About Us

Mayhem Film Festival was founded in 2005 by filmmakers Steven Sheil and Chris Cooke. We screen the best in contemporary horror, science-fiction and cult cinema and television from around the world. Featuring premieres, previews, masterclasses, international special guest filmmakers, and unique live cinema events, the festival has developed a reputation as one of the strongest and most innovative genre festivals in the country. We are based at Broadway in Nottingham, one of the UK's leading independent cinemas and creative hubs.


Who We Are

Chris Cooke

Chris Cooke

Festival Co-Director/Programming

Chris Cooke wrote and directed the Film 4/BFI funded comedy feature One For The Road
(2004), described by Will Self as 'Stylish and authentically bruising... a dark gem'. He also works as a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University and is currently researching for a PhD in horror.

Steven Sheil

Steven Sheil

Festival Co-Director/Programming

Steven Sheil is a screenwriter and director. His first feature film, the microbudget Mum & Dad (2008) was described by Total Film as 'one of the defining British horrors of its generation'. His second feature, the Indonesia-set action-horror Dead Mine (2012) was HBO Asia's first home-grown production.

Telephone
0115 952 6611
Melissa Gueneau

Melissa Gueneau

Programming/Festival Management

Melissa Gueneau joined Mayhem Film Festival in 2013. She began overseeing the Short Film Programme in 2015 and joined the main programming team in 2019. In addition to programming, she oversees the operational running of the festival. Melissa also programmes for Broadway Cinema.

For general enquiries: mayhemfilmfest@gmail.com

For press & marketing enquiries: c.wilks@broadway.org.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)115 9526 611

Mayhem Film Festival is also made possible thanks to the support and dedication of the staff at Broadway, Nottingham.

Film submissions

Submissions are currently closed.

A highly entertaining mix of offbeat features, short films, special guests and unique events which sets it apart from many of its contemporaries.

Starburst Magazine

Perfect venue, friendly atmosphere and of course great programming.

FAB Press

Mayhem remains the cultural highlight of the year, a great social event, and an opportunity for cinematic discovery.

Strange Things Are Happening

Mayhem Film Festival is Supported by

  • Broadway
    Last Exit to Nowhere