Horror Island, Scream Queer and Dagon Films Launch New Partnership to Extend the Life of Independent Genre Films
Independent films often complete their journey once the festival circuit ends. Horror Island International Film Festival and Scream Queer: Eros & Thanatos aim to change that.
The two international festivals have officially announced a new collaboration with Dagon Films, the independent label known for producing limited collector’s editions dedicated to cult and underground cinema.
Beginning with the 2026 editions, outstanding selected films presented at Horror Island and Scream Queer may also be considered for inclusion in future Dagon Films “Best Of” collector’s Blu-ray releases. The initiative offers filmmakers an additional opportunity for international exposure beyond festival screenings, bringing selected works directly to collectors and genre enthusiasts.
Now entering its seventh edition, Horror Island has established itself as an international platform for independent horror, dark fantasy and experimental genre cinema. Over the years, its honorary juries have included respected figures such as Lynn Lowry, Mirella D’Angelo, Antonio Tentori, Jim Cox and Jon Devlin, reflecting the festival’s commitment to both emerging voices and established genre professionals.
Alongside it, Scream Queer: Eros & Thanatos celebrates horror through queer perspectives, body politics and transgressive storytelling. The festival’s jury includes director and screenwriter Fabiomassimo Lozzi, filmmaker and actor Domiziano Cristopharo, and actress Chiara Pavoni, internationally recognised as one of Italian genre cinema’s contemporary scream queens.
Rather than limiting recognition to awards and screenings, the partnership builds a bridge between festivals and physical distribution, enabling selected filmmakers to reach a wider international audience through carefully curated collector’s editions.
Film submissions for both festivals are currently open through FilmFreeway.
Horror Island
https://filmfreeway.com/HorrorIsland
Scream Queer: Eros & Thanatos
https://filmfreeway.com/ScreamQueer-ErosandThanatos
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