thriller picture show
Since 2022, the Thriller Picture Show has showcased films in horror, thriller, dark comedy, and science fiction from exemplary filmmakers worldwide. Averaging 140 submissions from 17 different countries every year, we are proud to present awards to individuals making great strides in these important genres.
GENRE CATEGORIES
Horror
Science Fiction
Thriller
Dark Comedy
Special Categories (Fantasy, Comedy, Documentary)
AWARD CATEGORIES
Best Narrative Feature & Best Short Film (30 minutes or less) in each category
Individual Acting Performances
Directing
Editing
Cinematography
Score
2025 submissions are now open!
In association with the George A. Romero Foundation, both the Thriller Picture Show and Trailer Bash/Raging Pages film festivals also include Romero Lives Commemorative Events celebrating the career of Pittsburgh's most famous and influential filmmaker, George A. Romero. In the past, we have screened, among other films, DAWN OF THE DEAD (as part of its extremely limited 45th anniversary theatrical run), DAY OF THE DEAD, THE CRAZIES (it's 50th anniversary), and MONKEY SHINES. Each festival also includes an invitation only VIP reception, allowing visiting filmmakers the ability to meet with guests and supporters of the festivals, and award presentations.
history in the making
The inaugural Thriller Picture Show festival was held at the historical Strand Theater in Zelienople, PA, just north of Pittsburgh. Built in 1914 by Gioachino and Rosalia Sapienza who were Italian immigrants hoping to build a new life, the theater featured both silent films and vaudeville shows, and was an integral part of the cinematic history of Pittsburgh. In 2001, the Strand Theater Initiative purchased the building and revived it as a first-rate theater and cultural center.
In October 2011, a group of civic leaders identified a resource missing northwest of Pittsburgh: an independent cinema. Thus, the nonprofit Village Theater Company was formed and fundraising began for the construction of a brand new facility. With the support of Sewickley borough and hundreds of families, a nonprofit theater opened in February of 2017. With a gift from The Tull Family Foundation, the theater originally opened as The Tull Family Theater. On January 1, 2023, the theater changed name to The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center, and as a 501(c)(3) Pennsylvania nonprofit, exists to serve the public. Ticket sales are reinvested in programming and operations.
Since 2023, the Thriller Picture Show has been hosted at The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center, in Sewickley, PA. The Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival aims to provide a theatrical opportunity for independent film in a setting that reflects both the history and the prestige of cinematic exhibition.
