In 1999 we ran the three day horror film event/convention, The International Festival of Darkness that took place in Baltimore, MD that took place Nov 1st with over one thousand in attendance. We screened over 80 independent horror & sci-fi movies including director Michael Dougherty's 2d animated short Season's Greetings, the pre curser to his 2007 horror hit Trick 'r Treat.

We're now back with Atomic Monster Weekend 2023 Film Fest. If you're an indie horror filmmaker, and have a short, full length feature or work in progress, we'd love to showcase your work. We accept all mediums from live action to animation, and will have a jury of industry professionals judge each film. We'll also be giving out awards to all the winners.

Awards & Prizes

Jury Prize for Spookiest Feature Film
Jury Prize for Goriest Feature Film
Jury Prize for Spookiest Short Film
Jury Prize for Goriest Short Film
Jury Prize for Best Special FX
Audience Award for Feature Film
Audience Award for Short Film

Rules & Terms

The 1st annual Atomic Monster Weekend Horror Film Festival will take place October 27-29, 2023

1. Submission Deadlines
Submissions will be accepted from September 19, 2022. The final deadline is September 1 2023. Early entry is encouraged but in no way guarantees acceptance.

2. Submission Eligibility
- All submissions must have been completed before August 1, 2023
- Atomic Monster Weekend Horror Film Festival requires at least a Arizona Premiere for any feature or short film.
- Works-in-progress are accepted.

3. Premiere Status
Feature Films and Short Films must be at least Arizona Premieres: they must not have been released in the state of Arizona on any format.

4. Selection of Films
Submissions are reviewed and selected under the following criteria:
- Quality of narrative and production values
- Independent nature of the production

5. Festival Screenings
Atomic Monster Weekend Horror Film Festival has the capability to screen Digital Cinema Package (DCP). Blu-ray may be used as well.

6. Scheduling
No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection nor add screening fees.