showcase your talent in crafting terrifying stories that delve deep into fear and suspense. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this festival offers a platform to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and the supernatural.
Submissions for the 2025 festival will open on 10/31/24, and we encourage you to be part of this chilling celebration of horror. Check out the details on FilmFreeway (link below) and be ready to immerse our audience in nightmares they won’t soon forget. All ages and skill levels are welcome—see rules and submission guidelines on FilmFreeway.
2025 will be also be featuring a special youth category! If you are under 18 years old, submit as normal and please use the code 'YOUTHFILM2025' for a free submission into the youth category.
2024 SELECTED FILMS
(2025 film line up to be updated when selected)
DARK CINEMA 2024
Vendors and Food Trucks
Welcome, talented artisans and food trucks, to Dark Cinema Film Festival! Embrace the opportunity to showcase your uniquely crafted creations amidst the spine-chilling atmosphere of our event. Engage with an audience eager to immerse themselves in the macabre, offering them a chance to take home pieces that reflect the eerie and mysterious spirit of the festival. Whether it's haunted trinkets, eerie artwork, or bewitching crafts, let your products add an extra layer of intrigue to the thrilling experience of our festival. Get ready to enchant festival-goers with your one-of-a-kind creations that capture the essence of the horror genre. Fill out a vendor request to be featured at the festival.