Eugene Film Society Hosts 11th Horror Competition
Fifty teams completed short horror films under a strict 72-hour time limit.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Horror
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The Eugene Film Society recently wrapped up its 11th annual 72-hour horror film competition, which saw 50 teams finish their projects on time. Participants were required to write, shoot, and edit their short films over a single weekend.
Why it matters
The event continues after local organizers opted to move forward following strong community support and high turnout. It provides a platform for local filmmakers to showcase original creative work to a public audience.
The jury award for the competition totals $1,134, while the audience award is set at $666. Participating teams checked in at the Art House to receive their mandatory prop and line of dialogue before the 72-hour window began.
The players
Eugene Film Society
This is a local organization that facilitates film-related community events and provides a platform for area creators.
McDonald Theatre
This historic venue is a central location in Eugene for local arts, film, and live performance events.
The details
Teams were tasked with incorporating a box as a prop and the specific line, "Sometimes we deliberately step into those traps," into their horror shorts. A jury of media professionals will evaluate the entries based on editing, sound, script quality, and overall originality.
Timeline
October 15-17, 2026: The 72-hour competition period occurred.
November 2, 2026: The screening event takes place at the McDonald Theatre.
Industry Dynamics
This competition operates within the tradition of global 48- and 72-hour film challenges that test the agility of independent creators. It positions local amateur filmmakers against the constraints of professional production standards within a tight deadline environment.
Community members can view the completed horror films at the McDonald Theatre for a ticket price of $13. The showcase provides a 2.5-hour viewing experience featuring all 50 submitted short films.
The takeaway
Creative challenges often serve as an effective springboard for emerging filmmakers to refine their technical skills. Aspiring participants should focus on prioritizing original narratives and clear sound design to stand out during the condensed production window.
What happens next
The films will be showcased during a 2.5-hour screening at the McDonald Theatre on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local events in the Horror section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lookout Eugene-Springfield.
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