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We've added something new for 2009!



We are pleased to announce that R Squared Films will be a major awards sponsor for the 2009 Dark Carnival Film Festival. The winners of Best Feature Film and Best Short Film will receive a distribution deal through R Squared Films!

In addtion, we have added a whole new competition. This year, we will be searching for the best short and feature length screenplays.

The winner of the Best Short Screenplay will have their film produced by Clockwerk Pictures and Darkrider Films, to debut at the 2010 Dark Carnival Film Festival!

This is a first not just for Dark Carnival, but something that NO OTHER HORROR FILM FEST HAS EVER DONE!

Check out our Submissions Page for more details.

The Dark Carnival "Carny" AwardWe'll be presenting awards in the following categories:

Best Independent Feature Film
Our judging panel will choose their favorite 'feature length' horror film (36 minutes or more)

Best Independent Short Film
Our judging panel will choose their favorite short horror film (35 minutes or less)

Best Screenwriting
Judges will be looking for the film with the most original and compelling story, and best dialog.

Best Cinematography
Judges will be looking for the movie with the best camera work and the best use of cinematography for dramatic (and horrific) effect.

Best Editing
Judges will be looking for the best use of editing.

Best Special Effects
Judges will be looking for the best use of special effects, including practical/mechanical and digital effects.

Dark Carnival Film Festival "Carny" AwardELIGIBILITY:
In order to be eligible for judging, films must adhere to all submission guidelines and terms & conditions. Films submitted by sponsors will not be eligible for judging.

Each film will be judged entirely on its own merits by an independent judging panel and winners are announced at the festival.

WINNERS:
The following winners received the coveted "Carny" award. Each statue is hand cast from an original sculpture commissioned by Dark Carnival from Indianapolis artist Phil Velikan.



In addition, winners of Best Feature Film and Best Short Film each received the Scriptwriter's Suite, sponsored by Final Draft and valued at $249!

The winner of Best Editing received Avid Media Composer, sponsored by Avid Technology, and valued at $2495!

2008 Awards:

2007 Awards:














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