THE ORGANISATION - London FrightFest Limited (FF) was founded in 2000 and is the UK's premiere fantasy, thriller and horror film festival.
ELIGELIGIBILITY - FF is open to short films, television series, feature and documentary films from across the Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Thriller genres. We accept entries from all sizes of budgets and production techniques.
The primary contact completing the submission must be authorised to submit the film for consideration. Films submitted must have permission from a distributor or sales agent representing the film. The applicant must have obtained clearance to include any copyrighted music and images used. This submission confirms that the applicant has all the rights required to screen the submitted film.
PREMIER STATUS - For features, we require a minimum of a UK, European, International, or World Premiere. Shorts, it is a minimum of a London Premiere. If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to contact us at FrightFest@mac.com before submitting your film.
Features and shorts available online will also not be considered.
Only films completed after January 1, 2025, are eligible. Films previously submitted to FF will not be considered.
LENGTH: We categorise feature films at over 60 minutes. Please keep shorts under 20 minutes and ideally under 15.
SUBMISSIONS - FF only accepts submissions via FilmFreeway. FF guarantees that your film will never be used for anything other than what you agree to.
SUBMISSION FEES—You must pay a submission fee to enter your film. All submissions are final, and no refunds will be issued.
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, don't hesitate to get in touch with 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 have English subtitles.
SELECTION PROCEDURE: The FF Directors make all feature programming selections, and their decisions are final. Shorts are watched by at least two of the programming team and discussed at regular programming meetings.
FF will not provide comments on films before submission or reasons for rejecting a submitted film. However, we are happy to provide informal feedback on individual films after the festival. Note: This is a non-binding commitment.
NOTIFICATION - FF will not confirm the receipt of submissions. All applicants selected will be notified via e-mail about their films selection.
FESTIVAL SCREENINGS - All films are screened from DCP. No exceptions.
Films in our programme may be screened more than once, screened privately by any jury or accredited guests, and included in other public programmes, subject to the submitter's permission.
There are no screening or appearance fees, and no per diems are provided for participating in the festival.
FURTHER SCREENINGS—If selected for the festival, the submitter authorises FF to file their film in the festival archive. It may be made available for additional screenings or events promoted by the festival, solely for cultural purposes and not for commercial gain.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES — Occasionally, partner distributors, sales agents, and platforms may express interest in films programmed at the festival and get in touch. This has no impact on the programming process and will only be pursued in consultation with the rights holder and their appointed sales agent or representative.
PUBLICITY—To promote FF, selected films may be reproduced as stills for all FF publications and press, and they may also be screened for preview screenings.
SUBMISSION AGREEMENT - You will be asked to confirm that you have read and agree to the festival's regulations upon payment. The entry of a film is binding and implies the acceptance of these regulations. In the event of a disagreement concerning the interpretation of the rules, the festival's understanding 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 - The selection notification will provide delivery instructions. All film delivery will be digital.
ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL - FF encourages all selected filmmakers to participate in the festival. Full details of ticketing arrangements and any support offered will be included in the notification of acceptance into the festival.
SUBMISSION FORMAT - We only accept online screeners.
So, you know, a short film means SHORT. Please keep shorts under 20 and ideally under 15 minutes.
All films must have been completed after January 1, 2025, and must not be available online or on DVD/VOD for public viewing. Finally, features should be a minimum of a UK premiere, and short films must not have screened in London before our August dates.
