THE PROWLER HEADS TO NIGHTMARES FILM FESTIVAL 2026
Psychological Horror Short Continues Its Festival Run at One of the World’s Celebrated Genre Festivals
LOS ANGELES, CA - September 22 2026 - The psychological horror short THE PROWLER, written and directed by Christopher Piñero (A Dark Place, Gone, Leaving) and starring Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building, Shaft, The Inspection), has been selected for the 2026 Nightmares Film Festival, taking place October 15-18 at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio.
An acclaimed destination for independent horror and genre filmmaking, Nightmares Film Festival is known for its carefully curated lineup and commitment to bold, original storytelling. The festival brings together films from around the globe for four days of screenings, panels and industry events, uniting filmmakers, fans, press and genre enthusiasts in celebration of horror. The selection marks another milestone in THE PROWLER's festival journey, following previous screenings at LA Shorts International Film Festival, Panic Fest and the Chattanooga Film Festival.
“What a journey this little film has had. You make something like THE PROWLER hoping it will connect with people, and then you get to watch it find its audience one festival at a time. As a Latino filmmaker, it means even more to see our work and our voices finding a place in the genre and connecting with audiences along the way. I couldn’t be prouder of this film, the incredible team that brought it to life, and how far we’ve traveled together. To now be heading to Nightmares feels like exactly where THE PROWLER belongs,” said writer& director Christopher Piñero.
THE PROWLER will screen during Nightmares Film Festival, October 15-18, 2026, at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio. The film will screen at Nightmares Film Festival on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM in House 1 at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio. The 10-minute film will screen with Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer 4K (83 min.) as part of the festival.
About THE PROWLER
When a quiet night spirals into a terrifying fight for survival, THE PROWLER explores fear, paranoia, and the darkness lurking just beyond the familiar. Blending relentless suspense with emotionally grounded performances, the film delivers a tense, character-driven experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
About Christopher Piñero
Christopher Piñero began his filmmaking career as an actor at the New York Film Academy in New York City. After appearing in several short films and teaching himself every aspect of filmmaking, he discovered his true passion lay in writing and directing.
His work is deeply influenced by his experiences growing up in a Puerto Rican family, often exploring themes of perception, identity, and the unseen forces that shape human behavior. Piñero has directed several award-winning short films, and his debut feature, A Dark Place, was distributed through Gravitas Ventures. His last short film, Gone, premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. With “The Prowler,” Piñero continues to build a body of work centered on psychological horror and suspense, establishing himself as an emerging voice in independent genre filmmaking.
For more information about the Nightmares Film Festival, visit : https://nightmaresfest.com/
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