CHROMA + FANTASTIC FEST to Fund Indie Film with "Fantastic Pitches"

Chroma, a newly formed genre film label dedicated to the global distribution, acquisition, and production of bold, visionary genre cinema, is proud to announce its official launch. Leading the charge is Ahbra Perry, who has been named Vice President of the company, supported by a team of experienced distribution executives. In her new role, Perry will oversee Chroma’s slate and spearhead production efforts, with a focus on elevating filmmakers working with smaller budgets and creative visions.

Perry brings deep industry experience and a sharp eye for innovative storytelling from her work at Alamo Drafthouse and Giant Pictures, where she became known for championing fiercely creative genre filmmakers. Her appointment marks a strategic step in Chroma’s mission to support the next wave of independent genre cinema.

“We’re at a turning point for the future of independent cinema,” said Perry, “Launching Chroma to champion emerging talent feels like the right move at the right moment. We’re going to eat, breathe, and sleep sci-fi and horror at Chroma—just like the filmmakers we support. This partnership with Fantastic Fest couldn’t be a more perfect alignment—it’s built to serve the artists we love and the ones we haven’t met yet."

In tandem with its launch, Chroma is thrilled to announce a partnership with Fantastic Fest, the largest genre fest in the US, to debut Fantastic Pitches, a groundbreaking competition aimed at discovering and funding new talent in horror, sci-fi, and thriller filmmaking. The initiative will be unveiled at the 20th Anniversary edition of Fantastic Fest.

Fantastic Pitches invites genre filmmakers to submit micro-budget feature ideas, with one winning pitch team receiving:

• $100,000 in funding to complete their film
• A guaranteed World Premiere at Fantastic Fest 2026
• Global all-rights distribution through Chroma

“Fantastic Pitches is a new way for us to amplify our commitment to independent cinema,” says Fantastic Fest Festival Director Lisa Dreyer. “Over the past 20 years, Fantastic Fest has been proud to launch the careers of hundreds of filmmakers, and with the pitch competition, we can expand our impact by helping filmmakers get over the first hurdle to production, which is securing the financing. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the festival.”

Submissions for feature film pitches will be open from June 16th to August 8th, and a selection of finalists will be invited to a live pitching event held at Fantastic Fest, taking place September 18th - 25th in Austin, Texas. A panel of industry experts will judge the pitches and announce a winner onsite. The winner will work with Chroma to ensure the successful completion of the film by September 2026.

Thanks to Chroma’s backing by Narrative Distribution, the new distributor will immediately benefit from direct access to the top streaming and transactional platforms, as well as DVD, non-theatrical, broadcast and other sales accounts.

Together, Chroma and Fantastic Fest are rewriting the playbook on how independent genre films get made—from pitch to premiere.

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