07/07/2026
🎬🩸 The State Theatre Presents: The Dark Room Film Competition
The lights go down. The screen flickers. And somewhere out there, a filmmaker is putting your worst nightmare on screen.
The Dark Room is a horror film competition open to filmmakers of all levels. Make a 7min or shorter horror film, submit it, and you could see your film on the big screen at The State Theatre.
Here's how it works:
👁️ On August 14th at 6pm, we reveal here on Instagram the required elements: A line, a prop, and a required shot type. So follow this page for updates!
From that moment, you have until September 18th, 9pm to write, shoot, and edit your film.
🎟️ The top 16 films screen at The State Theatre on October 3rd. But just like the 48 Hour, the list won't be announced beforehand. You'll have to show up to find out if you made it. Now THAT’S scary!
🎃 And yes, the premiere is a costume party!
R-rated content is permitted. However, we ask that these films have no explicit nudity, no hate speech, and no graphic representation of harm to minors or animals.
You only need to pay the $30 submission fee when you submit your film virtually. So you can start the competition as soon as the info drops! You can also submit your film anytime before the deadline. Earlier submissions will not affect your scoring.
Follow so you don't miss the kick off! 🎥
August 14. September 18. October 3.
Are you brave enough to enter The Dark Room? 🚪🖤
Thank you Kong Vang and Logan Miller for help filming this promo and Jacob True for providing footage from the 48 Hour Finale.
