OUR 2023 AWARDS CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE OCTOBER 8 AT KEVIN SMITH'S SMODCASTLE CINEMA IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ. The funkiest town on the Jersey Shore now has an offbeat film festival. Highlands is the home town of Kevin Smith, the creator of "Clerks," and we want to capture that spirit with our Highlands Film Fest. Our 2023 theme is "Horror and Suspense." We are interested in seeing anxiety-inducing psychological terror as well as blood and guts--everything from A (for Alfred Hitchcock) to Z (Rob Zombie, of course)

Awards & Prizes

2023 winners will receive a Yorick Award. Named after the bone-headed character in the famous graveyard scene in Shakespeare's Hamlet, the Yorick is a skull mounted on a beautiful wooden base that will instantly make you the envy of all your film making friends and impress all others around you! You must attend to receive the award.

Rules & Terms

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Highlands Film 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.
24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gerard Mendez

    Great film festival. The promoters and Rob are very accommodating to the filmmakers; popcorn and drinks included. The trophy-award is an amazing piece of art. I look forward to submitting a film next year.

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you! Looking forward to seeing your next creation!

  • Piero Cannata

    Wonderful festival and great selection of short movies. Thank you very much for the award! See you soon!

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    We look forward to more films from you!

  • Thomas Simon

    Great fest, we were stoked to be part of the lineup!

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    BOWLHEAD was a hit! Thanks for letting us screen your film!

  • Tom Griffin

    Great festival, lovely location. Very good communication from the organizers in advance. Of the list of 7 or 8 films screened on the Friday evening that I was there, unfortunately only 1 of the other filmmakers was present. (Come on, filmmaker peeps! Don't just submit. Come out and support!) But that was more than compensated for by the amazing looking, weighty trophy I received. Thank you, Rob, Michelle and J.K. !

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Tom! We were very happy to meet you. And thanks for letting us screen your award-winning film SCREAMER BOX!

  • nathan waire

    Great communication and it was a Totally Awesome Experience when my friend filmmaker and coproducer of The Towen won the Ed Wood Award 🥇 for his first film!!! It truly inspired him and the cast for the sequel that they are already filming!!! Thanks 🙏 so much for the Great honor of being in your festival!!! Cheers 🥂

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Nathan! Your movie and your crew were a welcome addition to the Highlands Horror Film Fest. We look forward to seeing you all again!