9th Annual Horror Movie Freaks Film Festival — Submissions Now Open!

The Horror Movie Freaks Film Festival (HMF) is a live theatrical independent horror festival dedicated to showcasing bold, original, and unforgettable genre filmmaking from around the world. Now entering its 9th year, HMF has become a growing destination for indie horror creators seeking real audience reactions, meaningful recognition, and a community built around a shared passion for the genre.

Hosted at the historic Palmetto Theatre of Walnut Cove, the festival presents official selections through live screenings, filmmaker recognition, and annual award competition across multiple categories including Feature Films, Short Films, Super-Shorts, Screenplays, Acting, Directing, Cinematography, and Special Effects. HMF is committed to highlighting practical effects, innovative storytelling, emerging filmmakers, and the next generation of independent horror voices.

Filmmakers selected for HMF experience a festival environment focused on celebration, audience engagement, and genuine support for independent creators — not just an online listing, but a true theatrical screening experience.

Submissions for the 2026 (9th Annual) Horror Movie Freaks Film Festival officially opened February 1, 2026.

If your film is ready to terrify, disturb, or captivate an audience, we invite you to submit and become part of the next chapter of horror at HMF.

Awards will be presented for the following categories:

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Super Short Film
Best North Carolina (NC) Film
Best Foreign Film
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
Best Cinematography
Best Special Effects (SFX)
Best Short Screenplay
Best Feature Screenplay

Film Categories:
Super Shorts: Any film with a runtime of under 5 minutes.
Shorts: Any film with a runtime of under 45 minutes.
Feature: Any film with a runtime exceeding 45 minutes.

Genre Requirement:
All submitted films must fall within the horror genre. Sci-fi, Thrillers, and suspense are welcome as long as they lean on the side of horror.

Language and Accessibility:
For international submissions, films must include English subtitles or English dubbed to ensure accessibility to a broader audience.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A wonderful, communicative festival who clearly holds fond consideration for all submissions! Thank you so much for awarding the screenplay for my upcoming film, House of Flies. I highly recommend this fest to anyone who wants assurance that true indie film lovers are judging your work!

    December 2025
  • Cole Williams

    Good communication & nice group. Thanks for accepting Rudi: The Blood Nosed Reindeer this year for yalls festival. Highly recommend checking them out!!

    November 2025
  • Frazer Lee

    A friendly horror festival. Great comms and graphics. Thanks for screening our short folk horror film 'The Stay'!

    November 2025
  • Great Festival, attend when you can!

    October 2025
  • Great festival! Thanks for screening our short film "Public Speaking 101"!

    October 2025