COLORADO FESTIVAL OF HORROR is the centennial state's longest running horror convention and is proud to present its latest addition- the REEL HORRORS Short Film Fest!

Reel Horrors Film Festival was founded on the belief that we ALL have the capacity to fall in love with horror. As a one-day celebration of short-form terror, we aim to make the horror genre accessible to everyone— satisfying the diehard fans who have sustained the genre for decades, welcoming newcomers with fresh voices and diverse perspectives, and attracting cinema lovers who appreciate films that push stylistic and thematic boundaries.

Presented within the Colorado Festival of Horror, a weekend long convention featuring nationally recognized horror icons and diverse artists in the field with over 1,500 attendees from Colorado and beyond, Reel Horrors is in the unique position to blend the worlds of the independent film festival circuit and fan-driven culture of traditional horror conventions.

Rooted in Colorado, we proudly champion local filmmakers while embracing emerging international talents and debut storytellers who dare to challenge and redefine horror. We honor the genre’s rich history while seeking bold new visions that evolve its future—curating films that captivate, unsettle, and keep us up at night.

Our one day program will feature original short films; intros and talkbacks with filmmakers, actors, and horror fixtures; original programming; expert panel discussions; live podcasts; an award ceremony; and more...

Past guests have included such horror legends as Brinke Stevens, Lloyd Kaufman, Damien Leone and David Howard Thornton, MIchelle Bauer, Lynn Lowry, Monique Dupree, and Pam Grier.

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film
Best International Short
Best Colorado Short
Best Debut Short
Special Jury Awards TBA

Rules & Terms

1.) All types of horror short films are welcome including LGBTQ+, Sci-Fi horror, Comedy horror, horror adjacent- anything that fits under the genre umbrella.

2.) 30 minute maximum run time

3.) Must be received no later than Friday, August 1st, 2025

4.) Winners will be announced and awarded during the Festival

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • John Martinez

    I recently completed my first short and I was keen on submitting it to a few "Horror" Film Festivals. I was beyond excited when I heard my film "The Days of Knight: Chapter 3" was "officially selected" at the Colorado Festival of Horror - Let Me Be Short! Film Festival.
    I was also excited to see the great festival they put on. I thought I was in "horror" heaven. I'm definitely making plans to attend next year. It looked like a great and fun vibe.

    Thank you to the wonderful people that make the Colorado Festival of Horror - Let Me Be Short! Film Festival a reality! I truly appreciate it! You all have something good going on!

    Definitely submitting my next short with Colorado Festival of Horror - Let Me Be Short! Film Festival!

    September 2024
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  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for selecting "Bay For Blood" into your festival! The turnout was great, the screening was a lot of fun, and the Q&A was handled very professionally. Overall, this festival did a very successful job of making the filmmakers feel welcome and I will definitely consider submitting future projects to Colorado Festival of Horror - Let Me Be Short! Film Festival.

    September 2024
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  • Joseph Palmer

    Amazing festival. Honored to be part of it. Can't wait to go back next year 🤗

    September 2024
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  • Thomas A. Fowler

    Such a nice group of folks run Colorado Festival of Horror! So grateful to have won first place with the Audience Dark Participation Award. It was a blast to see the film with an audience and hear them laugh. Grateful to the Let Me Be Short! team for giving me and the cast that opportunity.

    September 2024
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