Deadhead Film Festival 2026,

About the event

The Deadhead Film Festival is West Virginia's premier destination for independent horror cinema. Taking place on October 3, 2026, at the historic Alban Arts Center in Saint Albans, WV, the festival brings together filmmakers, audiences, and industry veterans for a packed, one-day celebration of raw genre filmmaking.

Our event is dedicated strictly to showcasing the very best in independent horror short films, with a special appreciation for the craft of practical special effects and inventive storytelling. The day includes curated screening blocks, structured filmmaker networking events, and an awards ceremony distributing cash prizes—including the $1,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative Short, the Deadhead Women in Film Award, and the local Mothman Award celebrating West Virginia-based productions.

Following the screenings, the energy moves next door to 63 Main Events for an exclusive VIP afterparty, celebrity signing sessions, and a live, moderated Q&A with our legendary 2026 guests, Bill Moseley and Ken Foree. 

Deadhead is more than just a screening; it is a community-driven experience built to prove that world-class, terrifying genre art has a permanent, thriving home in the Mountain State.

Why should you sponsor?

Sponsoring the Deadhead Film Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to align your brand with a hyper-passionate, loyal, and highly engaged subculture of horror fans and independent filmmakers. 

As an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, our core mission is to support, educate, and elevate emerging voices in independent genre cinema, specifically championing filmmakers from West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region, with dedicated spotlight awards for local productions and women in horror. 

This year, your brand will share the spotlight with genuine horror royalty. We are thrilled to host genre icons Bill Moseley (House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects) and Ken Foree (George A. Romero's classic Dawn of the Dead) in person for exclusive live Q&As, signings, and photo-ops. 

By partnering with us, your business gains direct visibility in front of hundreds of active attendees, regional creatives, and a dedicated online demographic of horror fans, all while directly funding grants, free student submission pathways, and educational arts initiatives. Your sponsorship isn't just marketing—it is a tax-deductible investment in regional culture and the future of independent storytelling.

Carah Chafin

I am Carah, the woman behind Deadhead Film Festival. As a SFX artist who got started in haunted houses in my home state of West Virginia, it's important to serve my community and give back, particularly to the independent artists in the area. 
 

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