Since the early 2000s, HorrorFest has been scaring the pants off of horror lovers in Southern Utah. This beloved fest has certainly evolved since making its debut in 2002. What started as a showcase for legendary horror films of the past in a theatrical setting has swelled into a 4-day showcase of independent horror films–shorts and features–from all around the world.

Sure, we still throw films of the past into the mix–after all, it’s the old guards who paved the way for the current horror climate–but this is ultimately a springboard for contemporary horror storytellers from across the globe.

So…If you’ve crafted a film of the horror variety that you’re proud of, submit it! Additionally, HorrorFest International hosts a screenplay competition so you can send your short and feature scripts in as well.

Our team of expert horror curating programmers will sift through all the terrifying goodness you can dish out in an effort to put together the ultimate lineup for the spine-tingling festivities that await you in fall of 2026.

HorrorFest International is a 4-day in-person festival experience held at the historic Electric Theater in St. George, UT on September 16th-19th. This is a single-screen venue with a whole lot of character and our programming team is fiercely committed to putting together the most terrifying of lineups.

What’s more, St. George is the perfect location for this annual genre-based fest. Not only is this a lovely town with lovely people but it’s also surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenic locales in the U.S., including the likes of Zion Canyon National Park. Trust us; When you come for a visit, you’ll want to shoot your next movie here.

In addition to a lineup comprised of horror-inspired greatness from all around the world, HorrorFest International will also offer up retrospective screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, networking opportunities, a live script read, live music, a costume competition, horror trivia, an opening night reception, a closing night awards ceremony, and plenty of heart-stopping surprises.

Of course, it all starts with you, the fearless storyteller! Our submission portal goes live on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, so be sure to submit your horror-based shorts, features, and screenplays! No matter where you’re from and no matter how terrifying or edgy your film is, we want to see what you’ve got! Most importantly, we want you to scare the hell out of us because, at the end of the day, that’s what horror is all about!

Submit to HorrorFest International today!

The HorrorFest International Film Festival is brought to you by the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is designed to champion, inspire, and educate filmmaking talent as well as to preserve film history and the theatrical experience. This must-attend 4-day festival will take place at the historic Electric Theater in St. George, UT in the fall of 2025.

Learn more at www.fmasu.com/horrorfest

Awards & Prizes

Submitting your film does not guarantee selection, and being chosen as an official selection does not guarantee an award nomination. All the official selections and award winners will be listed on our website www.fmasu.com/horrorfest. Trophies and/or certificates will be awarded to the best of the best in various categories. You do not need to submit your film more than once as we will place it in the category that we feel is best for programming.

Awards will be chosen by a jury select made up of knowledgeable film industry professionals and experts.

*HorrorFest International Categories & Awards are subject to change.

Past winners include, but categories change each year;

Scariest Film

Best Feature

Best Short

Best Creature Feature

Best Sci-fi/Horror

Best Horror/Comedy

Best Midnight Movie

Best Writing

Best Performance

Best International

Best Ghost Story

Best Direction

Best Production Design

Best Cinematography

Best Action/Horror

New Blood Award

Please note: If your film wins, you can collect the award at the Festival. If you’re unable to attend, awards can be shipped, but filmmakers are required to handle the shipping costs. Following the festival, shipping forms will be sent out to those of who couldn’t make the trip out to the 2026 HorrorFest International Film Festival.

Rules & Terms

By submitting your project, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to all of the following rules and terms. Please thoroughly read the following before submitting your film:

HORRORFEST INTERNATIONAL ENTRY RULES AND REGULATIONS:

1. All film submissions must include a submission fee and a completed online FilmFreeway entry form. Submission waivers are NOT provided.

2. Feature films (45 minutes to 120 minutes) and short films (Under 45 minutes) are accepted, provided they're of the Horror|Thriller|SciFi|Dark Fantasy|Dark Drama|Dark Comedy genre varieties.

3. All non-English films MUST include English subtitles files or be burned in the final film file.

4. WIP (Work in Progress) Submissions are accepted, but the filmmaker needs to note this to the HorrorFest programmers.

5. When final films are selected, filmmakers may be contacted for alternative film formats for programming purposes. We screen our program using DCP, however, we will request a .mov or mp4 as backup. Please have your Press Kit and deliverables available soon after selection.

