Ethereal Horror Fest is the ultimate indie genre film festival, celebrating visionary storytelling and spine-chilling cinema in Austin, TX. With free student submissions, extensive media exposure, and exclusive networking opportunities, we empower filmmakers to shine.

Now in its 7th year, our filmmaker-built festival understands the passion and challenges of the creative process. Official selections enjoy interviews with top media outlets, live Q&As, and connections with agents, distributors, and producers.

Beyond screenings, we offer a full convention experience with networking, entertainment, and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding talent. Ethereal Horror Fest is where creativity and community thrive—join us to celebrate the art of horror!

Previous Guest Speakers at Ethereal Horror Fest

Aaron B. Koontz: Acclaimed filmmaker and producer known for horror hits like The Pale Door and Scare Package.

Jennifer Hutchins: Founder of the All Entertainment Business and an expert in media and film networking.

Jessica Sloan: Acting consultant and community leader, specializing in guiding actors and filmmakers in the film industry.

Juliet Landau: Actress, director, and producer best known for her role as Drusilla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel.

Nicole Riccardo: Digital marketing strategist helping creatives grow their online presence and monetize their work.

Owen Egerton: Award-winning filmmaker, author, and storyteller known for his work in horror and dark comedy.

Stephen Belyeu: Creator of The Night Owl Podcast, exploring the paranormal through investigative storytelling.

Stormie Steen: Makeup artist recognized for her work on films like Dead Billy and Uncle Max.

William Instone: Horror filmmaker and paranormal investigator with a talent for blending genre storytelling with the supernatural.

Damien and Nicole: Founders of ParaHouse, a platform dedicated to paranormal investigations and storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

25+ physical awards are presented at the awards ceremony including, Best Short Film, Best Micro Short, Best Extended Shorts and Best Feature Film.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Requirements

All films must be completed on or after January 1, 2022.
Submissions must be in English or include English subtitles.
Films and screenplays must be the applicant's original work.

Indemnification Clause

By submitting materials to Ethereal Horror Fest LLC, the applicant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Ethereal Horror Fest LLC, its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or related to the submission of materials to the festival.

Third-Party Claims

The applicant further agrees to indemnify and defend Ethereal Horror Fest LLC against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in connection with any third-party claims, whether or not groundless, based on any film, screenplay, or other materials submitted to the festival.

Adherence to Rules

Failure to comply with competition rules and regulations will result in disqualification and forfeiture of the submission fee.

Intellectual Property Protection

Unauthorized use of the festival's name, logo, likeness, or any proprietary material is strictly prohibited and will result in legal action. Ethereal Horror Fest LLC reserves the right to seek all legal remedies, including but not limited to damages and injunctive relief, for any infringement or unauthorized use of its intellectual property.

Anti-Defamation Policy

Any individual or entity found attempting to harm or defame the reputation of Ethereal Horror Fest LLC will be held legally accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

By submitting materials, the applicant acknowledges and agrees to these terms and conditions.
77 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • staci mallett

    I was unable to attend this festival. I was told my script would be in the Script Bible for producers to review.
    I appreciated the opportunity to submit to Ethereal Horror Fest and the consideration given to my work.
    I did experience some confusion with the notification process, as I received a finalist notice followed later by a quarterfinalist notice. It wasn’t clear whether this reflected a change in status or overlapping communications.
    Clearer sequencing or clarification in these notifications would be helpful for filmmakers tracking their submission outcomes.
    CORRECTION: I reviewed emails from this festival and I was unclear on official selection and final selection. I am new to festivals so please excuse the review error. Thank you!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your submission and for taking the time to share your feedback. We genuinely appreciate the opportunity to improve the experience for filmmakers and writers.

    For clarity, our FilmFreeway records show that this project was selected as a Quarterfinalist, which is the only status notification issued for this submission. We do not show a finalist notification being sent, and all status communications are tracked and monitored directly through the FilmFreeway platform.

    Quarterfinalist projects were showcased live at the festival, including on-site displays. You may be referring to the Script Bible, which was presented in person at the event and highlighted throughout our festival materials and on-site imagery. This resource is available for all attendees to review during the festival.

    We did not have a record of attendance for this submission, so we would welcome clarification regarding the one-star networking rating, as networking opportunities take place in person during the event.

    Any additional insight into the low ratings for quality and value would also be greatly appreciated, as this feedback helps us continue to refine and improve the festival experience.

    We’re always happy to clarify selection status or programming details directly and encourage filmmakers to reach out so we can address any questions promptly. We appreciate your submission and wish you continued success with your work and hope to connect in the future.

  • Asmi Chandola

    Thank you Ethereal Horror Fest for nominating my short film in your program. I was very disheartened to not have been able to attend, but the communication with the team made me feel like I was there. Your socials were great, thank you for the work that the organisers and volunteers put in and let us absentees also feel included. Next year, I will visit for sure.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Laura Patterson

    Great festival run by really fantastic people, and the communication with filmmakers was excellent. I'd like to have seen more filmmaker Q&A's with the audience and other filmmakers present (these were done on camera instead) - but the networking brunch was well-attended, and I'd love to have gone on the ghost tour if I could've stayed up that late!!

    November 2025
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  • Roger Conners

    Ethereal Horror Fest absolutely lived up to its namesake, providing a heavenly experience ran by a predominantly female-led team. We are so thankful that our features MEAT was able to be screened as part of this event, and we look forward to having another opportunity to return Austin again in coming years!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Michael Kuciak

    The Ethereal Horror Fest was kind enough to give my film Knife nominations in multiple categories. My interactions with the festivals were pleasant and professional. I'm very much looking forward to submitting future works to the fest.

    November 2025
    Helpful