FERATUM FILM FESTIVAL was born in Tlalpujahua, Michoacán, Mexico, in 2012 with the aim of promoting the fantasy genre both nationally and internationally. Today, it is considered one of the most important genre film festivals in Latin America. In fact, the American magazine Dread Central included FERATUM in its list of the best genre festivals in the world.

Since 2020, Pátzcuaro has become the official venue for the festival. This "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town), also located in Michoacán, is internationally known for its iconic Day of the Dead celebration, making it an ideal setting for a festival of this kind.

The festival features official competitions for Mexican, Ibero-American, and international films, with awards such as the “Bronze Nosferatu,” the “Feratum Tower,” and the “Alucarda Award.” It also hosts exclusive premieres with the participation of directors, producers, and actors. FERATUM has become a meeting point for professionals in the genre film industry and a platform for emerging creators. Moreover, the winning films have the opportunity to compete for the FANTLATAM Grand Prize, organized by the Latin American Alliance of Fantasy Film Festivals.

The festival has honored important figures in cinema with the “Golden Nosferatu,” its highest distinction. Some of the recipients include Mick Garris, Brian Yuzna, Zé do Caixão, Lloyd Kaufman, Bertha Navarro, Eugenio Caballero, Alfonso Arau, Elpidia Carrillo, Ignacio López Tarso, Tina Romero (Alucarda), Hugo Stiglitz, María Rojo, Juan Carlos Colombo, Sergio Klainer, Lorena Velázquez, and Nicolás Celis, among others.

In its 14-year history, FERATUM has programmed over 1,300 films from around the world, more than 170 of which have been exclusive premieres in Mexico and Latin America.

In addition to screenings, the festival organizes educational activities such as masterclasses, workshops, and lectures led by industry professionals.

In 2022, FERATUM launched the FERATUM Residency, a lab designed for the development of fantasy feature film projects. This program collaborates with prestigious festivals such as SITGES – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia – and the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG), facilitating the participation of projects in their industry-related activities.

The festival attracts over 30,000 attendees and is well known for the “March of the Beasts,” one of its most iconic events, where more than 8,000 people dressed as monsters parade through the town’s streets.

FERATUM is part of several film networks, including the Latin American Alliance of Fantasy Film Festivals (FANTLATAM), the Mexican Network of Film Festivals (REDMEXFEST), the Ibero-American Network of Film Festivals (REDIBEROFEST), and the Michoacán Network of Film Festivals. Additionally, films screened at FERATUM are eligible for the Ariel Awards, granted by the Mexican Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences.

Awards & Prizes

FERATUM AWARDS
CONFINES SECTION – International Competition

Feature Film – Fiction
*Torre Feratum for Best International Film
*Torre Feratum for Best Horror Film
*Torre Feratum for Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Film
Short Film
*Torre Feratum for Best International Fiction Short Film
*Torre Feratum for Best Animated Short Film

IBERO-AMERICAN FANTASTIC SECTION
Feature Film – Fiction
*Torre Feratum for Best Ibero-American Feature Film
*Torre Feratum for Best Science Fiction and/or Fantasy Feature Film
*Torre Feratum for Best Horror Feature Film

Winners will be considered for the FANTLATAM Awards 2026, within the framework of Ventana Sur 2026.

ALUCARDA SECTION – Mexican Competition
Feature Film
*Alucarda Award for Best Mexican Feature Film
*Alucarda Award for Best Director
*Alucarda Award for Best Screenplay
*Alucarda Award for Best Cinematography
*Alucarda Award for Best Production Design
*Alucarda Award for Best Actor
*Alucarda Award for Best Actress

Short Film
*Alucarda Award for Best Mexican Short Film
*Alucarda Award for Best Horror Short Film
*Alucarda Award for Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Short Film
*Alucarda Award for Best Screenplay
*Alucarda Award for Best Actor
*Alucarda Award for Best Actress

SHORT FILM SCREENWRITING COMPETITION
*CTT AWARD
*ARCELLA ACADEMY AWARD
*TERRIER FILMS AWARD
*DIABLO PANZON AWARD

(Read the full terms and conditions below or on the official website)

JURY AND DECISIONS
*The jury will be composed of filmmakers and specialists in fantastic cinema.
*Jury decisions are final, and awards may be declared void.
*Results will be announced during the awards ceremony and on the festival’s official platforms.
*Awards will be presented during the festival; in case of force majeure, a new date will be announced.
*Shipping costs for awards to absent winners will be covered by the beneficiary.

