Reaper Film Festival 2026

Horror fans in Los Angeles have a new event to mark on their October calendars. The inaugural Reaper Film Festival takes over The Earl on Thursday, October 22, 2026, for a six-and-a-half-hour night dedicated to independent horror and genre short films.

The Earl, located at 4408 W 2nd St in the Koreatown area, hosts this debut festival in what promises to be one of the more distinctive arts events in LA this fall. The program is dense: a curated block of indie horror shorts, a live awards show, and a costume contest that gives attendees a reason to dress up and get competitive. Industry guests round out the night, making it worthwhile for filmmakers and fans alike.

Short films are the backbone of the genre film community, and they rarely get a proper showcase. Reaper exists specifically to change that. The festival pulls together work from independent directors whose projects don't have the marketing budgets of studio releases but frequently have more imagination per minute. A six-and-a-half-hour runtime means the program is substantial, so expect real range across tone, subgenre, and execution.

The costume contest adds a social layer that most film screenings skip. Whether you come in an elaborate handmade costume or just throw on a mask at the door, it's the kind of detail that turns a screening into an event. Dress the part and you might walk away with something to show for it.

If you're a filmmaker or industry professional looking for arts events in Los Angeles where genre work gets serious attention, this one is worth attending on its own merits. The combination of shorts programming and live judging gives it a festival structure rather than the feel of a standard double feature.

The Earl is accessible by public transit. The nearest Metro bus lines serve the surrounding stretch of W 2nd St, and street parking is available in the neighborhood. Plan to arrive on time since a six-and-a-half-hour program likely starts promptly.

Tickets are required. Check the festival website for pricing and availability before October rolls around, as this kind of debut event tends to sell through quickly once the horror community catches wind of it.

For more arts events in Los Angeles, browse the arts and culture listings or explore what's happening across Los Angeles neighborhoods.