‘Paula Takes the Stage,’ ‘Stop’ Set for Chicago Horror Film Fest

The Chicago Horror Film Festival has announced its 2026 lineup, and two short films with Christopher Prentice in major roles are official selections and will be screened at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema in the three-day roundup of genre films from around the world.

Paula Takes the Stage, by writer-director Eric Albert Branstrom, and Stop, from filmmaker Kevin B. Chatham, will both be presented Oct. 4.

Paula Takes the Stage, by writer-director Eric Albert Branstrom, features Belle Eclair as the titular stage star, whose return to the theater triggers an existential crisis. Prentice plays Lawrence, Paula's husband and manager, who heartlessly pressures Paula in a selfish desire to return to their formerly luxurious lifestyle. The film also features Chase Hanley, Sophia Vitello, Dawn Michel, and Garry Grafton. This marks the first festival selection for the film.

Kevin B. Chatham, Paula's director of photography, also has two films as director in the fest. Prentice leads Stop as a crypto bro who hopes to pick up an uninterested woman at a bus stop by hounding her with increasingly inappropriate questions. The late-night encounter has unexpectedly dire consequences. Kristen Cone also stars.

Prentice's performance in Stop, his third collaboration with Chatham, recently won festival Best Actor honors at the All Horror Short Film Festival.

Showtimes: Sunday, Oct. 4

Both films screen on Sunday afternoon, but are part of separate ticketing packages. All-day passes are available.

Afternoon ticket package

• Paula Takes the Stage
  • Time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Screen 1 (part of Block 4)

Evening ticket package

• Stop
  • Time: 5:10 p.m.
  • Location: Screen 2 (part of Block 4)

View the complete slate and purchase tickets at chicagohorrorfilmfest.com.