Born out of a love for horror and film festivals, but frustrated with the lack of diversity within them, GASP! is a brand new film festival dedicated entirely to new horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller films by filmmakers within marginalised communities.

GASP! is here to celebrate the diversity we all know is present within genre cinema, therefore we will be bringing you a range of the latest short and feature length films from people of colour, women, people with disabilities, people within the LGBTQ+ community, together with foreign language filmmakers.

Be sure to look out for mystery classics and anniversary screenings thrown in too!

Awards & Prizes

GASP! is not a competitive festival.

Rules & Terms

As this is a genre film festival focusing entirely on filmmakers within marginalised communities, all films submitted must be written, directed and/or produced by either a woman, a person with a disability, a person of colour, a foreign language filmmaker or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If it isn’t clear from your profile how you fit into any of the above, please provide a cover letter informing us how you fit into our guidelines.

GASP! is a horror film festival first and foremost, however, going forward we will also accept and consider submissions within the fantasy, sci-fi and thriller genres too so that we are able to celebrate diversity within genre cinema on a wider spectrum.

16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mariel Haickel

    GASP! is a truly important festival with an engaged team active on Instagram and Letterboxd. Even though we couldn’t attend the screening in person, it was an incredible experience to follow everything from afar and receive feedback from the audience. Grateful to be part of it!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words! We were so happy to have Catty Bete on the lineup and cannot wait to see what you make next!

  • Nate Burrows

    GASP! is a wonderful festival showcasing some of the most unique work from filmmakers who are often overlooked within the industry. I am incredibly grateful to say I have had films selected twice for this great festival!

    This year I was able to attend to see the world premiere of my short 'Dysphoria', I attended the full festival and the team were so welcoming and friendly to all who attended. The venue is a lovely independent cinema with a great intimate feel for the showings. Will definitely be attending again!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Nate! We had a lovely time chatting with you inbetween films - we look forward to seeing you again and cannot wait to see what you make next!

  • David E. Teixeira

    A wonderful experience. Thank you so much for selecting Drama Queen! Great team and beautiful venue, had the best time!!!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the kind words, David! It was an honour to show your film and so lovely to meet you in person!

  • KWAME BERRY

    GASP Horror is an awesome festival with a great mission- to spotlight minority filmmakers within the genres of horror, fantasy and sci-fi. I had a great time attending, and regardless if I have a piece in the fest or not, I look forward to attending again. Awesome venue and festival team , and thank you for screening “Ursula” !

    August 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the kind words! It was lovely meeting you and we look forward to seeing you at the festival again in the future!

  • Dan Gould

    It was an absolute pleasure to attend Gasp! with my first feature film INTERLOPERS! All of the organisers were super lovely and the venue was top quality. I had a great great time and will certainly be attending next year!

    July 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! It was lovely to meet you and we look forward to seeing you again next year!