SCREENING INFO
All day Saturday, October 17th, 2026. What better than attending a horror film festival during Halloween time!
WHERE
The event is conveniently located within Lakeside Village which offers 4 hotels, multiple food options, and plenty of shopping. While here, take advantage of discounted tickets to premiere haunted attractions in the area. SAVE THE DATE!
NETWORKING EVENT
Glory Days, Lakeland
3790 Lakeside Village Ct, Lakeland, FL 33803
When: Saturday, October 17th
Time: 9:30pm-11:00pm
About Glory Days - Lakeland
Glory Days Grill Lakeland is the perfect gathering spot with a fun atmosphere and fresh, made-in-house food for everyone – from different jumbo chicken wing styles with endless flavorful sauces to hand-crafted burgers, fan-favorite entrees like our Fabulous Fish Fry, and limited-time seasonal offerings. All at a value that’ll leave you feeling victorious.
SELECTED FILMS & SCREENINGS
Come Experience the Chills and Thrills!
Join us for an unforgettable day of horror as we screen a hand-picked lineup of spine-tingling films from talented indie filmmakers around the globe. From psychological suspense to supernatural scares, there’s something to haunt every horror fan.
SELECTED FILMS:
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5 Days Till Christmas by Caden Hicks
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Andrew Neighill's Death Wheel by Andrew Naighill
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Cross to Bear by Lewis Leslie
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Dance! by Poorya Dehghan
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Doll of Deceit by Amanda Jayne Jensen, Rex Seaton, Josh Warmenhoven, and Jimmy Blanco
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Don't Break the Circle by Kaan Akyol
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Echoes of Antietam by Christopher Vallone
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Get Away by Chase Sansing
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Incubation by Joshua Land and Victor Fink
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The basement by Thomas Lerman
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The Gift by Jordan Jackson
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The Return by Matty J Murillo and Justin Rios
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They're Here by Rick Danford
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View From The Edge by Michael Lippert
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Where the Light Stays by Stephanie Kirves
PAST EVENT PHOTOS
LHFF 2025
AWARD WINNERS
Best Lead Actress
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Babydoll - Emma Silverstein
Best Lead Actor
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Kreaster - Sal Rendino
Best Set Design
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Refuse
Best Picture
-
Refuse
Best Director
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Refuse - Kenneth Chang & David Chan Lee
Best MUA/SFX
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Refuse
Fear Factor Award:
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The Dead of Night
Dark Humor Award
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Killer Magic
Best Scream Worthy Moment
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The Turning
Best Villainous Performance
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Kreaster
The Jump Scare Crown
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Refuse
The Twisted Tale Award
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Anathema
The Unseen Terror Award
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Refuse
The Fear Innovator Award
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Visiting
Best Music
-
Refuse
People's Choice Award
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Refuse
About LHFF
Welcome to the new, highly anticipated 1st Annual Lakeland Horror Film Festival which will showcase the best horror indie films worldwide!
Central Florida is known for its love of horror films so we are very excited to bring this unique experience to Lakeland, Florida.
We have partnered with iBoss Entertainment for this event, which will enhance the indie filmmaker experience, by offering distribution opportunities to our winners. A red carpet experience will be available along with professional photographers and red carpet interviews prior to and following the awards ceremony.
Meet The LHFF Team
Danielle DeAngelo
LHFF Founder & Director
Louis Joseph
LHFF Board Member
Jose A. Roldan Jr.
LHFF Board Member
Keith Driver
LHFF Board Member
Angel Rosado
LHFF Board Member
Christopher Forrest
LHFF Board Member
"The Oscares"
Step into the dark glamour of The Oscares, the ultimate award celebration where horror meets high honor!
Join us for a night steeped in suspense and dark elegance as we honor the best and boldest in horror cinema. Experience the electrifying atmosphere, surprise winners, and unforgettable moments that will send chills down your spine. Who will emerge as the master of horror? Only the brave will find out. Are you ready to witness horror’s most prestigious night?
"Awards & Prizes"
Short Film & Feature Film Awards
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Set Design
Best MUA/SFX
Best Music
Best Actor
Best Actress
The Fear Factor Award: Given to the films that delivers the most intense and sustained scares, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
Dark Humor Award: Honoring the films that brilliantly combines horror with comedy, delivering both chills and laughs in equal measure.
Best Screamworthy Moment: Awarded to the films with a single scene that causes the most genuine and memorable screams from the audience.
Best Villainous Performance: Celebrating the actors who delivers the most chilling and unforgettable portrayal of a villain or monster.
The Jump Scare Crown: Recognizing the films with the most well-executed and memorable jump scare that catches the audience off guard.
The Twisted Tale Award: Given to the films with the most unexpected and twisted narrative that leaves viewers reeling.
The Unseen Terror Award: Celebrating the films that masterfully uses the power of suggestion, where what’s unseen is more terrifying than what’s shown.
The Fear Innovator Award: Given to the films that introduces new and innovative ways to scare audiences, breaking the mold of traditional horror.
The People's Choice Award: Given to the films that capture the hearts of the audience. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to rate each film during the festival.
