NEWS

PITTSBURGH, PA—Film Pittsburgh is proud to announce the inaugural Romero Award for Best Horror Feature at the 45th annual Three Rivers Film Festival (3RFF). Presented with support from the George A. Romero Foundation (GARF), the award will be selected by a panel of industry judges.

​​Named in honor of Pittsburgh filmmaking legend George A. Romero, the award celebrates bold, visionary work in the horror genre. As the birthplace of Night of the Living Dead, Pittsburgh remains a vital home for horror storytelling, making the Romero Award a natural addition to the festival’s juried honors.

Each year, the Three Rivers Film Festival presents cash prizes to outstanding films across its lineup, including Best American Independent, Best International Independent, Best Documentary Feature, and more. Winners are selected by a grand jury of artists, nonprofit leaders, filmmakers, educators, and industry professionals, and are announced during the Best of the Fest Award Ceremony on the festival’s closing day.

“The GARF is devoted to preserving Romero’s legacy and continues to support creatives and independent filmmaking in genres and horror spaces,” states Suzanne Romero, Founder and President of the George A. Romero Foundation. Film Pittsburgh’s Executive Director, Shanna Carrick, adds, “We are proud to partner with the GARF to introduce an international competition for best independent horror film. Pittsburgh has a deep love of horror films and we believe that our audiences will be thrilled to experience new voices in the genre.”

The 45th annual Three Rivers Film Festival (3RFF) returns November 5–15, 2026, with a dynamic lineup of independent features, shorts, panels, parties, and special events across multiple venues in the city, including the 6th annual Filmmaker Conference. The festival is currently accepting submissions, with the full lineup to be announced October 2026.

The festival will also continue to celebrate its horror offerings with its beloved Chiller Theater. Named in honor of Chilly Billy Cardille, the spooky showcase features the best new independent horror shorts from around the globe and Allegheny County.

Photo credit: Sutton-Hibbert/REX/Shutterstock