Moviemaker Magazine's World's 50 Best Genre Festivals

Dead Central's The Best Horror Festivals in the World 2021

"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 2024 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.
80 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Will Carington

    We had such a good time screening at Brooklyn Horror :) Really thoughtful and welcoming programmers and overall great vibes. Thanks so much guys!

    November 2023
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  • Esteban Bailey

    Wonderful festival! One of the best genre festivals I've been to and the whole staff was very accommodating. Would definitely recommend all genre filmmakers submit to this festival!

    November 2023
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  • Daisy Fulgham

    While I didn't get to go in person, Brooklyn rolled out the red carpet for my actors and production team! We had an amazing, sold out shorts screening among a bunch of quality films. The Brooklyn audience is super engaged. Great fest and great group of people.

    November 2023
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  • Elizabeth Cappuccino

    I’ve attended a handful of festivals through the years either participating in the festival or as a guest— sxsw, tribeca, tiff, etc and Brooklyn Horror stands with the best of them. The diversity or programmers and programming was exceptional— they created a welcoming environment where each film and filmmakers felt so special. Incredible communication and extra festival bonus screenings. Wonderful networking opportunities that felt so grounded in shared love for filmmaking and love of the huge umbrella genre that is horror. 10/10 would recommend

    November 2023
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  • Archie Sinclair

    Brooklyn Horror Film Festival was the best experience I've had as a filmmaker going to festivals. The quality of the other films programmed was incredible and an honor to play alongside them. Everyone the is lovely and so passionate about film and horror and the vibe is unbeatable. I'll be back every year I possibly can be. Huge thank you to Joseph, Matt and all the rest of the team for having us and putting on such an incredible festival! - Luigi

    November 2023
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