The only festival to be Horror Centric & Mental Health Focused. Run by the non-profit, Victims and Villains, this festival delivers a unique experience for both those in attendance and the filmmakers involved. We are committed to showcasing the best up and coming voices within the world of horror and using their films to create an open dialogue about mental health. Returning to the Alamo Drafthouse in April 11th & 12th, 2025.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Performance in Feature
Best Performance in Short
Best Gag
Audience Award
Plus, Screenplay awards.

Rules & Terms

1). Must be at least 18 & older to submit your film. Any filmmakers under 18 will not be considered.
2). Submission doesn't mean admission. Not all those accepted will be playing on the big screen.
3). Costs for the submissions go towards the cost of the festival and mental health resources alike.
4). Sexually explicit sequences. bordering the pornographic, will not be accepted.
5). The film doesn't have to be 100% focused on mental health.
6). We welcome international entries but the entries MUST have English subtitles. The same goes for screenwriting. If you are submitting from outside the US, all scripts must be in English.
7). Shorts have to be between 1 and 59 minutes. While features have to be a minimum of 65 minutes and a maximum of 150 minutes.
8). You, as the filmmaker, are responsible for all licenses and permits that pertain to your film. You will be asked to provide a release for said licenses as well.
24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jordan Miller

    My film THE ONLY ONES was part of the 2025 fest, which I attended in person with some of our cast and crew. The whole experience was wonderful. The Alamo is a great venue, so everything looked and sounded top notch. Josh and his team work hard to put on a great show!!

    August 2025
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  • Anthony B. Frazier

    I’m honored to share that my short film DLG received an Honorable Mention at the Horrific Hope Film Festival. I’m truly grateful for the recognition and thrilled to announce that I’ve been invited to feature DLG in their upcoming “Winter Horrorland” program later this year.

    Thank you to the festival organizers and judges for this opportunity and for supporting independent horror filmmakers. I’m looking forward to being part of the Winter Horrorland lineup and sharing this film with new audiences.

    April 2025
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  • Lacye A Brown

    I recently had the pleasure of submitting my short horror script, "Totally Outrageous," to the Horrific Hope Film Festival, and I am thrilled to share that it was selected as a Semi-Finalist. From the very beginning, the communication with the festival organizers was exceptionally clear and efficient, making the entire process smooth and welcoming. Even though I couldn't attend the festival in person, the level of engagement and the quality of interaction I experienced remotely was nothing short of stellar.

    I highly recommend the Horrific Hope Film Festival to fellow filmmakers and writers looking for a platform that supports and elevates unique voices in the horror genre. Josh & the team's professionalism and the warm, inclusive atmosphere they create are commendable.

    Thank you, Horrific Hope, for such a pleasant experience and for providing an excellent opportunity to showcase my work. I wish the festival continued success and look forward to possibly participating again in the future.

    April 2024
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  • Miguel Bañares

    I couldn't make it physically to the festival but the organization (Joshua) delivered skyrocketing levels of communication and genuine care to all those who took part in it!

    All the outputs shared by the festival (communications, visuals, social media) were professional and very well nailed :)

    My short "In Your Head" was nominated for the Incommodus Block and Joshua had the great kindness to inform us post-festivals and let us watch those projects that participated

    Even if I couldn't attend, Joshua you are a legend! More Joshuas please in the festival circuits!

    April 2024
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  • Olivia (Autumn) Rennie

    Super thankful for the opportunity to screen at Horrific Hope! I was so impressed by the kindness and care taken in all communications, and for fantastic social media support of the different films selected for the 2024 fest. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend, but it looked like a wonderful time and both my team and I were so appreciative of the chance to take part in a festival with a strong commitment to raising awareness about mental health. Thank you and hope to attend in subsequent years! :)

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Autumn, it was our absolute pleasure to screen The Feast and have its world premiere with us no less. The latter is incredibly humbling. Thank you for your kind words and we hope to see more of your films in future years.