Hellifax Horror Fest takes place in the seaside city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Therein lives a contingent of die-hard horror fans with a taste for blood (in film, that is). This festival is for the fans, and for the filmmakers who deliver innovative and compelling stories.

Hellifax is a non-profit society in its 6th year. Our main focus is horror films while we also screen sci-fi, action and thriller. We are proud of our great reviews, our awesome advisory board and our strong programming.

We're filmmakers ourselves, and we're doing this for the love of genre films. We aim to showcase the next generation of filmmakers and celebrate the established stars.

The festival has three components:

Feature film competition:
-Horror, sci-fi, action and thriller feature films 45 minutes or longer can be submitted. A cash prize and trophy for the jury winner.

Short film competition:
-Horror, sci-fi, action and thriller short films 25 minutes or less can be submitted. A cash prize and trophy for the jury winner.

Script competition:
We're ready for your horror, sci-fi, action and thriller genre scripts (maximum length of 25 pages).
-Each script will receive brief reader notes (if requested).
-The Hellifax jury will select the top 15 semi-finalists from the submissions, followed by the top five finalists. The top five and the grand prize winner will be announced at the awards ceremony and be available on the Hellifax website (if the screenwriter agrees). Laurels will be provided to the semi-finalists and finalists.
-The grand prize winner will receive $100 (CDN) cash award and their script will be sent to two prominent genre companies who will read it and we present a recorded live script read by professional actors.

Awards & Prizes

Hellifax Horror Fest is committed to recognizing filmmakers in a number of categories, including:

Juried Awards for both feature and shorts categories:
Best Film
Best Director
Best Performer
Best Performer
Best Ensemble
Best Script
Best Cinematography
Best Score
Best Editing
Best Effects
Scariest Film
Best Monster/Villain

Every winner will receive an award laurel graphic.

Best Feature Film and Best Short Film will each receive a $200 (CAD) cash prize and a trophy.

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Screenplay category:

All scripts will be read by industry professionals, and the top 2 will be announced at Fest.

The Winner gets a $100 (CAD) cash prize, and their script will be sent to two prominent genre companies who will read it. The winning script will also have a recorded live script read on Sunday morning during the Festival!

The First Runner-Up gets $50 (CAD) and a recorded live script read on Sunday, also!

Rules & Terms

-Feature films exceeding 45 minutes are eligible.

-Short films up to 25 minutes long are eligible (please note - when the runtime exceeds 10 minutes it really needs to be strong to be programmed).

-Entries must be in English or subtitled/dubbed in English.

-Filmmakers may submit as many entries as they wish. Each entry must have a separate entry form and fee.

-Submission fees are non-refundable.

-All films are eligible, even if your film is publicly available online, has screened at other film festivals or is currently being distributed. We do not restrict submissions in any way.

-It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to clear all rights before your film screens at the festival. By submitting you agree: I shall indemnify and hold harmless Hellifax Horror Fest from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

-Submission guidelines for Hellifax Horror Fest are subject to change. Hellifax Horror Fest reserves the right to rule on all issues not expressly covered in these guidelines.

- After submitting to our festival, we will add you to our newsletter list. You can request not to be added.

- Filmmakers agree to be added to our newsletter unless they opt out. We do not share your email address or data with anyone.

- Have a great day and we wish you the best of luck in your festival run.

45 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michael J. Doyle

    A small but humble festival, run by an enthusiastic group! I recommend that filmmakers attend more than their own screening when they go to festivals (because that's a respectful thing to do and there's so much to learn from the other films and filmmakers) but this advice is doubly true for Hellifax since many of the programmers, directors and attendees will be friends by the end of the weekend!

    Of all the festivals I attended this year, Hellifax also had the most consistent line-up of quality films, each showcasing how varied the horror genre really is. Kudos to the selection team on a job well done! I also appreciated how there were panels and Q&As that weren't about horror films; some were about other topics of interest for horror fans, such as paranormal investigation and such.

    I had a wonderful time and I'd be thrilled to go back should the opportunity ever present itself! Thank you Hellifax for having me!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Wow, Michael, what a lovely review! We were honoured to screen Leatherbound. Your film is unique and terrific, and we hope it is seen far and wide. We were doubly honoured that you were with us for the whole festival. We look forward to seeing you again, friend!

  • Xavier Wehrli

    A lovely festival run by lovely people. They care about your film as just much as you do, so be sure to get involved in everything Hellifax has to offer!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We were so glad that you joined us for the screening of your excellent film, Slaughter Slate, Xavier. The audience loved it and your Q&A as well. And your presence with us at so many other events and screenings was delightful - loved your commentary about The Witch being so metal.

  • Alex Masciotra-Milstein

    I’m so so grateful for the amazing warmth and hospitality shown by the Hellifax team. They were endlessly accommodating in arranging my Q&A, and the questions asked during it by both the moderator and audience were so incredibly thoughtful. The after parties were great opportunities to meet programmers and fellow filmmakers. It’s a small but very intimate and dedicated Horror festival with passionate audiences and a great lineup of films. Highly recommend submitting and attending here.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Alex, you are such a treat to be around! Thanks for joining us and sharing your wonderfully icky and romantic film, Disease, with us and our audiences. We had a great time hanging with you all weekend. We look forward to your next one!

  • Craig Layton

    Hellifax Horror Fest was an incredible experience. You can tell right away that this festival genuinely cares about indie horror and the filmmakers behind it. From the way they communicate to how they curate and promote each project, everything feels personal and passionate. They’re not just screening films — they’re building a real community for horror creators. I left feeling inspired, supported, and proud to be part of it.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the praise Craig. We hope to review your next film and give it the exposure it deserves. Until then, stay scary.

  • Lauren Eden

    I had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A after my film was screened here in November 2024 and also was invited to speak as a panellist in a discussion of "The Final Girl" trope. I felt very welcomed and now I want to make more movies just to return to Hellifax. Great atmosphere, programming, and such a welcoming staff!

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Lauren. It was great to have you take part in our festival.