Dark Nights Film Fest 2026

Australia's darkest film festival returns for one unmissable day - Saturday October 10 - in one of Sydney's best micro-cinemas - The Reservoir Cinema.

The third edition of Dark Nights Film Fest - an annual celebration of independent horror and dark genre films and filmmakers and the community that surrounds them - is showcasing 30 new films from Australia and around the world.

Ten Australian short films and nineteen international short films, many having their World Premieres, plus the Australian Premiere of THE TURKISH COFFEE TABLE, the latest feature, and a most wicked black comedy, from Can Evrenol, director of BASKIN and SAYARA.

Dark Nights Film Fest director and curator, Bryn Tilly, said the 2026 program reflects the festival's commitment to championing bold, independent filmmaking while maintaining a curated, festival experience audiences simply can't get at home.

“Dark Nights is about discovering the edge of your seat, together in the dark,” says Tilly. “We wanted this year's festival to feel intimate, immediate, and a little dangerous. The Reservoir Cinema gives us the perfect setting for that — you're right there with the film, right there with the audience, and there's nowhere to hide.”

Audiences can make a full day and night of Saturday October 10, with the program’s four short film showcases and the feature presentation creating a potent, concentrated hit of contemporary horror and dark genre filmmaking. “It's a compact program, packed with films designed to really get under your skin,” adds Tilly.

Sydney Brewery Surry Hills sits adjacent to The Reservoir Cinema, giving festival-goers the perfect place to gather, grab a drink, and talk horror movies. Beverages purchased at Sydney Brewery can even be taken directly into the cinema, which is within Rydges Sydney Central.

It's all part of Dark Nights Film Fest's framing of the micro-cinema experience: great films, intimate environment, and a great space to discuss the nightmares straight after.

All sessions are Unclassified MA15+

Individual tickets capped at $20 with discount options when booking multiple tickets.