THE ORGANISATION
FrightFest (FF) was founded in 2000 and is the U.K.'s premiere fantasy, thriller and horror film festival.
ELIGIBILITY
FF is open to short films, television series, feature and documentary fantasy, thriller and horror films of all production techniques, forms and budgets.
The primary contact completing the submission process must be authorised to submit the film for consideration. Films submitted must have permission from a distributor or sales agent representing the film, and the applicant must have obtained necessary clearances for the inclusion of any copyrighted music and images used. With this submission, the applicant confirms that they possess all rights necessary for the screening of the submitted film. Only films completed after February 2019 are eligible. Films previously submitted to FF will not be considered. Features and shorts available online will also not be considered.
SUBMISSIONS
FF only accepts submissions via FilmFreeway. FF guarantees that your film will never be used in any way other than that to which you agree.
SUBMISSION FEES
There is a submission fee to enter your film. All submissions are final, and there are no refunds.
MULTIPLE ENTRIES
You may enter as many films as you wish. Each entry requires a separate submission form, fee and upload.
CONTACT
For all enquiries, please contact frightfest@mac.com
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS
If the original language of any dialogue or text featured in the film is not English, the preview and screening copy must be subtitled in English, unless this is at variance with the filmmaker’s intention.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Submitted films are viewed by two or more members of the selection team. All programming selections are at the discretion of the FF Directors, whose decision is final.
FF will not provide comments on films before submission, nor reasons for rejection of a submitted film, however, we are happy to provide informal feedback on individual films after the festival has taken place. Please contact the festival in late March. Note that this is a non-binding commitment.
NOTIFICATION
FF will not confirm the receipt of submissions and preview copies. All applicants will be notified via e-mail about the selection or rejection of their film.
FESTIVAL SCREENINGS
All films screened at FF screen from DCP.
Films in our programme may screen twice. Films may be screened privately to the jury or accredited guests. Films may also be included in other public programmes, subject to the submitter’s permission.
There are no fees for participating in the festival. Participants are not entitled to claim rental or other fees for the screenings of their films at the festival.
FURTHER SCREENINGS
If selected for the festival, the submitter authorises FF to file their film in the festival archive, where it may be made available for further screenings or events promoted by the festival itself, solely for cultural and not for commercial purposes.
PUBLICITY
In addition to the reproduction of stills from selected films for all FF publications and press, selected films may also be screened as part of preview screenings to promote FrightFest.
SUBMISSION AGREEMENT
At the point of payment on your submission, you will be asked if you have read and agreed with the festival’s regulations. By agreeing to proceed with your submission, you agree to these regulations, and your application can then be processed. The entry of a film is binding and implies the acceptance of these regulations. In the event of disagreement concerning the interpretation of the regulations, the interpretation of the festival will take precedence. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the submission being disqualified. These regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTED FILMS
Full delivery instructions will be provided on notification of selection. FF will cover one-way shipping costs only. It is the responsibility of the submitter to inform the festival of any change to the onward delivery address. Otherwise, the festival reserves the right to return the screening copy to the contact address as specified during submission.
ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL
FF encourages all selected filmmakers to attend the festival. Full details of ticketing arrangements and support offered will be included in any notification of acceptance into the festival.
SUBMISSION FORMAT
We only accept online screeners.
Please note. Short film means short. Please keep under 20 and ideally under 15 minutes. All films must have been completed from February 2019 onwards and must not be available online or on DVD/VOD for public viewing. Finally, features should be UK premieres and short films must not have previously screened in London. We categories feature films at over 60 minutes.
