Stained Glass and Blood Bath productions presents the annual Happenstance Horror Fest! Searching for the most beautiful of the bloody all around the world.

This year we are excited to announce that we are taking over historic Salem, Massachusetts! Thats right! Witch City!

genre films will be accepted ALL FORMS OF HORROR ARE WELCOME. we want to see what you got! We shine the light on underground filmmakers regardless of budget. Story and passion carry more than a price tag around these parts

Awards & Prizes

PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES!

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS in ever changing categories each year!
All films will be judged by an unbiased motley crew of local horror enthusiasts including award winning authors, bloggers, and filmmakers

Rules & Terms

all films must be in English or subtitled
The weirder the better.
HORROR IS AN OPEN ENDED LETTER TO WHAT LIVES IN YOUR NIGHTMARES. THERE ARE NO RULES.
all entries must be complete.
Is the world still on fire?
ALL FILMS CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF BUDGET
Selected films will be featured at the Happenstance Horror Fest as well as other screenings and conventions throughout the year with the filmmakers permission.

64 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Domiziano Cristopharo

    a great fest that is a necessary reference to underground world of filmmakers and not only!

    January 2026
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  • Cole Williams

    Thanks! Good little festival !!

    January 2026
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  • Joe Taft

    Happenstance Horror Fest 2025 was one of the best festival experiences we've had during our run for "Hey, Missy!". We are honored to have walked away with the "Best Film" award. George is `such a gracious host who went above and beyond to make sure that our film was presented in the best way possible. The venue, Cinema Salem, was intimate yet bigger than expected. The energy in the room was palpable, as easily close to 100 people gathered to watch hours of movies. Happenstance served as a reminder that indie horror is alive and well, especially in New England.

    December 2025
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  • Darren McInnes

    It was great to have The Bait Man selected for the festival. Good communication and well organized. Thanks guys!

    November 2025
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  • Edie Adair

    We couldn’t have been more delighted to have been an official selection of the festival! I was unable to attend in person, but the excitement of having our micro film screen alongside so many talented filmmakers was inspiring. Overall, a marvelous festival and experience!

    November 2025
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