Pumpkin Cult Studios is an independent horror studio based in Los Angeles, founded by writer/director R.J. de León Vega. Built on blood, sweat, passion, and scream-filled visions, the studio is a creative hub for bold, uncompromising horror—where slashers are stylish, kills are practical, and every project pulses with raw, collaborative energy.

At the heart of the studio is R.J.’s unique directing style: immersive, intense, and relentlessly hands-on. Whether orchestrating complex FX setups, working closely with actors to shape unforgettable characters, or uniting a team of artists around a shared vision, R.J.’s leadership turns chaos into clarity. Every set becomes a space where creativity thrives, and no detail—no matter how gory—is left unchecked.

The studio’s breakout film, Pumpkin Guts: Devil’s Night, won Best Halloween Spirit at Halloweenapalooza, Best On-Screen Kill at Scared For Your Liife, and Best Grindhouse Short at Hollywood HorrorFest, earning praise for its throwback slasher energy and unforgettable visual style. With new shorts, sequels, and anthology chapters in development, Pumpkin Cult is carving out a bloody corner of the genre with its own twisted mythology and cult aesthetic.

Pumpkin Cult Studios also runs & curates Doctor Chainsaw’s Horror-a-Thon, a film festival that champions diverse and independent voices in horror. Following its explosive debut in 2024, the fest returns in 2025 with even more delightful depravity, mayhem, and heart.

From the ground up, Pumpkin Cult Studios is about fearless filmmaking, community-driven horror, and a deep love for the genre. This isn’t just horror—it’s a movement. Welcome to the Cult.