Overlook Horror Film Festival Returns
The Overlook Film Festival has announced two waves of films that will be screened for its upcoming 2026 festival.
The lineup includes horror cinema, interactive events, and celebrations of the genre.
Event Details
The event is held annually at the Prytania Theatres at Canal Place. It is a four-day festival dedicated to horror filmmaking and culture. The event welcomes filmmakers, horror fans, and figures in the industry for film screenings, panels, parties, and experiences that are set against the backdrop of New Orleans' haunted culture. New Orleans has hosted the festival since 2018, making it a natural place for the celebration.
The 2026 edition of the festival is scheduled for April 9 through April 12, with additional "Lagniappe" bonus screenings extending the event for locals. The festival's first wave announcement offers an early look at some of the most anticipated genre titles set to play this year.
First Wave of Films
On opening night, the festival will showcase the 2025 film Obsession, directed by Curry Baker. The film follows a man in his 20s, who is paralyzed by his one-sided affection for his crush and close friend. He makes a wish on a toy for her to fall in love with him, and consequences proceed when she begins to display obsessive and horrifying behavior.
On closing night, the festival will showcase the 2026 film Hokum. The story follows a horror novelist who visits an inn in Ireland to release his parents' ashes. Little does he know, the place is rumored to be haunted.
The festival's centerpiece is the 2026 film Leviticus, which follows two teenagers who try to escape from a vicious entity that takes the form of the person they are interested in.
Other films in this year's lineup include An American Werewolf in London, Blackout, Exit 8, Faces of Death, and A Page of Madness. The festival will also be presenting extensive screenings of short films, categorized by the groups "Feral," which focuses on feminine carnal horror, "Freaky," which focuses on themes such as dark surrealism and family curses, and "Static," which focuses on science fiction and sinister themes that extend beyond basic human consciousness.
Second Wave of Films
The festival's second wave of films has also been released. One example is the 2025 film Affection, directed by BT Meza. The film follows the main character, Ellie, who is stuck in a loop in which she wakes up and is unable to recognize her husband and daughter. Instead, she remembers a different life.
Another film featured in the second wave release is the 2025 film American Dollhouse, directed by John Valley. The film follows a woman who becomes subject to her neighbor's obsession, leading to events of stalking and violence.
In addition to American Dollhouse, the 2025 film Normal will also be featured, which follows a small town sheriff who uncovers a myriad of secrets after a bank robbery. Various other films will also be featured for this year.
Additional Events
Additional events and performances will also make an appearance at the 2026 festival. This year's lineup includes three interactive experiences that are designed to place attendees within horror narratives. "Eternal," created by Darkfield, is an audio experience in which a participant lies alone in a bed while being offered an opportunity for immortality—at a cost. "Hag," by the Queen's Fools, will invite a small group of audience members to evict supernatural individuals in a Shakespeare-style scenario. Further, "The Mother of Nightmare" is a one-on-one surreal encounter that brings participants face-to-face with a figure responsible for crafting sinister dreams. These events are only a few among a myriad of special activities.
The festival will also feature special events and presentations, including a New Orleans-style second line that begins on opening night.
For tickets, the festival offers a myriad of options. For first access to tickets and priority seating, there is the "Final Girl Pass," priced at $666. These tickets will be sold at a limited number. The standard festival pass, or the "Camper Pass," which provides access to events, panels, podcasts, live shows, and parties, is available at $350.