6. Films that have screened and or have received awards at other festivals can be submitted, provided they adhere to all rules and regulations.

7. Only films that have been completed by September 2023 or newer will be accepted as part of the competition process.

8. Films with distribution may still be eligible for award consideration.

9. HorrorFest International reserves the right to accept, reject, or disqualify any submission at its discretion without a refund. That said, it should be noted that we will watch every film received in its entirety before deciding on selection.

10. Not all films selected will necessarily be nominated for awards, but filmmakers will be notified either way.

11. HorrorFest International does not maintain ownership of any film submitted. Still, it does have the legal right to use images and as much as 30 seconds of footage for current and future festival promotional materials.

12. Film submission entry fees must be paid through the FilmFreeway portal as instructed.

13. Award winners will be revealed at the HorrorFest International at the awards ceremony at the end of the festival this September.

14. Submission does not guarantee entry into the festival. Filmmakers will be notified whether or not their film has been accepted to HorrorFest International no later than August 22nd, 2025.

15. There is no 15th rule

LEGALITY DISCLAIMER:

The filmmaker releases HorrorFest International from any and all liability for damages or destruction of the entered film file. The filmmaker understands that the programmed material will be retained in a secure facility by the festival, and every effort will be taken to protect and control the viewing of this film. The festival assumes no liability whatsoever for theft, copyright violations, or piracy of the entry.

The Filmmaker accepts and understands that the festival will do everything possible to present the film in the best possible manner but the festival is not responsible for any malfunctions during screenings. All entries are carefully pre-screened prior to the public showing to assure that the films are in working order. HorrorFest International assumes no responsibility for any technical difficulties in the presentation of a film at the actual event.

HorrorFest International reserves the complete right to make changes in the program dates and times and to possibly not screen a film, despite it being selected for the festival.

It is the sole responsibility of the filmmaker to obtain the legal use of any and all copyrighted material presented in a film before submitting it to a festival. Again, HorrorFest International is not liable should a filmmaker fail to do so.

RETURNS:

Promotional items and/or any programming materials will not be returned.

All shipping costs are the sole responsibility of the sender.

FINAL NOTE:

BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, I/WE HEREBY AGREE TO DEFEND HORRORFEST INTERNATIONAL, FMASU, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Now, what are you waiting for? Submit a movie! The cinematic terror that is HorrorFest International awaits you!
110 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Networking
  • William Cowser

    I had the most fantastic time at HorrorFest. Incredible team, incredible programming, incredible filmmakers. One of the best experiences of my career.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Kevin Hoyer

    Thank you to the HorrorFest International Film Festival team for selecting my script, A Hell of Heaven, as a semi-finalist. I'm grateful for the recognition — and the next draft is already underway! Keep up the good work.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you kindly for the review, Kevin! Our team certainly looks forward to your future projects. And should "A Hell of Heaven" make the leap from the page to the big screen, please let us know!

  • La Casa En El Árbol (The TreeHouse)

    We are truly grateful for having presented The Treehouse at a festival that shows such passion and dedication for horror cinema. The whole experience has been warm and enjoyable, and we felt genuinely welcomed thanks to your hospitality. It has been a real pleasure to be part of this edition.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hello Team Tree House! We can't thank you enough for sending your film our way. Your work is further proof that horror isn't just about scares. it can also be thought provoking and meaningful in ways we might not be expecting. We greatly look forward to seeing what's next from you and we certainly hope you'll send it away. Thanks for the kind words.

  • Josh Deepan

    Adam and John made me feel right at home. The festival is in Southern Utah so there’s lots to do and see. The other filmmakers were very supportive, and the attendees are true horror enthusiasts.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words, Josh! Also, all hail Chocolate Chip! Our team loved the film and we can't thank you enough for sending it our way. We greatly look forward to your future endeavors and whatever they might be, we hope you send them our way. Thanks again!

  • Patrick Kelly

    Fantastic communication and organization. Great festival to be part of. See you next year!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    H Patrick! Thank you for the kind words but more importantly, thank you for sending Black Fog our way. We greatly look forward to seeing what's next from you and your team and with any luck, perhaps we'll get you out here this way in the future. Thanks again!