Merry Scary Christmas - Film Competition
Schedule
Sun, 09 Nov, 2025 at 05:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Side Quest Arcade | Garland, TX
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Merry Scary Christmas – Short Film CompetitionDuration: 4 Weeks | Theme: Christmas Horror
We invite filmmakers to participate in the return of Merry Scary Christmas, a four-week short film competition that challenges creators to blend the festive atmosphere of the holiday season with the unsettling elements of horror cinema.
This competition is open to both emerging and established filmmakers who are interested in exploring how fear, suspense, and the supernatural can coexist with the traditional imagery of Christmas. Whether your vision leans toward psychological horror, dark comedy, folklore, or classic genre tropes, the only requirement is that your story ties directly into the holiday season and fits within the horror genre.
Participants will have four weeks to write, shoot, and edit an original short film. Submissions will be judged on creativity, execution, adherence to theme, and overall impact.
Merry Scary Christmas - 4 Week Film Competition
Kick Off and
Networking Film Mixer:
Each team has a chance to win $2,000 production gear rental prize from 444 Camera/ Electric Light & Power.
Competition KICK OFF & Film Mixer
Sun, 11/09/2025
5pm - 8pm (7pm Announcements start)
What happens here:
Sign Paper Work, Receive Elements,
Rules, and Info from our Host.
Kick Off Location:
SIDE QUEST Arcade
Competition DROP OFF
Sun, 12/07/2025
12pm - Midnight (cut off time)
Email (google drive) completed films and release forms to: [email protected]
PREMIERE SCREENING / AWARDS
Dates & Times:
12/20/2025
7pm - 10pm (doors open at 7pm, screening starts around 8pm)
Location: Texas Theatre
231 Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75208
Screening and Awards show hosted by:
Richard Houghton
Kick Off Summary:
Each team will meet in the evening on Sunday Aug 17th and will receive at least 1 Element that will have to be used in their film as well. The films will be no longer than 5-7 mins. (Depending on the amount of teams signed up time length could change.) Each team will have to make a Christmas horror short film and turn in no later than Sunday Dec 7th before 12am Midnight cut off time.
For more information on rules and guidelines:
www.texashorrorcult.com
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Where is it happening?
Side Quest Arcade, 430 Winecup Way,Garland,TX,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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