Prepare to be thrilled and chilled at the Annual

Lakeland Horror Film Festival

Saturday, October 17th, 2026

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Screening Info

All day Saturday, October 17th, 2026. What better than attending a horror film festival during Halloween time!

Where

Conveniently located within Lakeside Village offering 4 hotels, multiple food options, and shopping. Take advantage of discounted tickets to premiere haunted attractions in the area!

Networking Event

Glory Days, Lakeland

3790 Lakeside Village Ct, Lakeland, FL 33803

When: Saturday, October 17th · 9:30pm - 11:00pm

Gathering spot with made-in-house food, jumbo wings, hand-crafted burgers, and fan-favorite entrees.

Official Selections

Selected Films & Screenings

Come Experience the Chills and Thrills! A hand-picked lineup of spine-tingling films from talented indie filmmakers around the globe.

5 Days Till Christmas

by Caden Hicks

Andrew Neighill's Death Wheel

by Andrew Naighill

Cross to Bear

by Lewis Leslie

Dance!

by Poorya Dehghan

Doll of Deceit

by Amanda Jayne Jensen, Rex Seaton, Josh Warmenhoven, and Jimmy Blanco

Don't Break the Circle

by Kaan Akyol

Echoes of Antietam

by Christopher Vallone

Get Away

by Chase Sansing

Incubation

by Joshua Land and Victor Fink

The basement

by Thomas Lerman

The Gift

by Jordan Jackson

The Return

by Matty J Murillo and Justin Rios

They're Here

by Rick Danford

View From The Edge

by Michael Lippert

Where the Light Stays

by Stephanie Kirves

Past Event Photos

Highlights & Memories From Previous Festivals

LHFF 2026 Award Winners

Best Picture

Incubation

Best Director

Incubation

Best Set Design

Dance!

Best MUA/SFX

They're Here

Best Music

They're HEre

Best Actor

Incubation - Patrick Higgins

Best Actress

Incubation - Tanya Davis

Fear Factor Award

Incubation

Dark Humor Award

5 Days Till Christmas

Best Scream Worthy Moment

The Gift

Best Villainous Performance

Incubation

The Jump Scare Crown

They're Here

The Twisted Tale Award

Dance!

The Unseen Terror Award

They're Here

The Fear Innovator Award

Where the Light Stays

People's Choice

Get Away

LHFF 2025 Award Winners

Best Lead Actress

Babydoll - Emma Silverstein

Best Lead Actor

Kreaster - Sal Rendino

Best Set Design

Refuse

Best Picture

Refuse

Best Director

Refuse - Kenneth Chang & David Chan Lee

Best MUA/SFX

Refuse

Fear Factor Award

The Dead of Night

Dark Humor Award

Killer Magic

Best Scream Worthy Moment

The Turning

Best Villainous Performance

Kreaster

The Jump Scare Crown

Refuse

The Twisted Tale Award

Anathema

The Unseen Terror Award

Refuse

The Fear Innovator Award

Visiting

Best Music

Refuse

People's Choice Award

Refuse

About LHFF

Welcome to the Annual Lakeland Horror Film Festival which showcases 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 is available along with professional photographers and red carpet interviews prior to and following the awards ceremony.

Meet The LHFF Team

The Board & Founders Behind LHFF

Danielle DeAngelo

LHFF Founder & Director

Louis Joseph

LHFF Co-Director / Producer

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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 grave will find out. Prepare yourself to witness horror's most prestigious night!

“Awards & Prizes”

Short & Feature Awards

Best Picture · Best Director · Best Screenplay · Best Set Design · Best MUA/SFX · Best Music · Best Actor · Best Actress

The Fear Factor Award

Given to the film that delivers the most intense and sustained scares.

Dark Humor Award

Honoring films that brilliantly combine horror with comedy.

Best Scream-Worthy Moment

Awarded to the scene causing the most genuine screams.

The Jump Scare Crown

Most well-executed jump scare catching audiences off guard.

The People's Choice

Voted by festival attendees across all screenings.

Additional Prizes & Distribution

Winning at The Oscares carries with it more than prestige – award winners will be offered a distribution deal with iBoss Entertainment, providing the chance to showcase their work on iBossTV platforms.

Meet Our Judges

Jonathan Stoddard

Actor / Producer

LHFF Judge

Profile

Creek Wilson

Actor

LHFF Judge

Profile

Melissa Coles

Actress / Casting Director / Producer

LHFF Judge

Profile

Festival Emcee

Nicole Butler Vegas

Actress / Producer

2026 FESTIVAL EMCEE

IMDb Profile

Title Sponsor

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. Operating as a premier Halloween haunt with mazes, escape games, laser tag, live music, and spooky character encounters.

Sponsors

Supporting Independent Horror Cinema

Fattmoley Creatives

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Indie Horror Junkie

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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.

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Lakeland Gazette

Proud media sponsor for LHFF! Our daily online newspaper is a community-focused hub for local news and new online media product, delivering content to keep you updated on all things Lakeland and Polk County. With public service, content, and social media platforms, we provide communities in SW Florida, Central Florida, and beyond with access to news and information about local events, politics, education, business, faith, and entertainment.

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AAMCO - Lakeland

At AAMCO Lakeland (1301 W Memorial Blvd), you'll experience the difference that an AAMCO expert technician can mean in keep your automotive systems 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

📞 863-688-7573

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AAMCO - Zephyrhills

At AAMCO Zephyrhills (4940 Gall Blvd), you'll experience the difference that an AAMCO expert technician can mean in keep your automotive systems backed by the strongest nationwide warranty in the business – up to the life of your car depending on your needs.

📍 4940 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills, FL 33542

📞 813-788-4663

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Holiday Inn Express - Plant City

Situated just outside of Tampa, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Plant City hotel's accommodations offer an ideal location for leisure and business travelers close to many attractions. Surrounded by verdant tropical foliage, a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and a relaxing haven for vacations and business trips alike.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes

For 25 years, our bakeries have been more than just a place to get dessert – we're where you turn when you need an everyday celebration or milestone occasion to be even more memorable. Where traditions are baked and joy is always on the menu.

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Munchies on Marcum

A gathering of local food trucks and vendors located on Marcum Rd in North Lakeland, open to the public 7 days a week!

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The 4GQTV Show

Crazy hot topics! Media Interviews!

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PRINT GIANTS

All Print Solutions. Apparel Decorating Solutions, and help your brand and business grow.

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For HONOR and GLORY Board Game Shop

A gathering of local food trucks and vendors located on Marcum Rd in North Lakeland, open to the public 7 days a week!

📍 5120 Gall Blvd Ste B, Zephyrhills, FL 33542

📞 813-355-3211

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Sky Light Roofing Inc

Sky Light Roofing is a company that provides roofing services that exceed expectations. We focus on delivering personalized solutions, understanding each client's unique needs and preferences.

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Miss Paule's Studio

For 37 years, our customer service have been more than just a place to get customized personalized, we're proud partners with United to help grow production, we have the talent and skills that help customers to create with unique designs and quality products.

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