Gator’s Gore Film Festival
Tampa’s first official horror film festival, strategically located in the vibrant neighborhood of Tampa Heights, is designed to celebrate the chilling and exhilarating works of independent filmmakers. This festival, known as Gator’s Gore Horror Film Festival, seeks to honor the creativity and passion that goes into producing films that elicit fear and suspense in a live audience.
The 2026 Festival Lineup goes live on September 21st.
Best of the Bay Nomination
Gator’s Gore Horror Film Festival was nominated for best Film Festival in Tampa. Vote for us daily until August 30th at the link below!
2025 Winners
We're building a permanent cinema-quality screening experience at Wave&See Creative Sanctuary. With a dedicated projection and sound system, Gator's Gore will be able to present independent horror films with the image and sound they deserve while expanding year-round community screenings, filmmaker events, and special programming. If you'd like to help make this vision a reality, we'd love your support, and in return, your name will appear as a sponsor for the unveiling of our new equipment.
Donations of $250 are a Tax-deductible contribution and you can email to receive a receipt.
The Gator's Gore Screening Room
THE PICTURE
EPSON 3800 PROJECTORThe heart of every screening. A professional projector ensures every filmmaker's work is presented with rich color, deep contrast, and the clarity it deserves on the big screen.
$1,800 Still Needed
THE SCREEN
Elite Screens Projection ScreenA high-quality screen transforms projected light into a bright, crisp image, allowing audiences to experience every frame exactly as it was intended to be seen with a 16:10 Aspect Ratio for large format viewing.
$510 Still Needed
THE SOUND
Professional PA Speaker SystemGreat films deserve great sound. A dedicated speaker system delivers clear dialogue, atmospheric sound design, and powerful scores that fully immerse audiences in every screening.
$1,400 Still Needed
Screening Location
Wave&See Creative Sanctuary
This 110-year-old building, located in the heart of Tampa Heights, is filled with whispers of flickering lights, mysteriously unlocked doors, and a chilling sense of being watched that drifts through its halls. Revitalized by Wave&See’s vibrant creative spirit, the building now buzzes with new life while honoring the ghosts of its past. Join us where the haunted meets the heartfelt, and where Tampa’s most bizarre horror stories find a new screen to scream on.
2740 N Florida Ave, 33602
Our Supporters
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Horror Short Early Deadline:
January 31st, 2026
Standard: $20
Student: $15
Horror Short Regular Deadline:
May 31st, 2026
Standard: $25
Student: $20
Horror Short Late Deadline:
August 31st, 2026
Standard: $30
Student: $25
Horror Short Extended Deadline:
September 20th, 2026
Standard: $35
Student: $30
Horror Feature Early Deadline:
January 31st, 2026
Standard: $40
Student: $30
Horror Feature Regular Deadline:
May 31st, 2026
Standard: $50
Student: $40
Horror Feature Late Deadline:
August 31st, 2026
Standard: $60
Student: $50
Horror Feature Extended Deadline:
September 20th, 2026
Standard: $65
Student: $55
Florida Horror Short Early Deadline:
January 31sr, 2026
Standard: $15
Student: $10
Florida Horror Short Regular Deadline:
May 31st, 2026
Standard: $20
Student: $15
Florida Horror Short Late Deadline:
August 31st, 2026
Standard: $25
Student: $20
Florida Horror Short Extended Deadline:
September 20th, 2026
Standard: $30
Student: $25
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Gator's Gore welcomes all types of Horror Short Films, including but not limited to: Body Horror, Thrillers, Experimental works, Dark Comedy, Slasher films, Horror Related Documentaries, Paranormal stories, Science Fiction, Found Footage, True Crime, Haunting Stories, Florida based Horror, Folk Horror, and Gothic Horror. If your film has the power to evoke discomfort or pure fear in the audience, submit it!
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Yes! Gator’s Gore Film Festival will screen films on October 23rd, 2026 at Wave&See Creative Sanctuary in Tampa, Florida.
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Gator’s Gore accepts any films whether they are violent, display nudity, or any touchy elements. If a film should be restricted due to content that does not resonate with the screener, or audience, is subject to approval by the screening committee.
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All submissions are non-refundable and occur on FilmFreeway. Waiver codes are not granted, but student rates are offered upon documentation of a student ID.
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The festival schedule and official selections lineup will go live on September 21st, 2026!
