It started with one terrifying movie and a love for film that never let go.
When Kyle Lacroix was thirteen, Paranormal Activity scared him so badly he had to keep pausing it to catch his breath. “I remember sitting alone afterwards and hearing a noise,” he says. “I felt completely freaked out. I had never experienced that kind of fear before.”
That moment stuck. Years later, while helping clean out his grandfather’s house, his mom joked that the basement looked like a horror set. Then she said, “Why don’t you make a film?” That offhand comment turned into a mission.
He made a short horror film. When it got accepted into a festival, he realized he wanted to help others experience that same feeling. So, he launched a platform for free horror screenings of his own—now known as the Toronto Horror Film Festival.
What Makes These Horror Screenings Different
Lacroix’s love for cinema runs deep. “I try to see every movie that hits theatres,” he says. “There’s just something about the theatre experience you can’t replicate.”
That obsession led him to create a volunteer-powered, free-to-attend event dedicated to bold, independent horror. Unlike typical film festivals, the Toronto Horror Film Festival doesn’t charge audiences and keeps submission fees low.
“Festivals can be expensive—for filmmakers and audiences,” Lacroix explains. “We wanted to remove those barriers.”
By keeping it free, these horror screenings in Toronto offers access to a wide audience and gives filmmakers a rare chance to showcase their work without financial pressure.
How Indie Horror and Personal Loss Shaped the Festival’s Heart
One of the standout awards is Reaper’s Choice, named after Lacroix’s late dog. Reaper sat by his side through every scary movie, unfazed.
“I wanted to honour him in the most fitting way I could,” he says.
That emotional depth runs throughout the event. The festival isn’t about jump scares for the sake of it. It’s about connection and a shared love for horror. Every submission is selected with care, focusing on storytelling, originality, and atmosphere.
Why These Horror Screenings Matter to the Toronto Community
Lacroix isn’t just building a festival—he’s building a space. A space for fans, creators, and anyone who loves a good scare.
Toronto has always had a strong horror fan base.
The free horror screenings at the festival gives them something new: a locally grounded, indie-first showcase that celebrates risk-taking and low-budget brilliance.
He’s also working to build connections with local creators, podcasts, and horror-themed businesses. Future plans include workshops, panels, and collaborative events.
What’s Next for Lacroix
Lacroix’s next film—a found footage feature—is already in pre-production. Like his festival, it’s independent, intense, and DIY to the core.
He’s also curating this year’s lineup to reflect a wide spectrum of horror: from psychological slow burns to chaotic creature features. Each screening is meant to surprise, disturb, and stay with the audience long after the credits roll.
His long-term goal? To grow the Toronto Horror Film Festival into a lasting platform for independent filmmakers. One that remains rooted in accessibility and passion—where free horror screenings don’t just show movies, but sparks careers.
A Stage for Scares, Stories and Horror Screenings
Lacroix has one piece of advice for new horror filmmakers: “Just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Make something.”
With the Toronto Horror Film Festival, he’s proving that all it takes is one creepy basement, and one well-timed scare to launch something unforgettable.