Killer Video Has Announced Film Festival and Expansion
The Akron-based nonprofit will host a horror short film festival and double its museum footprint.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Horror
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Killer Video has announced plans for the Akron Independent Horror Short Film Festival and a significant expansion of its existing museum space. The nonprofit aims to broaden its local offerings through both a new event at the Akron Civic Theatre and physical facility improvements.
Why it matters
The festival acts as a dedicated platform for Ohio filmmakers to showcase their work to local audiences. Meanwhile, the expansion will provide a permanent home for a new micro theater and an upgraded rental section to serve the community.
The festival will feature 16 short horror films and offer $2,000 in total cash prizes. Tickets for the event are priced at $18 per pair.
The players
Killer Video
This registered nonprofit organization operates an Akron-based museum that opened in early 2025.
Akron Civic Theatre
This local venue serves as the host location for the upcoming independent horror short film festival.
The details
The expansion project will double the size of the existing 3,500-square-foot museum by adding an equal amount of new space. This floor plan will incorporate a micro theater designed with a capacity of 20 to 30 seats along with an expanded movie rental area.
Timeline
The Akron Independent Horror Short Film Festival is set for October 10, 2026.
A Kickstarter campaign for the expansion launches October 1, 2026.
Construction closures are scheduled from December 2026 through January 2027.
The museum plans to open the boutique and rental areas in February 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This project mirrors the broader industry shift toward boutique screening spaces that foster local film appreciation. By adding a micro theater, the museum follows a pattern of cultural institutions evolving into experiential hubs rather than traditional archives.
Residents can attend the film festival at the Akron Civic Theatre by purchasing tickets for $18 per pair. Following the construction phase, visitors will gain access to a new micro theater and an expanded collection of rental media by early 2027.
The takeaway
Supporting local nonprofit arts organizations often requires a mix of community-driven fundraising and volunteer patience during construction cycles. Residents interested in the future of the museum can participate by contributing to the upcoming Kickstarter campaign.
What happens next
The museum will launch its Kickstarter campaign on October 1, 2026, with a fundraising goal of $35,000 to support the construction project.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming regional screenings, check out our coverage of Horror.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
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