Submissions are now open for Deadhead Film Festival 2026!

Deadhead Productions Film Festival Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded to educate and serve the public through independent film exhibitions and educational initiatives that uplift underrepresented filmmakers, particularly women and artists from West Virginia and Appalachia, while fostering creative opportunity and dialogue.

Submissions open February 1st, 2026 and close August 8th, 2026.

The festival takes place October 3rd, 2026 at the Historic Alban Arts Center in St. Albans, West Virginia with a networking reception to follow next door at 63 Main Events / Die Rise Kill LLC.

Through this festival, we hope to support, educate, and inspire West Virginians and encourage participation in local film industries. Aiming to get people involved in the independent film scene to bring film productions, of all sizes, to the mountain state. Though this event is rooted in West Virginia, submissions are open internationally for short horror films.

What to Expect When Attending our Fest:

Short Film Screenings - A handpicked selection of the best independent horror films, based off of our submissions, showcasing innovative storytelling and achievement in filmmaking.

Networking Events - Connect with fellow horror lovers, industry professionals, and up-and-coming filmmakers.

Women in Horror Spotlight - A dedicated award and cash prize, recognizing a female talent or production for its innovation in industry.

Connect with Local Artists - Learn more about filmmaking in the Mountain State by engaging with local filmmakers and creators eager to share their craft.

Tickets will be on sale through the Alban Arts Center!
Secure your spot today by visiting our official ticketing page:
👉 On The Stage – Deadhead Horror Film Fest
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/alban-arts-center/685990638b0c605497a1554e

Stay updated on programming, submission info, and more by following us on Instagram @deadheadfilmfest

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Horror Short Film
Grand Prize ($1,000 Cash Prize) Presented by Deadhead Productions Film Festival Foundation

Deadhead Women in Film Award
Special Prize ($500) Presented by Deadhead Productions LLC

Mothman Award - Presented to local WV production
Special Prize ($250) Presented by Deadhead Productions Film Festival Foundation

Best Practical SFX presented by Die Rise Kill, LLC.

Additional Awards Include:
Best Director
Best Animated Short
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Performance
Most Horrifying
Audience Choice Award

*Will be considered upon entries for main categories and will receive Deadhead trophy and a spot in the screening block

Rules & Terms

Deadhead Film Festival defines a short film as any film with a running time of 30 minutes or less, including credits. Any film longer than 30 minutes will not be considered. Minimum runtime of 5 minutes.

Deadhead Film Festival celebrates the genre of horror through its submissions. Films that stray too far from the designated genre of horror will not be accepted (ex. comedy, romance, action). FILMS DEPICTING HATE CRIMES OR SYMBOLS OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU WILL BE BLOCKED FROM ALL FUTURE SUBMISSIONS AND AFFILIATIONS WITH DEADHEAD PRODUCTIONS FILM FESTIVAL FOUNDATION.

NO AI GENERATED FILMS or VERTICAL CONTENT AT THIS TIME.

All applicants must complete the official festival submission form located on FilmFreeway. Films submitted by mail, email, or any other form will not be considered.

Deadhead Film Festival is under no obligation to provide comments/feedback regarding submitted projects to any applicant.

Due to the number of films submitted, not all films will be screened. Films that are screened at the festival will be Official Selections. The prescreening committee will look for evidence of individualized participation within the medium, sensitivity in regards to the content of the film and an appreciation of creativity.

When submitting, PLEASE include the following information:

Contact email and phone number
Short description of your film

Cast + crew
Poster or thumbnail
Will be judged against the other submissions from the same category, and all submissions, regardless of category, will be considered for the “Best Horror Short Film.”