Chicago Horror Film Festival

***PLEASE READ ALL RULES & TERMS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR FILM***

The Festival is open to any film that might be considered a horror film, or anything of a disturbing nature, dark art and/or frightening. Horror Sci-Fi, Horror Thriller, Animated Horror, Found-Footage Horror, Fan-Film Horror...

**All Non-English films must have English subtitles permanently embedded in the video**

We are only accepting submissions via online screener here on filmfreeway.com.

Rules for Submissions

The rules are basic but necessary. Please take a quick look at the info below before you submit.

I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree:

I have read, understated and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements.

To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this submission are true.

This film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation.

I am duly authorized to submit this film to the festival.

I hold The Chicago Horror Film Festival harmless from any damage to the print(s) or media materials(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film.

I hold The Chicago Horror Film Festival its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry.

I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the entered work.

I give permission for The Chicago Horror Film Festival to use stills, trailers, titles, copy, and/or information for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, YouTube platforms, live events, and the festival’s website. Any obstruction or interference with the festival's operations, promotions, or screenings may result in disqualification at our sole discretion

The submission fee does not guarantee that your film will be selected for screening, as all selections are based solely on the judges' scores. Films accepted for screening hold no cash value, and we make no guarantee that your film will be shown live, including but not limited to cases involving file errors, technical issues, or format incompatibilities of the files that you send. We are not responsible for, nor do we undertake, the fixing, editing, or adjusting of any submitted files.

Physical awards and paper certificates will only be distributed to winners who are present at the event, and their availability is limited. After the event, all winners will receive a downloadable PDF of the certificate via email. Additionally, participants will have the option to purchase a physical trophy for an additional cost, which includes shipping and handling.

I give permission for The Chicago Horror Film Festival to screen the film at the Festival live and online for which it was submitted.

I acknowledge and agree that, upon selection, I am prohibited from withdrawing my film from the festival for any reason whatsoever within 30 days prior to the event. I also grant the festival the right to screen my film during the event.

If selected I will provide The Chicago Horror Film Festival with a digital copy of my films movie poster (in vertical format) for use on the festival website.

Zero Tolerance Policy for Inappropriate Conduct:
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for rude, disruptive, or unprofessional behavior — both in person and online. This includes conduct at live events, as well as on social media, email communications, or any public or private interactions directed toward or involving the Chicago Horror Film Festival (CHFF) and its staff. Any filmmaker, cast member, crew member, or guest who engages in such behavior may be subject to immediate removal from the event. Furthermore, any film associated with individuals exhibiting inappropriate conduct may be disqualified from the festival and removed from the program at the sole discretion of CHFF. CHFF also reserves the right to void any submissions, nominations, and/or awards associated with individuals or projects found to be in violation of this policy.

Regional Screening Restriction:
Due to the rise of first-time and unestablished (“fly-by-night”) festivals, and in order to protect the integrity, ranking, and long-standing reputation of the Chicago Horror Film Festival within the film festival industry, selected films may not be screened at any other film festival or public event in Illinois within 60 days prior to CHFF. Failure to comply may result in disqualification, removal from the program, and/or forfeiture of nominations and awards at CHFF’s sole discretion.

Rule: No AI-Generated Films
All submitted films must be created by human filmmakers. Entries that use AI to generate scripts, footage, animation, voices, or other primary creative elements will not be accepted. Traditional tools (e.g., editing software, color correction, sound mixing, VFX software) are allowed, but the core storytelling, direction, acting, and artistic creation must be human-made.

Any submission found to rely primarily on AI-generated content will be disqualified.

By attending our events, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to this policy.