The only festival to be Horror Centric & Mental Health Focused. Run by the non-profit, Victims and Villains, this festival delivers a unique experience for both those in attendance and the filmmakers involved. We are committed to showcasing the best up and coming voices within the world of horror and using their films to create an open dialogue about mental health. Returning to the Alamo Drafthouse in April 2024!

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Performance in Feature
Best Performance in Short
Best Gag
Audience Award
Plus, Screenplay awards.

Rules & Terms

1). Must be at least 18 & older to submit your film. Any filmmakers under 18 will not be considered.
2). Submission doesn't mean admission. Not all those accepted will be playing on the big screen.
3). Costs for the submissions go towards the cost of the festival and mental health resources alike.
4). Sexually explicit sequences. bordering the pornographic, will not be accepted.
5). The film doesn't have to be 100% focused on mental health.
6). We welcome international entries but the entries MUST have English subtitles. The same goes for screenwriting. If you are submitting from outside the US, all scripts must be in English.
7). Shorts have to be between 2 and 22 minutes. While features have to be a minimum of 75 minutes and a maximum of 120 minutes.
8). You, as the filmmaker, are responsible for all licenses and permits that pertain to your film. You will be asked to provide a release for said licenses as well.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Chris Gierowski

    Was a great place to see some great films! The fest peeps were super nice and accommodating and they really cared about what they are doing.

    June 2023
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  • Jonathan Zarantonello

    One of the most eccentric festival names. And a good festival too! Thank you, long live horror!

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Viva La Horror Jonathon! Thanks for your kind words. Keep making nightmares!

  • Paige Troxell


    We were absolutely honored that we were chosen to share our film. We love everything Horrific Hope stands for. The staff was incredibly friendly, professional, and hospitable. The crowd was extremely fun and we had a blast. I’d recommend this festival even just as a fan attending, not just a filmmaker.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    When we set out at the beginning of our second season in search of a documentary I couldn't think of a better film to embody our festival's purpose than FredHeads. I look forward to more projects from you and your team!

  • Samuel Taylor

    I want to thank the Horrific Hope Festival for their selection of my faith-base/horror/drama screenplay At The Mercy Of Faith as a Finalist in their festival.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Of course Samuel! We would love to see it turned into a feature film soon. Keep up the great work!

  • Leo X. Robertson

    Lovely team and great community! Tom and I were thrilled to come over for the US premiere of our film, "Searching for Veslemøy", and had a lovely time experiencing it with an audience and getting to know everyone. Hope to come back someday! :)

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We hope to have you back Leo! I loved the pleasure of experiencing this with an audience. Keep making people laugh and we can't wait to see what you have in store for us next time.