Fantastic Pitches: Boosting Independent Genre Films at Fantastic Fest

As Austin’s Fantastic Fest celebrates its 20th anniversary, the renowned genre film festival is taking a bold step into the future of independent cinema. In partnership with the newly launched genre label, Chroma, they are introducing Fantastic Pitches, a dedicated effort to provide timely production financing and support to filmmakers with creative visions, especially those operating on smaller budgets.

Ahbra Perry Takes the Lead

At the helm of this exciting initiative is Ahbra Perry, who has recently been appointed vice president of Chroma. Perry brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served as the head of Alamo on Demand and director of theatrical acquisitions for Drafthouse Films. Known for championing distinctive genre movies, she is now tasked with overseeing Chroma’s slate and spearheading its production efforts.

Perry’s role will focus on elevating emerging filmmakers, regardless of budget constraints, as they craft visionary genre cinema. “We’re at a turning point for the future of independent cinema, and launching Chroma to champion emerging talent feels like the right move at the right moment,” Perry remarked. Her commitment to supporting artists is clear: “Every project we take on is, in its own way, fantastic.”

What to Expect from Fantastic Pitches

The Fantastic Pitches initiative invites filmmakers worldwide to submit their micro-budget genre film ideas, with the submission window open from June 16 to August 8. Notably, all films must be independent productions shot in English, but projects can originate from any part of the globe. The selected finalists will attend a live pitching event at the festival in Austin, where a panel of industry experts will judge their pitches and announce the winner on-site.

The allure of Fantastic Pitches lies not just in the prestige of pitching at a famed festival like Fantastic Fest, but in the tangible rewards for the winning team. They will receive $100,000 in funding to help complete their film and a guaranteed world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2026, along with global all-rights distribution through Chroma. This partnership is further strengthened by support from Narrative Distribution.

A Commitment to the Future of Independent Genre Cinema

“Over the past 20 years, Fantastic Fest has been proud to launch the careers of hundreds of filmmakers,” said festival director Lisa Dreyer. This new partnership with Chroma is poised to take that mission further, aiming to enrich the landscape of independent genre cinema. With the ongoing evolution of genre production, largely fueled by a new generation of filmmakers, Fantastic Pitches hints at the festival’s aspirations toward establishing a formal project showcase.

Dreyer acknowledged the commercial viability of genre films, citing their success at the box office and conveying her enthusiasm for the burgeoning demand. “We’re seeing amazingly creative genre films coming out. There’s never enough art in the world, and genre film is a significant part of that,” she noted.

However, as both Perry and Dreyer addressed, many small films still struggle to find distribution, even if they garner acclaim at festivals like Sundance. “Chroma can help with the production, guiding filmmakers to states where they can get tax rebates in order to really stretch that $100,000,” Perry added.

A New Era for Filmmakers

The Fantastic Pitches initiative represents not just a financial opportunity but a transformative moment for the independent filmmaking community. By combining the resources and distribution expertise of Chroma with the festival’s rich legacy, this partnership seeks to rewrite the playbook on how independent genre films are developed, from pitch to premiere.

As the festival gears up for another exciting year, it becomes clear that Fantastic Pitches will serve as a vital platform for filmmakers looking to push the boundaries of genre cinema. With new voices emerging and fresh stories ready to be told, the future of independent film looks more promising than ever.

For those interested in staying updated on this exciting development, make sure to explore Fantastic Fest and Chroma for the latest news on independent genre cinema.