Screamfest Horror Film Festival stands as a cornerstone of the horror genre, boasting the largest and longest running festival of its kind in the United States. It has launched the careers of numerous filmmakers by discovering and premiering groundbreaking films such as Paranormal Activity in 2007. With high praise from some of the most respected horror publications, it has earned the well-deserved moniker of the "Sundance of Horror."

The festival’s upcoming 2024 event will be held at the prestigious TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on the third floor of the Ovation Hollywood (Formally Hollywood & Highland), located in the heart of vibrant Hollywood, California.

Screamfest is dedicated to premiering the newest and most innovative works from American and international independent horror filmmakers. The festival has a proud history of helping filmmakers gain distribution and representation, thus providing them with the opportunity to launch their careers in the industry.

The festival accepts film entries in a variety of categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Special Effects, Best Special Effects, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best SPFX Makeup, Best Editing and Best Musical Score. Additionally, Screamfest has special categories dedicated to recognizing the Best Short and Best Student Short.  Additionally, If enough animated horror short films or horror short comedies are selected for the festival, additional awards will be offered.

Founded in August 2001 by film producers Rachel Belofsky and Ross Martin, Screamfest was created as a platform for horror and sci-fi filmmakers and writers to showcase their work to industry professionals. Since its inception, the majority of films showcased at the festival have gone on to secure distribution, a testament to Screamfest's impact on the genre.