Cinema Scares Film Fest

07/21/2026

Excited to announce the full 2026 line-up!

07/11/2026

Selections for the 2026 festival have been made. Filmmaker notifications will be going out on the 15th. We will be making announcements soon there after. See you in September!

06/23/2026

We've partnered with The Strand Theatre for the 2026 season of Friday Night Frights! Goin' old school ghoul!!!

The Strand is partnering with Cinema Scares Film Fest is bring you it's 2026 Friday Night Frights line-up. We are going back, digging into the beginnings of horror cinema. Over five months, we will present to you the origins of horror sub-genres.
- Friday, July 10: Night of the Living Dead (1968) - George Romero set the standard for zombie movies. Night of the Living Dead was groundbreaking for not only it contribution to the horror genre, but also it's social commentary.
- Friday, August 7: Little Shop of Horrors (1960) - An early example of horror comedy, the original Little Shop of Horrors became the inspiration of the musical and stage play. Featuring an early appearance of Jack Nicholson.
- Friday, September 4: House on Haunted Hill (1959) - House on Haunted Hill cemented Vincent Price as the voice of horror for several decades. Cassandra Peterson (a.k.a. Elvira, Mistress of the Dark) has stated that this is her favorite horror film.
- Friday, October 23: Nosferatu (1922) - This early silent film cast the dye for vampire films. The score for this presentation will be played live on our stage by Chris Gross (former organist at the Paramount Music Palace). Chris has also played keyboard for John Mellencamp.
- Friday, November 13: Silent Night Bloody Night (1972) - An early Christmas present from Cinema Scares on the last Friday the 13th of 2026! Silent Night Bloody Night, starring the iconic John Carradine, is one of the first Christmas horror films.

All screenings begin at 7PM. Tickets are $7 at the door.

06/20/2026

At Sam Stock along with Hoosier Horror.

03/27/2026

Coming very soon...a resource for fans of the creepy, spooky, and macabre in Indiana. Artists, bands, filmmakers, celebs, tattoo shops, events, creepy locations, haunted attractions, paranormal, cryptids, true crime, and more. Follow Hoosier Horror for more info!

03/11/2026

Supporting Indiana Horror Filmmakers. We are stoked to present the theatrical premiere of "Georgie"s Return", from Samuel Schmucker.

03/05/2026

Filmmakers ... submit your film to Cinema Scares!

Cinema Scares (formerly Sinister Nights (SIN) Film Festival) serves to showcase the best of indie horror from around the world...and, to connect filmmakers w...

03/05/2026

We are kicking off 2026 with a screening of "Georgie's Return" from local filmmaker, Samuel Schmucker. See you at the Strand and support indie horror!!!

From Samuel Schmucker the theatrical premiere of "Georgie's Return", a fan film based on the Stephen King story "It". The screening will begin at 7pm, Wednesday, March 11. Doors will open at 6pm for a meet and greet. This will be a free screening presented by Cinema Scares Film Fest.