Come celebrate our 16th birthday — ONE HOTEL. ENDLESS HORROR.

The International Horror Hotel Film Festival and Convention takes place every June in Northeast Ohio. We accept film and script submissions in the following genres: fantasy, horror/slasher, horror-comedy, horror suspense/thriller, action, sci-fi, and fantasy. We also accept trailers, music videos, TV pilots, and web episodes in both film and script form for projects within the listed genres.

We are also introducing new categories for first-time filmmakers and student filmmakers.

Competition is open for our Horror Film Scoring Competition, with submissions accepted through our website. During the event, we also host live Scream King/Queen competitions, FX makeup competitions, monologue competitions, and the annual Spooky Sunday Costume Competition. Please visit our website for full details.

The Fourth Annual Room 237 Film Competition challenges filmmakers to create a film in 30 days using a murder weapon assigned during a Zoom kickoff meeting. More information will be available on the festival website.

The festival features four days of film screenings, two days of panel discussions and lectures, a convention beginning Friday afternoon, special guests, networking events, karaoke parties, live competitions, and more.

PLEASE READ ALL RULES/TERMS BEFORE SUBMITTING*

Attending filmmakers and scriptwriters will receive a festival badge, swag bag, a Q&A opportunity after their screening, access to panel discussions and lectures, networking events, the after-party cookout, karaoke, and more.

Awards & Prizes

Please make sure to select the correct genre and category when submitting.

Each film or script is evaluated by three judges. Projects with an average score of 7.0 or higher will be selected for screening. Nominated projects with an average score above 8.0 may be considered for awards. Judges will view each film in full or read each script in its entirety before submitting scores.

Genre Awards: In each category, qualifying projects may receive 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place awards.

Awards for Attending Winners: Physical awards may include medals, plaques, and certificates. Non-attending winners will receive e-certificates.

Special HH Trophies: Best Overall Film and Best Overall Script. Physical trophies must be accepted in person.

Additional Awards: Additional nominations and awards may include acting, cinematography, directing, editing, and Ohio film awards.

Rules & Terms

PLEASE READ ALL RULES/TERMS BEFORE SUBMITTING*

AI Policy: Submissions must be primarily human-created. Fully AI-generated or AI-only films are not eligible.

Availability: Your film should not be available on streaming platforms such as Tubi, YouTube, or similar services.

Fees: We do not grant submission fee waivers or refunds under any circumstance.

Submission Accuracy: Please select the correct genre/category when submitting. If your film is a student project or a non-English/subtitled film, please indicate that in your submission, as separate categories apply.

Competition Entries: For the Room 237 Competition and Scoring Competition, please submit through our website.

Eligibility: There are no restrictions on when your film or script was completed or released. Anyone may enter the competition, provided the work is not currently available on a streaming platform.

Judging: All entries must receive an average score of 7 to be selected. Scores above 8.5 may qualify for award placement.

Screening Format: All accepted films must be delivered digitally as an MP4 file in 1080p or 4K through our transfer partner, MyAirBridge.com. We will provide the upload link upon acceptance. You may also mail two copies on flash drives. Please test all drives before mailing. We no longer accept Blu-ray or DVD submissions.

Delivery Deadline: If your film is selected to screen, you must submit the final high-quality MP4 by the stated deadline. Any selected film not received by the deadline may be replaced in the lineup, with no exceptions.

Screening Fees: We do not pay screening fees.

Awards Attendance: If your project qualifies for an award, you or a direct representative must attend the festival to receive physical awards. Non-attending winners will receive electronic award certificates after the event.

Festival Passes: All accepted submissions include two complimentary 4-day event passes. No additional passes will be comped. Additional passes must be purchased in advance or at the door.

Withdrawals: You may withdraw your submission at any time, but submission fees are non-refundable.
135 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Roger Conners

    As a Clevelander born and raised, it was especially meaningful to have the chance to screen my feature film MEAT for my peers and fellow creatives. This is a wonderful event organized by individuals who truly care about independent cinema, providing opportunities for filmmakers and storytellers both Ohio-based and beyond. I recommend this to anyone looking to screen and celebrate independent cinema amongst individuals who are lovingly passionate about the craft. I will absolutely be back next year!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Erik Martinelli

    So honored to have our film, Laundromat, selected for the festival. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend the festival, but the communication from all involved was top notch. They kept us informed of all the events they had planned and kept in constant communication throughout. Will definitely be entering again.

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We can't wait to see your next project!

  • Chance Calloway

    While I couldn't attend in person due to a friend's wedding, I felt included and celebrated, and knowing several of the other nominees and selected filmmakers, I know this is a high-quality festival and feel blessed to have been a part of it!

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hope you submit again!

  • Craig Renfroe

    Excellent communication! Thank you for including our short film "Public Speaking 101"! I'm sad that we couldn't make the festival this year, especially considering all the networking events and panels. But I hope to in the future.

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We hope to see you soon, thank you!

  • J-WAT Productions

    Submit your film but attend for the people you meet. So nice and welcoming and just excited to talk about your film and work. Attend the panels, competitions, karaoke, and just enjoy the ride.

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for coming!