Who We Are

Pumpkin Pictures Film Festival (PPFF) is a Halloween film & fall festival based in the greater Atlanta area. It is now in its 4th year judging new and upcoming Halloween films while celebrating horror classics. The annual event is one night only filled with film competition, film history, food and fun.

PPFF will be taking place on October 11th, 2025

MISSION STATEMENT

PPFF is an annual Halloween film festival that aims to present a competitive and inclusive film

competition that provides a space for all creatives in the Halloween genre while providing fall-

themed events that welcome families of all ages. The festival will not only elevate new and

upcoming diverse creators but also educate audiences about legends in the Halloween genre and teach their legacy.

VISION STATEMENT

To create a safe and spooky space to enjoy Halloween cinema & fall festivities.

ETHICS                          

At Pumpkin Pictures Film Festival, we are committed to operating with the highest ethical standards and fostering a culture of integrity. We believe that ethical conduct is not only essential for our success but also crucial for building trust with our partners, sponsors, and the community.

Core Values:

  • Integrity: We are honest, truthful, and act with fairness and transparency in all our dealings.

  • Respect: We treat everyone with dignity and courtesy, valuing diversity and inclusion.

  • Responsibility: We take ownership of our actions and decisions, and are accountable for our performance.

  • Excellence: We strive for the highest quality and standards in our work, products, and services.

Expected Conduct:

  • Comply with Laws and Regulations: We will adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

  • Avoid Conflicts of Interest: We will not engage in any activity that could create a conflict of interest.

  • Maintain Confidentiality: We will protect confidential information and data entrusted to us.

  • Promote a Positive Work Environment: We will foster a workplace that is free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

  • Report Ethical Concerns: We encourage employees to report any ethical concerns or violations of this statement.

  • Continuously Improve: We are committed to continuous improvement in our ethical practices and standards.

  • Political Stance: Pumpkin Pictures Film Festival doesn’t take any stance as it pertains to politics, of individual filmmakers, actors, or other artists.

MEET THE PUMPKINS

OUR FOUNDERS

Zealynd:

My love for Halloween parties started and ended when no one came to my first one back in 2018. Feeling discouraged, I held off from doing another Halloween party until 2021. However, the idea of Pumpkin Pictures Film Festival came to me in 2022 when I put on a last-minute Halloween party that was “drive-in theater” themed. I invited all my friends, blew up a large screen, and projected Thriller, Frankenstein, and Halloween 1978. To fill in the time between changing the DVDs, I decided to share the history and legacy of each film I had shown. After the party ended, many of my friends came up to me and to my surprise, said they enjoyed the educational experience so much that it made them appreciate the films that much more. I was asked to host another party for the following year, and then another and another… which ultimately created PPFF.

Antonietta:

I met Zealynd in film school in Miami in 2019. Unfortunately, we became best friends. I got married in 2020, Zealynd filmed the wedding. I still haven’t received the footage. My husband and I moved to Georgia in February 2023, mainly to break into Zealynd’s house and try to steal the footage. Hasn’t worked yet. Anyway, then came Halloween and Zealynd wanted to continue this annual thing he started. Spookiness and decorations? Sign me up. I helped organize the guest list, gathered and set up decorations, we came up with a new name for it, Pumpkin Pictures, and I was his co-host for the event that year. I remember it was so stinking cold I was worried my husband was going to freeze and die outside (because it took place outside, not that I left him out or anything). After 2023’s event, we talked about expanding Pumpkin Pictures to something more than just watching Halloween movies. So for 2024 we worked with Paola to turn it into a film festival that received submissions as well.

Paola:

Zealynd and I met when he moved up from Miami to Georgia in 2019. At first, we hated each other for no apparent reason, the vibes were just off. That is until 2020 when he got close to one of my uncles and he started hanging out more with my family. We got to know each other more, deciding we weren’t so different after all, the vibes were all good and so, we forged our friendship. I have always held a special place in my heart for Halloween as my birthday is in October so most of my birthday parties have been Halloween themed. Some of my most cherished memories take place in October as well, right in spooky season so I am a fall girly through and through. In 2021, I along with others, helped Zealynd throw the Halloween party that started it all! During 2024’s PPFF, I took a more direct role in helping organize and execute the event as my husband and I were hosting the event in our backyard. Now I get to be part of this incredible team that presents you PPFF as we know and love today!