Since the early 2000s, HorrorFest has been scaring the pants off of horror lovers in Southern Utah for over two decades. Now about to embark on its 21st frightful year, the fest has certainly evolved since making its debut in 2002. What started off 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 that paved the way for a 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 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 this October’s spine-tingling festivities.
It should be noted that HorrorFest International is a 4-day in-person festival experience held at the historic Electric Theater in St. George, UT. This is a single-screen venue with a ton 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 HorrorFest International. 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 February 14th, 2023. 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 2023 HorrorFest International Film Festival is brought to you by the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that is designed to champion, inspire, and educate filmmaking talent as well as to preserve film history and the theatrical experience. The 4-day festival will take place at the historic Electric Theater in St. George, UT from October 18th thru October 21st.
Learn more at www.fmasu.com/horrorfest
Submitting your film is not a guarantee of selection. 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