The Cosmic Holler Film Fest is a celebration of all things science fiction bringing together filmmakers and fans alike for a day full of otherworldly entertainment.

Set against the backdrop of the rolling hills of Eastern Kentucky, the Cosmic Holler Film Fest will take place in Ashland, KY on September 12th 2025. Selected films in each category will be featured at the Camp Landing Cinema with an official award ceremony to follow.

In addition to the one-day screening event and award ceremony, filmmakers will be provided with the opportunity to network with other filmmakers and industry experts. Our goal is to cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters creativity and empowers everyone from filmmakers, prop and set creators, to make up artists to bring the visions to life and create with us in Ashland, KY.

All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway to be considered for selection at the Cosmic Holler Film Fest.

Awards & Prizes

Grand Prize (Best In Show) - Awarded to the best film overall as voted on by both the audience and the Cosmic Holler Film Fest staff.

Karbler's Choice - Awarded to the film with the most votes from the attending audience.

Best Feature Film - Awarded to the top film running at more than 45 minutes.

Best Short Film - Awarded to the top film running less than 45 minutes.

Best Documentary - Awarded to the top documentary film selected.

Cosmic Holler Creative Award - Awarded to the top film made by somebody living in or from Kentucky.

More categories could be added based on amount of submissions selected.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility: Films cannot be more than a year old. Short films must be no longer than 30 minutes and feature films must be no shorter than 60 minutes.

Categories: Films will be judged on the following categories; Feature Film, Short Film, Documentary, Animation, Experimental Film, and Music Video.

Screening: Selected films will be screened at the Cinema at Camp Landing September 12th 2025. Filmmakers will be notified if their film has been selected on August 31st 2025. A schedule of the films play times will be announced closer to the date of the film festival. Winners will not be announced until the evening of September 12th at the film festival.

Judging: A panel of judges will be selected by the Cosmic Holler Film Fest committee. The panel will evaluate the selected films and choose a winner in each category. The festival organizers may also allow audience voting for a people’s choice award.

Awards: Awards will be presented the evening of the festival at an official award ceremony. Awards will be presented to the winner in each category.
Rights: Filmmakers retain all rights to their films. By submitting a film to Cosmic Holler Film Fest, filmmakers grant the festival organizers the right to screen the film during the festival and to use clips from the film for promotional purposes.

Publicity: The Cosmic Holler Film Fest organizers may use filmmaker names, film titles, images and trailers for festival publicity purposes. The festival organizers may also conduct interviews with selected filmmakers for promotional purposes.

Film Review: All films submitted will be reviewed at least once.
Submission fees: Submission fees are non-refundable

Other Terms: The festival organizers reserve the right to change any of the rules and terms at any time.

6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jeff Boarts

    I had an absolutely wonderful experience! The team behind Cosmic Holler put in a lot of work to highlight the films shown. The love they have for indie sci-fi films was on full display. The theater was amazing! Everyone involved was very kind and helpful. I'm really proud to have had my film "Crystal Quest" shown there. It was an opportunity that I'll never forget. Thank you so much!!

    December 2024
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  • Justin Meckes

    We were thrilled to see our experimental short, "Purgatory," screen alongside such a great lineup of films. This festival is highly polished in its professionalism and presentation of films. It's a real feather in our cap, and screening the same weekend William Shatner was the keynote speaker is an unbelievable bonus.

    October 2024
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  • Joel Cordial

    Out of this world festival! Had such a blast! Definitely going back! I can't wait.

    January 2024
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  • Cynthia Bergen

    All stars! Thank you so much for screening The Astral Woods, Award Winner Best Feature Film. Keep up the good work supporting Indie Filmmakers. Cynthia Bergen

    October 2023
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  • Richard Lounello

    An extremely well run festival which is very impressive for a 1st year festival. The organizers put together a great line-up and are very friendly and welcoming. The communication was outstanding and the venue is spectacular! I'm very honored to have my short film "LifeQuest" be named Best In Show and awarded a fantastic one-of-a-kind hand crafted trophy (which is really a work of art!). Thanks so much for a great experience!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Richard! Thanks for the amazing feedback! We so appreciate you making the trip to support us in our first year! We are already excited for next year and hope you submit again!!!!