The 100 mile stretch to the west of the Mississippi has been a place of interest in horror film history. Unforgettable films such as Escape from NY, White Palace, and Up in the Air all have been filmed in this great midwestern state - Missouri. To honor a burning ember tradition of horror film's place in our community, the guys from the Haunted Garage Podcast will be hosting Saint Louis's only "Genre Specific Film Festival" Haunted Garage Horror Film Festival this October 5th, 6th & 7th at the Hi-Pointe Theatre!!!

The goal of the first year of our fest was to create a place where filmmakers of all levels can merge in a mutual love of the art of horror. We accomplished that goal and are ready for more experts to join our DEAD TALK PANEL. Including Lloyd Kaufman, Kane Hodder, Brian Hillard and so many more on the opening night! This is a Feedback Festival, if you are in attendance you get to take the stage and light up the audience with you own horror stories on set and take Q&A from the audience. Tell the story of how your film, came to be.

Lastly, we are devoted to promoting diversity in filmmaking. We have selected trained judges from various parts of the country to provide a selection process that is fair and consistent for all film submissions. It will be our pleasure to welcome filmmakers of all races and genders so that we may all gain insight into horror filmmaking from all perspectives of human life. Our Certified Film Critics and will give you the necessary feedback to improve upon your films.

We desire to turn Saint Louis and its surrounding counties into a safe, scary space where a diverse pool of horror content creators can meet, network, and learn - together.

May the best horror story win!

If you are interested in speaking at our horror film festival, please reach out to info@hauntedgaragehorrorfest.com

BEST OF FEST
$200.00 & GOLD PISTON *

BEST HORROR FEATURE FILM
$100.00 & GOLD PISTON *
All categories are eligible for this Award

Best Student Film
$100.00 & GOLD PISTON *

Best Horror Short
GOLD PISTON

Best Horror Micro Short
GOLD PISTON

Individual Awards:
Best Director: GOLD PISTON
Best Actor (Male & Female Role): Certificate
Best Editing: Certificate
Best Sound Design: Certificate
Best Practical Effects: Certificate
Best Special Effects: Certificate
Best Original Music: Certificate
Best Cinematography: GOLD PISTON
Best Writer/Screenplay (Jason C. Klefisch Award) GOLD PISTON

ROAD PISTON AWARD: THE BLACK MATTE PISTON is for outstanding grit in story telling and cinematography!

*Must be in attendance to accept cash prizes. Trophy's will be sent at shipping cost to winners if not in attendance.

• Short Films must be shorter than 50 minutes and longer than 10 minutes.
• Feature films must be 50 minutes or longer
• Selected films will be screened in front of a Live audience
• CASH AWARDS, Filmmaker Must be in attendance to receive Cash Prize
• We are not responsible for copyright infringement on your materials
• All submitters agree to the terms and conditions and to receiving marketing emails and
discounts about film festivals. We will never sell your information to 3rd parties.

WE ARE OFFERING 20 WAIVERS: (Waivers must meet the criteria listed below, submissions of films must be sent via private link from Vimeo or YouTube, and have english subtitles if applicable. Please state your name, a paragraph of why you think your film should be waived, your phone number and your email. (All categories are Eligible)

Persons of Color Waivers (Total 5)
LGBTQIA (Total 5)
ADA Filmmakers (Total 5)

!!!! FILMS CAN ONLY BE ENTERED ONCE, IN ONE CATEGORY, PLEASE BE MINDFUL AS YOUR ENTRY WILL GET DISQUALIFIED !!!!

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ben Manhanke

    The Haunted Garage team was extremely professional, and passionate about the films they programmed for their 2022 festival. The quality of the "Dead Talks", and the films screened was excellent.

    October 2022
  • Cynthia Bergen

    You guys Rock! Thank you so much Award Winner A Town Full of Ghost, Best Horror and Special Effects. All Stars for a all Star Team! Thank you for supporting Indie Filmmakers. Cynthia Bergen, #nosleepfilms

    October 2022
  • Paul South

    Excellent festival. I would absolutely submit and attend again.
    They really make sure each film presented is showcased in a way that makes it stand out. They also did a great job facilitating engagement between the audience and the filmmakers. Highly recommend.

    October 2022
  • Hands down one of the best festivals we have attended. The venue, the presentations, the speakers--everything was perfect and these guys really care about supporting indie films and filmmakers. If you get accepted you have to attend--it was such a great meeting everyone at the HG and look forward to coming back next year!

    October 2022
  • Christopher Williams

    An AMAZING film festival, ran by some of the kindest people I've ever met! Was a genuine pleasure to attend. The fest has such a warm and familial feel. Honored to have been selected to be apart. SUBMIT TO THIS FEST!!!

    October 2022