Rules & Terms

FERATUM FILM FESTIVAL opens its 2026 call for entries for Mexican and international short and feature films, inviting all fantastic cinema productions to participate, including the genres of Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and their related subgenres.
Selected films will be part of the FERATUM 2026 Official Selection and will be programmed in the following sections, at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

OFFICIAL SECTIONS
ALUCARDA SECTION – Mexican Production
Competition
*Mexican Feature Film Fiction Competition
*Mexican Short Film Fiction Competition
*Showcase – Out of Competition
*Fiction feature films and short films
*Animation
*Documentary and experimental

CONFINES SECTION – International Production
Competition
*International Feature Film Fiction Competition
*International Short Film Fiction Competition
*International feature film showcase

IBERO-AMERICAN FANTASTIC SECTION
Competition
*Ibero-American Feature Film Fiction Competition
*Fiction feature film showcase
*Documentary and experimental feature film showcase
*Documentary and experimental short film showcase

INTERNATIONAL ANIMATED SHORT FILM SECTION
Competition
*International Animated Short Film Competition
*Animated short film showcase

GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. FERATUM FILM FESTIVAL will take place in November 2026.
2. FERATUM promotes fantastic cinema with the aim of supporting filmmakers and creating new spaces for exhibition, promotion, and distribution.
3. Films in the Official Selection and Showcases will be chosen by a Selection Committee, whose decisions are final.
4. The call opens on January 9 and closes on August 10, 2026.
5. Entries are open to short films and feature films wishing to compete or to be part of exhibition showcases.
6. Works must be submitted by directors, producers, and/or distributors.
7. All participants must pay the corresponding submission fees.
8. An unlimited number of works may be submitted, provided they comply with the established genres.
9. There are no restrictions regarding the original production format.
10. Works must have been produced between 2025 and 2026.
11. If selected, a technical sheet, acceptance of rules letter, and screening authorization will be required.
12. Feature films premiering at FERATUM may receive complimentary accommodation at the Michoacán venue, as well as red carpet organization (subject to availability).
13. The Selection Committee will resolve any unforeseen situations.
14. Films must comply with all requirements to be accepted.
15. The FERATUM 2026 Official Selection will be announced in September 2026 on social media and the official website.
16. Once participation is accepted, films may not be withdrawn from the competition.
17. FERATUM may use clips or trailers from selected films for promotional purposes.
18. Selected works may be included in special showcases, collaborations with other festivals, or the FERATUM Tour 2026 or 2027, with prior authorization.

REGISTRATION AND SUBMISSION
Submission Platform
Submissions must be made exclusively through:
FILMFREEWAY
https://filmfreeway.com/FeratumInternationalFantasticFilmFestival
Submissions made through other means will not be considered.

FILM LENGTH
*Feature Films:
Minimum length of 60 minutes and maximum of 120 minutes.

*Short Films:
More than 2 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes.

SUBMISSION FEES
CONFINES SECTION – International Production

Regular Deadline (June 15)

*Feature Film: $25 USD
*Fiction Short Film: $20 USD
*Animated Short Film: $20 USD

Late Deadline

*Feature Film: $30 USD
*Fiction Short Film: $25 USD
*Animated Short Film: $25 USD

ALUCARDA SECTION – Mexican Production

Regular Deadline (June 15)

*Feature Film: $25 USD
*Short Film: $20 USD

Late Deadline

*Feature Film: $30 USD
*Short Film: $25 USD

IBERO-AMERICAN FANTASTIC SECTION

Regular Deadline (June 15)
*Feature Film: $25 USD

Late Deadline

*Feature Film: $30 USD

REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED FILMS
*Final screening formats:
DCP for feature films

For short films:
*Apple ProRes 422 HQ (1920 × 1080, 23.97 fps, NTSC)
*QuickTime H.264, 24 fps
*Films in languages other than Spanish must include Spanish subtitles.
*Mandatory trailer submission.
*Deadline for delivery of final copy and materials: August 31, 2026.*Shipping costs are the responsibility of the producer, director, or distributor.
*Selected films will receive an Official Selection Letter with detailed information.
33 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Sam MdoLeón

    So happy and honored to be a part of this great festival.

    December 2025
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  • Douglas Luciuk

    Thank you Feratum for inviting our feature film (Welcome to Kittytown) to your festival. It was a real honour to be part of such an incredible event. Wishing you all the best in 2026!

    December 2025
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  • Alfredo Hernandez Alvarez

    Un excelente festival de cine fantástico, gracias por las atenciones.

    December 2025
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  • Julio Mújica

    We returned to Feratum after 10 years, this time with a feature film, just to reaffirm that it's the best horror film festival in Mexico. A huge thank you to Mike and the organizers for the opportunity to present our film, and we hope to return next year.

    November 2025
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  • Gerardo Oñate

    Una experiencia espectacular poder volver al Feratum Film Fest y celebrar lo que es el cine de terror y fantástico de México y del mundo. Un festival que siempre nos inspira a seguir trabajando en nuestras historias para eventualmente llevarlas a la pantalla y acercarla a la audiencia que consideramos puede disfrutarla.
    Así es como nuestro cortometraje chilango de terror-cumbiero "El Vocho del Averno" se dio una vuelta hasta las mismísimas tierras que nos vieron crecer y eventualmente convertirnos en realizadores, y mismo que esperamos hayan disfrutado, porque nosotros lo pasamos de lujo escribiéndolo, levantándolo, produciéndolo, filmándolo y ahora compartiéndolo.
    MIL GRACIAS, Feratum Film Fest y larga vida.

    November 2025
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