Horror Film Roulette is an annual horror film competition based in Michigan where filmmakers spin a roulette wheel that decides what film they will be making. Filmmakers have 4 weeks to make a 5 minute horror film and compete for $2,000 CASH!

Not looking to make a film? Sign up for our Completed Films category for your shot at winning "Best Horror Short'" and a showing of your film at the 2024 showcase!

Filmmakers can enter online or in-person.

The kickoff event details are as follows:

Date: September 13th, 2024 (Friday the 13th) from 6PM-10PM
Eastern Palace Club. Address: 21509 John R. Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030

--- Completed Films Only ---
GRAND PRIZE - Trophy and Screening at Horror Film Roulette on the second largest screen in Michigan!

--- Filmmaking Event Only ---
GRAND PRIZE - $2,000 CASH PRIZE and Trophy
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE

Category Awards (Certificates provided):
AUDIENCE CHOICE
SCARIEST FILM
BEST DIRECTING
BEST WRITING
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST EDITING
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
BEST PERFORMANCE
BEST MAKE UP
BEST USE OF GENRE

--- PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO THIS FESTIVAL. THIS IS A FILMMAKING COMPETITION. EXISTING FILMS MUST CHOOSE THE CATEGORY ENTRY "BEST HORROR SHORT - COMPLETED FILMS." ---

---RULES FOR MAKING A FILM---

- All you will need to enter is a blank project submission and title it "HFR 2024." Then when it is time to turn in your actual film on October 11th, simply add a downloadable link to your project file and re-name it to the name of your film. For questions please feel free to reach out to us on FilmFreeway or email us at info@horrorfilmroulette.com.

- The event starts on September 13, 2024. Filmmakers will receive a horror subgenre either in-person (if you choose to attend the event) or online. You will then have 4 weeks to create a 5 minute film and must submit it no later than October 11th, 2024 at 11:59PM.

-Anyone across the world can enter the film competition!

-Each video entry must have a team captain. The captains are responsible for corresponding with HFR administrators. They are also the recipient of prizes, and are in charge of allocating prizes to other team members. Team captains must be at least 18 years old. Captains must also fill out a Submission Form, which will be e-mailed to you on the date of the kickoff (September 13th, 2024).

-Participants may contribute to multiple teams/projects, but are only allowed to be the captain of one (1) team.

-All actors must fill out and turn in a Talent Release Form, which can be downloaded from our website: horrorfilmroulette.com. Films that are turned in without all the necessary Talent Release Forms will be disqualified.

-Films must be no longer than 5-minutes in length, including the credits.
Credits are not required on the film but must be submitted with the film in writing.

-Genres are chosen by spinning the Wheel of Horror during the Kickoff Event. Each team will state their genre from last year (if applicable), and then take a turn to spin the wheel. The wheel must make a complete turn to count as a spin. Each team will have only one (1) spin. If the wheel lands on the team’s genre of the previous year, that team will have the option to forfeit that genre and have a second spin.

-If you cannot attend the Kickoff Event, participants may enter the competition by sending an email to receive a genre. Participants must state their previous year’s genre, if applicable. Emailed genres are non-negotiable and will be given within 24-hours of the Kickoff Event.

-If possible, please submit films that are 4096 x 1716 and 24fps. This is NOT required, but it is HIGHLY encouraged if you wish for your film to fill the entirety of the screen.

-No person, animal, place, or thing is to be harmed during the making of your horror films. Do not break any laws to create your film. Nudity in films is prohibited, but may be censored. Pornography, scenes of lewd sexual acts, and scenes of sexual assault are prohibited.

- Artificial intelligence is not allowed in the writing and overall medium of the film. It can be used for music and backgrounds/graphics as long as proper rights/licenses have been obtained.

-Films must be submitted by 11:59pm on October 11th to be a part of the competition by submitting your film here through FilmFreeway.

--- RULES FOR TURNING IN COMPLETED FILMS ---

- Films must not have entered into Horror Film Roulette in a previous year.

- Films only under 15 minutes in length will be accepted.

- The winner will be showcased at Horror Film Roulette 2024.

- The filmmaker must obtain all proper rights and must submit a copy of the cast and crew credits.

- The top 10 selected films will be judged. Only one film may win for Best Horror Short.

-If possible, please submit films that are 4096 x 1716 and 24fps. This is NOT required, but it is HIGHLY encouraged if you wish for your film to fill the entirety of the screen.

- Films must be submitted by no later than the late deadline on FilmFreeway.

** Horror Film Roulette Administrators reserve the right to refuse entries that are deemed inappropriate, are non-complacent with the official rules, have potential to harm the HFR brand, or that don’t reflect the spirit of the competition.**

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • john dilworth

    HFR honors filmmakers and themselves make films. I am unalterably impressed by the team, the vibes and the 45 minute 'good-byes'. This is a festival to champion our craft.

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    John, we couldn't be more appreciative of you coming out and supporting our festival. Your work continues to speak volumes as it did for the past 25+ years. Your presence will be one for the books!

  • I've been creating projects for this festival for years and it's been an honor to watch it grow and evolve into not only Michigan's PREMIERE Horror Festival, but a national contender in the festival space. The team are incredibly passionate about the event they put on and the filmmakers whose work they feature. HIGHLY recommended!

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Neil, thank you for the kindest of words and for supporting our festival for the past 10 years!

  • Cody Hudson

    This is an amazing festival. The showcase that is put on is unlike most festivals, and the awards that are given out are very meaningful and cool! It’s especially great because of the networking you can get from the showcase! This is definitely one of my favorite festivals, and it’s absolutely an all star festival when it comes to anything horror!

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Cody, thank you for supporting this festival and congratulations on your epic win!

  • I love the horror genre, and the Horror Film Roulette Festival was something I truly wanted to be a part of. I submitted my short and I was truly grateful for the opportunity to participate with an "official selection". This festival has a great vibe for horror filmmakers. I'm definitely submitting my next short film to the festival!

    Thanks again to the great team at HFR! You all rock!!!

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    John,

    We seriously are so appreciative of your review! Thank you for being a part of our competition! It was amazing to have you and your team! Can’t wait to see what else you make!