Durham, UK, 18 August 2025 – Set Starters, a leading UK-based organisation committed to nurturing and supporting emerging talent in the film and television industry, is proud to announce the launch of Fear Screen, a pioneering festival dedicated to celebrating independent horror cinema. This festival will shine a spotlight on bold, original, and boundary-pushing films created by emerging filmmakers from across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Fear Screen seeks to champion independent voices within the horror genre, showcasing a diverse array of cinematic styles, from psychological thrillers and supernatural suspense, to visceral and experimental narratives. Emphasising creativity, originality, and daring artistic vision, the festival will provide an essential platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences hungry for fresh and fearless storytelling.
“Fear Screen is our commitment to championing the innovative and exciting new voices within horror,” said Jay Finlayson, founder of Set Starters. “Our ambition is to establish a dedicated space where independent filmmakers can be celebrated for their creativity, challenge cinematic conventions, and engage directly with passionate audiences who embrace horror in all its myriad forms. This festival is also part of a broader initiative within Set Starters to create a dedicated platform exclusively for independent filmmakers, with further details to be announced in 2026.”
The festival will feature a rich and diverse programme comprising independent feature films, short films, and specially curated selections that highlight rising talent. While the precise dates and venue are yet to be confirmed, Fear Screen is poised to become a key fixture on the calendar for independent filmmakers, genre aficionados, and film industry professionals alike.
In addition to screenings, the festival will facilitate valuable networking opportunities, interactive Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and exclusive industry events aimed at fostering the growth and development of burgeoning talent within the horror and wider film communities.
“Independent horror films often explore themes and push boundaries in ways that mainstream cinema cannot,” Finlayson added. “Our goal is to cultivate a festival that not only celebrates this vibrant creativity but also connects innovative storytellers with appreciative audiences and supports the next generation of horror filmmakers.”
Filmmakers interested in submitting their work, as well as those wishing to receive updates on festival announcements including dates, venue, and programming, are encouraged to visit the official Fear Screen website at FearScreen.com and follow its social media channels for the latest information.
About Set Starters
Established in 2022, Set Starters is dedicated to supporting newcomers to the film and television industry by providing essential resources, training, and opportunities to help emerging talent flourish. Through initiatives such as Fear Screen, Set Starters continues its commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and innovation across the screen industries.
Media Enquiries:
Set Starters Press Team Email: press@setstarters.org.uk
