News Summary
The Jacksonville Horror Film Festival is set to debut at Hick’s Auditorium, themed ‘First Blood.’ Spanning two days, the festival will showcase independent films, panels, and an awards ceremony, fostering collaboration within the local community and enhancing tourism.
Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Horror Film Festival is set to debut on March 13-14, 2026, at the Hick’s Auditorium located in the Downtown Public Library. This inaugural event, themed “First Blood,” aims to spotlight independent filmmakers and attract horror film enthusiasts from around the globe.
The festival will span two days and feature a variety of activities including film screenings, engaging panels, a celebrity judging panel, and an exciting awards ceremony. The festival directors have expressed their goal of creating an immersive experience that transports attendees into a different realm of horror entertainment.
In addition to highlighting cinematic works, the festival will also foster collaboration with local businesses by incorporating local vendors and distillers to enhance the overall atmosphere. The event is expected to provide a unique blend of artistry and community engagement, stimulating local tourism and invigorating downtown businesses.
Festival Activities and Attractions
Over the two-day event, attendees can look forward to an array of screenings showcasing both classic and contemporary horror films. Educational panels will address various aspects of the horror genre, featuring discussions led by experts and industry professionals, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of horror filmmaking and appreciation.
The inclusion of celebrity judges promises to elevate the competitive edge of the festival, as widely recognized figures in the horror industry will evaluate submissions and offer insights to aspiring filmmakers. An awards ceremony will conclude the festival, celebrating exceptional films and performers in various categories.
Submissions and Ticket Information
Impact on Local Community
The festival aims not only to entertain but to serve as a catalyst for local tourism in Jacksonville. By establishing the city as a destination for horror film aficionados, the event seeks to attract visitors who may contribute to the local economy through lodging, dining, and entertainment while in town for the festival.
Directors DJ Remark and Samantha Spaniak are enthusiastic about the potential impact of the festival on the community. They envision it as a way to energize downtown Jacksonville and create a recurring event that horror fans will look forward to attending each year.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Horror Film Festival promises to be a landmark event for both the city and the horror film community. By providing a platform for independent filmmaking and celebrating the genre as a whole, it is poised to create lasting connections between filmmakers and fans. As the festival approaches, the excitement is building for what is anticipated to be a memorable and impactful occasion in Jacksonville’s cultural calendar.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Jacksonville Horror Film Festival Makes Its Debut
- Wikipedia: Horror Film
- Action News Jax: Florida Sheriffs Cease Enforcement of Open Carry Ban
- Google Search: Horror Film Festivals
- Authentic Florida: Film Festivals in Florida Celebrate Indie Movies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independent Film
- My Journal Courier: Horror Film Premiere
- Google News: Jacksonville Horror Film Festival
- First Coast News: Fall Fun in Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