Additional Prizes
Winning at The Oscares comes with more than just prestige—it opens doors to unparalleled opportunities. Award winners will be offered a distribution with iBoss Entertainment, providing the chance to showcase their work on iBossTV a platform dedicated to celebrating independent creative content and championing filmmakers and creators from around the globe who have unique stories to tell and growing distribution network.
Meet Our Judges
Jonathan Stoddard
Actor | Producer
LHFF Judge
Creek Wilson
Actor
LHFF Judge
Melissa Coles
Actress | Casting Director | Producer
LHFF Judge
EMCEE
Title Sponsor
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SIR HENRY'S HAUNTED TRAIL
Sir Henry's Haunted Trail is an outdoor haunted attraction located in Plant City in the heart of Central Florida between Tampa and Orlando. Founded in 2014, the 501(c)3 operates as a Halloween haunt, as well as holding haunted mazes for fans to visit during the Christmas and Valentine's Day seasons. The I4 Fear Park has celebrated a storied past, with many prior seasons covering many different stories, as well as having a book series based on our characters.
Sponsors
Glory Days - Lakeland, FL
Glory Days Grill Lakeland is the perfect gathering spot with a fun atmosphere and fresh, made-in-house food for everyone – from different jumbo chicken wing styles with endless flavorful sauces to hand-crafted burgers, fan-favorite entrees like our Fabulous Fish Fry, and limited-time seasonal offerings. All at a value that’ll leave you feeling victorious.
Lakeland Gazette
Cloud Nine Entertainment Inc. and its online newspapers are a community-focused lifestyle brand and new online media product, delivering content to over 8 million people worldwide through email publications, website content, and social media platforms. We provide communities in SW Florida, Lakeland, Florida, and the Tri-City Area in Tennessee with everything they need to know to start their day.
AAMCO - Lakeland
If an AAMCO Transmission Diagnostic determines your need to rebuild a transmission, you'll experience the difference that an AAMCO expert technician can mean because your transmission service is backed by the strongest nationwide warranty in the business - up to the life of your car depending on your needs.
1301 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 683-7511
AAMCO - Zephyrhills
If an AAMCO Transmission Diagnostic determines your need to rebuild a transmission, you'll experience the difference that an AAMCO expert technician can mean because your transmission service is backed by the strongest nationwide warranty in the business - up to the life of your car depending on your needs.
6250 Gall Boulevard, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
(813) 715-4986
Holiday Inn Express - Plant City
Situated just outside of Tampa, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Plant City hotel's accommodations offer an idyllic getaway apart from the city yet convenient to its many attractions. Surrounded by verdant tropical foliage, this hotel's property in Plant City, Florida sets a relaxing tone for vacations and business trips alike.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
For 27 years, our bakeries have been more than just a place to get dessert—we’re where you turn when you want to give a little more, so others can feel a little more. Where traditions are baked and joy is always on the menu.
Munchies on Marcum
A gathering of local food truck and vendors located on Marcum rd in North Lakeland, open to the public 7 days a week.
PRINT GIANTS
At Print Giants, we deliver creative marketing solutions, and help your brand and business grow.
For HONOR and GLORY
At Print Giants, we deliver creative marketing solutions, and help your brand and business grow.
5720 Gall Blvd Suite 2,
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813-355-031
Sky Light Roofing Inc
Our mission is simple: to provide top-tier roofing services that exceed expectations. We focus on delivering personalized solutions, understanding each client's unique needs and preferences.
Miss Paule's STUDIO
If you are searching for the individual look that is creatively personalized, we are your source! From single unit to large group production, we have the talent and resources to provide you with unique designs and quality products.
Holiday Inn Express - Plant City
Situated just outside of Tampa, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Plant City hotel's accommodations offer an idyllic getaway apart from the city yet convenient to its many attractions. Surrounded by verdant tropical foliage, this hotel's property in Plant City, Florida sets a relaxing tone for vacations and business trips alike.
Holiday Inn Express - Plant City
Situated just outside of Tampa, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Plant City hotel's accommodations offer an idyllic getaway apart from the city yet convenient to its many attractions. Surrounded by verdant tropical foliage, this hotel's property in Plant City, Florida sets a relaxing tone for vacations and business trips alike.
Crafts & More Show
Sponsorship Packages
All silver and gold sponsors receive a special code to use for additional Sir Henry's tickets at a discounted price
To become a Sponsor email admin@lakelandhorrorfilmfestival.com
Film Submission Info
Filmmakers, this is your moment! Submit your film to The Lakeland Horror Film Festival and share your unique vision with an audience that craves the extraordinary. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your work and be part of an unforgettable celebration of creativity and storytelling
SUBMISSION CATEGORIES
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Domestic Short Films
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Domestic Feature Films
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International Short Films
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International Feature Films
SCREENING INFO - All day Saturday, October 17th, 2026. What better than attending a horror film festival during Halloween time!
WHERE: The event is conveniently located within Lakeside Village which offers 4 hotels, multiple food options, and plenty of shopping. While here, take advantage of discounted tickets to premiere haunted attractions in the area. SAVE THE DATE!
TICKET/PASSES & SCHEDULES INFO
Join our Facebook group and become part of The Lakeland Horror Film Festival community! Connect with fellow horror enthusiasts, share your thoughts, and stay updated on all the latest festival news and events