If you're reading this, you're interested in making a short film for the ZJU Short 'N Sour Film Fest! Last year we screened 35 brand-new films at two packed screenings at Zombie Joe's. This year's festival will occur on Monday and Tuesday, September 7th and 8th, 2026, from 8 pm at ZJU (new primetime slot)! Please read the rules below, then scroll down and submit your information to join this creative challenge. Coordinator Dan will send periodic updates and info as the festival approaches.
Participants will create a short film, no more than 3 minutes in length, including credits. Anything even one second longer will not be accepted or screened!
The film must be a horror film. The meaning of the word “horror” is left up to the filmmaker!
Films must not be publicly posted or screened anywhere prior to the festival - this is the premiere! You own your film, and you are free to do with it what you like after the premiere.
All production must take place during the month of August. Production cannot begin until August 1 at 12:00 am, and the film must be submitted by August 31 at 11:59 pm.
Films must be submitted to zjufilmfest@gmail.com, in .mov or .mp4 format, no larger than 5GB.
Each film must include one of five secret objects that will be revealed via email on August 1! These objects can be as featured or as hidden as you like.
Only one film per director, writer, or lead actor is allowed (meaning you cannot perform any one of these roles more than once).
Anyone who attends the screenings, including the filmmakers, must buy a ticket, which will be available at ZombieJoes.Tix.com or $20 to @zombiejoes on Venmo. Support local theatre!
Films cannot capture any real illegal activity or violence. Sexual content (as well as any other type of graphic content), while allowed, will be carefully examined, and ZJU reserves the right to reject submissions for any reason pertaining to content, for the safety and comfort of the community.
The filmmaker accepts all responsibility for the use of any copyrighted material (music, sound effects, etc.).
Absolutely no generative AI is allowed at any level of the production. Films found to have used AI will be immediately rejected.
Our intention is to screen every film submitted. However, if we receive an overwhelming number of films, we may not be able to do so. ZJU reserves the right to use its judgment to include as many films as reasonably possible.
Have an absolute blast! Make something creepy, kooky, bold, and beautiful. This is a great opportunity to experiment and collaborate. Good luck!
