"I think it's become really just terrific, one of the best, now that it's all set at the Nitehawk. The feeling was just so electric." - Colors of the Dark Podcast

Moviemaker Magazine's World's 50 Best Genre Festivals

Dead Central's The Best Horror Festivals in the World

"One of the country’s premier indie horror showcases." - Vulture

"It was an ambitious event for a young festival and they pulled it off beautifully, placing them firmly on the annual festival calendar in years to come." - Film Threat

"A can’t-miss fall event for horror and film fans alike" -Birth.Movies.Death

"BHFF has established itself as a worthy addition to the horror festival circuit." -Entertainment Weekly

"Pushing the boundaries of what can reasonably be termed horror." -Rue Morgue

"The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival has already asserted itself as a must-attend genre gathering for horror lovers everywhere" -We Got This Covered

"The programming and events clearly display a passion for horror." -Bloody Disgusting

Stretching eight days, the festival will offer the bulk of its screening and events on the weekend, while the weekday schedule will be lighter.

The festival will also continue with our annual HEAD TRIP shorts program, which previously was expanded into a feature film sidebar spotlighting films that push the boundaries and expectations of the horror genre.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Director
Special Jury Awards
Audience Choice Award

Rules & Terms

The 2025 festival considers short films 45 minutes or less and feature films of 46 minutes or longer. Works in progress are accepted- please note.

One entry per submission fee.

All feature films must be at minimum a NY Premiere. Short films must not have played in NYC in the 30 days prior to our festival and a NY Premiere is preferred.

Films can not be publicly available online prior to the festival dates.

Entries must be in English or subtitled/dubbed in English.

It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to clear all rights before your film screens at the festival. By submitting you agree: I shall indemnify and hold harmless Brooklyn Horror Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

By submitting, if accepted, you agree to grant the festival the right to use film images promotional purposes.

Fees:
Submission fees are not refundable. The festival does not pay screening fees.
103 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gabriel Rosenstein

    Being part of the 2024 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this fest is all about celebrating the genre and the people who make it. The programming was sharp and incredibly thoughtful.

    We have to give major props to Joe Hernandez, the lead shorts programmer, who not only curated a killer lineup but also made every filmmaker feel valued. His insightful Q&As and ability to foster connections between everyone—filmmakers, audiences, and industry folks— stood out.

    Screening Hammer at the Nitehawk Cinema with such an engaged crowd was a thrill, and we were even honored with the Home Invasion Award. If you’re making horror, you need to get your work in front of this audience. BHFF is something special, and we’re so grateful to have been part of it.
    -The "Hammer" Team

    January 2025
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  • Nicole Tegelaar

    I love this festival so much! I hope to visit one day to meet all these great people irl! Thank you for selecting my short!

    November 2024
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  • Julian Higgins

    BHFF is the gold standard of filmmaker-focused festivals. Communication was timely and personal, film delivery was a breeze, image and sound quality at the venue were the best we've experienced. But above all else, Joseph and the whole BHFF team make it clear in everything they do that they care about their filmmakers. We had a fantastic time attending the festival, and made meaningful connections and friendships because of their impeccable curation and the beautiful community BHFF fosters. To top it all off, our film LADY PARTS was awarded Best Production Design—truly a dream experience from start to finish!

    November 2024
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  • Case Avron

    BHFF is beautifully run festival with an amazing community behind it. Joseph to every other programer and staff member at the festival are kind, communicative, and really care about the filmmakers first. Great events, theaters, and films!

    November 2024
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  • Mike Williamson

    Awesome festival with passionate, attentive staff. Great programming, fantastic venue. Incredible community atmosphere and enthusiastic audiences. Highly recommended, and I can’t wait to be back!

    November 2024
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