Never After Dark and The Frighteners Lead HorrorFest 2026 Program

HorrorFest International Film Festival has unveiled its 2026 program, with Raymond Creamer’s Goody Goody set to open the event and the Japanese horror film Never After Dark scheduled as its closing selection on September 19. The festival runs September 16–19 in St. George, Utah. According to FANGORIA, the feature-film lineup also includes Lily’s Ritual and Debone. The schedule will feature short films including The Sentry, Open Mic, and What We Leave Behind. The festival will additionally mark the 30th anniversary of Michael Dougherty’s short film Seasons Greetings and Peter Jackson’s The Frighteners with special screenings. A throwback presentation of Poltergeist is also planned, along with an undisclosed 1980s film that will not be revealed until its screening begins. HorrorFest’s broader program includes a conversation with screenwriter Chris Thomas Devlin, a panel with the creative team behind Universal Horror Unleashed, a horror trivia competition, and special after-parties. The festival’s lineup is expected to represent filmmakers from several countries as well as creators from Utah. “We couldn’t be any more thrilled about this year’s lineup,” HorrorFest’s Adam Mast said, pointing to the range of horror styles and international representation in the program. HorrorFest’s John Pugh similarly described the slate as a mix of films from around the world, Utah-based storytellers, and emerging voices. All-access badges are currently available through the festival’s website. Day passes and individual film tickets are scheduled to go on sale next month.