Where nightmares don’t just haunt you, they premiere!

The Horror Fest Film Festival unleashes a wicked lineup of global terror: blood-soaked slashers, mind-bending psychological thrillers, supernatural nightmares, and everything lurking in the dark between. This isn’t just a screening, it’s a full weekend of screams, shocks, and dangerously good late-night cinema.

HFFF is a fully in-person experience, taking over the iconic Theater N Cinema in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware; a venue celebrated for championing bold, independent film. Beyond the screen, the festival comes alive with filmmaker panels, networking events, and high-energy social parties designed to connect creators, fans, and industry insiders.

Got something twisted to share? We want it. Whether your film is eerie, extreme, or completely unhinged, HFFF is the place to showcase your work and find your audience. Submit your film and be part of the madness.

Easily accessible from the Tri-State and Philadelphia region, HFFF is organized in association with Theater N, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alongside seasoned industry pros and passionate filmmakers.

Come for the horror. Stay for the community. Leave with new collaborators and maybe a few nightmares!

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Lead Performance, Actor
Best Lead Performance, Actress
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Editing
Best Production Design
Best Hair and Makeup
Best Score / Sound Design
Best Blood & Gore
Twisted New Vision Award
Best Micro Film
Best Animation
Best Student Film
Audience Choice Award ; Short and Feature

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines

We accept short films and feature-length projects across all styles within the horror genre, including thriller, dark sci-fi, supernatural, psychological horror, animation, and student films. Any work that falls within the Horror, Thriller, or Sci-Fi genres is eligible for consideration.

Films that have previously premiered at other festivals are welcome. While not required, we strongly encourage submissions seeking a Mid-Atlantic premiere.

To be eligible, films must not have been released for public consumption (including YouTube, streaming platforms, or other public distribution channels). Prior festival screenings and private screenings are permitted.

All screening files and required materials must be submitted no later than three (3) weeks before the festival. The festival organizers are not responsible for any incorrect or incomplete information provided for selected films.

By submitting through FilmFreeway, the entrant confirms they hold all necessary rights and permissions to submit the film and authorize its exhibition during the festival.

International submissions must include English subtitles.

Accepted screening formats are DCP and/or MP4.

To qualify for the Student Film category, entrants must provide proof of current enrollment or demonstrate that they graduated within the past three (3) years.

Nominations for “Best Of” awards will be announced one week prior to the start of the festival.

All submitted films will be reviewed and scored by our panel of judges.

All entry fees are non-refundable.