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 6th 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.
While Texas premieres are preferred, Austin premieres will be accepted.

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.
70 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Mike McCutchen

    The Ethereal Horror Fest was an unforgettable experience, showcasing a dynamic lineup of thrilling films from around the world. Elizabeth and her incredible team went above and beyond to champion independent art, and their passion for film shined through every aspect of the event. From the thoughtfully curated programming to the fantastic venue, every detail was top-notch. I had an absolute blast and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, high-quality festival experience!

    December 2024
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  • Orin Black

    Wonderful festival. Perfectly curated films, events, and activities. The whole Ethereal team were such excellent hosts. Very responsive and awesome.

    November 2024
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  • Furloughed Monster

    Ethereal Horror Fest was top notch. Great films, people, and venue. We were honored to be selected amongst such great projects. The festival was an awesome combination of screenings, workshops, and Q & A’s. It was an overall great experience / weekend in Austin.

    November 2024
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  • Rod Sáez Chávez

    Thank you for everything
    Really

    November 2024
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  • Janelle Lee Austin

    As a lifelong fan of horror since the '80s, discovering the Ethereal Horror Festival last year felt like finding a haunted treasure chest tailored for fans like me. Held at Spiderhouse in 2023, the festival impressed me with its seamless organization, thoughtfully curated film selection, and the camaraderie of horror enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the genre we love. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to dive in again this year, but this time, I wanted to be more involved.

    Volunteering as a screener turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my year. Watching shorts and features from across the globe was not only thrilling but also an incredible education in the breadth of creativity within horror. The reviewing process was straightforward, and the organizers maintained constant, clear communication, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Pushing myself further out of my comfort zone, I submitted a short film script with my writing team. To our delight, we were named runners-up and then discovered we’d won the opportunity to have a table read during the VIP event—a surreal and rewarding moment.

    This year’s festival made a brilliant move to the AFS Cinemas, which elevated the experience even further. The larger space allowed for better networking opportunities, the seating was incredibly comfortable, legendary red carpet opportunities, and the screenings themselves felt more immersive. One standout for me was the feature documentary SPYRAL, which went beyond traditional horror themes to tackle the terrifying reality of mental health struggles and the challenges of accessing proper help. It was a poignant reminder of the power of horror as a lens to explore societal issues as well.

    The festival’s awards ceremony added a dose of fun and flair, with creative characters taking center stage and a sense of graciousness that permeated the event. Kick Butt Coffee served as another fantastic venue, with its welcoming atmosphere, excellent audio setup, and intimate stage settings. My writing team was treated with professionalism and enthusiasm, and the panel discussions were particularly enlightening, offering valuable insights into the industry’s inner workings.

    If you’re a horror filmmaker, scriptwriter, or simply a fan of the macabre, I can’t recommend the Ethereal Horror Festival enough. Nestled in the vibrant city of Austin, TX, it’s a celebration of fear, creativity, and connection—a must-attend for anyone in the horror community.

    November 2024
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