The three-day boutique event at the historic Chabot Theater will spotlight visually striking independent horror films from around the world, blending cinematic craft with immersive fan experiences.
Out Of The Cellar (OOTC), a filmmaker-first boutique horror film festival, is thrilled to announce its inaugural event taking place November 13–14, 2026, at the historic Chabot Theater. Combining gruesome guts with gorgeous lighting, this new Bay Area film festival celebrates the artistry of horror through a curated selection of short-form cinema and eventized live experiences.
“OOTC is about honoring the craft of horror while elevating new, diverse voices,” says Founder Veronica Craven. “We are creating a discovery hub where terrifyingly beautiful cinema meets a community that truly appreciates the genre’s depth”.
The festival kicks off on Friday, November 13, with a LIVE Creature Feature Experience, a theatrical opening night hosted by the legendary Count Gore De Vol. Saturday, November 14, will screen approximately 40–45 films across dedicated blocks, culminating in an awards ceremony.
Festival curator Barry M. Putt, Jr. weighs in on the unique nature of the event. “What excites me most is the boutique nature of the festival. Every film is selected with intention. This isn’t about volume—it’s about creating a carefully curated experience where audiences can discover daring, original horror they won’t find anywhere else.”
Event Details
What: Out Of The Cellar Horror Film Festival
When: November 13 & 14, 2026
Where: The Chabot Theater, Castro Valley, CA
Tickets & Submissions: For more information, visit outofthecellarfilms.com
Sponsorships and Partnerships available; more information available soon.
About Out Of The Cellar (OOTC) is a boutique horror short film festival dedicated to cinematic craft and filmmaker advocacy. Inspired by the legacy of “In The Cellar” and horror hosts of the past, OOTC aims to become the Bay Area’s most influential destination for terrifyingly beautiful short-form cinema.