The Ax Wound Film Festival features an eclectic selection of horror films written and directed by women and non-binary filmmakers from around the world.

Special Notice regarding 2021:

Since 2015, the festival has taken place at the Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery in Brattleboro, VT. Due to the pandemic, we canceled in 2020 and airing on the side of caution, we will host the 2021 festivities on the virtual platform, Eventive.

“Ax Wound showcases features, shorts, and trailers and offers plenty of panels and networking opportunities, plus a long list of attending moviemakers and other guests, all part of a friendly, supportive environment for female talent. Diversity is not just Ax Wound’s mission statement; it also describes the impressive variety of themes and subjects of its showcased films.” -MovieMaker Magazine

Awards & Prizes

•All selected filmmakers are eligible to be 1 of 10 winners to receive a copy of Final Draft Screenwriting software.

•Ax Wound Film Festival is partnering with Videomaker to provide complimentary digital magazine subscriptions to all filmmakers submitting their films in 2021. We will have details included in the final notification emails.

•All accepted filmmakers will be invited to take part in a live virtual Q&A, be featured on our social media channels, website, and other potential opportunities TBA.

Rules & Terms

•All submissions must be written and directed by women and non-binary filmmakers.

•Films will be considered regardless of year, premiere status, or current availability online. However, once selected we kindly request all public links to that film be made temporarily private (i.e. YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, etc.) through the completion of the festival.

•If your film is selected it is incredibly important that all files and accompanying assets be received no later than November 11, 2021. This will provide the organizers with enough time to successfully upload, test, and catch any potential technical glitches and ensure a smooth and frustration-free virtual experience for you and the audience.

31 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Angela Atwood

    Ax Wound is a wonderful, warm-hearted, inspiring festival. Lady Hunters got to play in a gorgeously curated block, and that is no small feat! All the films we saw that weekend were terrific, and I got to meet some really fantastic filmmakers. Communication was always easy and friendly, the marketing and images are cool and fun, and it was just lovely getting to hang out and support other female horror filmmakers. Such a warm, friendly group, a standard that is set by its incredibly warm, professional, caring, and friendly director!

    February 2020
    Helpful
  • Diana Porter

    This festival is the best of Women Empowering Women and it is just so wonderful! The greet you with an EXCELLENT swag bag and free snacks and drinks. The Theatre is intimate and it helps create an environment where networking is easy. We're all watching movies together and afterwards we discuss them! The town is adorable and it's an easy walk to a few cute spots to grab a meal. I met a TON of wonderful film makers, who I have had continued contact with and am planning future project with at least 2! Love it!
    The Organizers go above and beyond promoting the films and reaching out to film makers. They aren't just friendly, they are AMAZING. I don't plan to have a film ready to submit next year, but I will attend.

    December 2019
    Helpful
  • Georgina French

    I wasn't able to attend the festival unfortunately, but the communication leading up to the festival was warm and friendly. Thank you very much for supporting Women in Horror and for supporting our film in particular :) Hope to make it over the pond to Vermont another year. Best wishes

    December 2019
    Helpful
  • Wanda Nolan

    I highly recommend submitting to AxWound. Their passion for horror and horror audiences is incredible. Communication was great. And, their support for filmmakers through social media posts was really appreciated. I hope to show there again so that I can make it to Vermount to take part!

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • January Jones

    I was thrilled to have Lone Wolf included in Ax Wound Film Festival's official selection. I was unable to attend the festival but communication and social media shout-outs were great. I will definitely submit again and would love to attend in the future.

    November 2019
    Helpful