The Houston Horror Film Festival was created by an independent filmmaker and horror fan to recognize and showcase true independent horror.

We strive to cultivate a respected festival whose goal will be to showcase and celebrate the films and filmmakers! Filmmakers who attend will get the opportunity to meet and network with other filmmakers through of variety of events. We'll arrange for Q&A sessions with interested filmmakers after screenings.

Film selections will be made by a selection committee comprised of individuals involved independent filmmaking or the genre. The goal in selected our line up will be to provide our guests with a group of films that are diverse in subject matter, have compelling stories, and that showcase the creativity and passion present in the indie horror film scene today.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be given out during our Awards Ceremony. The categories include:

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Director (Feature)
Best Director (Short)
Best Actor (Feature)
Best Actress (Feature)
Best Actor (Short)
Best Actress (Short)
Best Screenplay (Feature)
Best Screenplay (Short)
Best Cinematography (Feature)
Best Cinematography (Short)
Best Special Effects (Feature)
Best Special Effects (Short)
Best Texas Film

Rules & Terms

The Houston Horror Film Festival is open to any film that can reasonable be considered horror and/or any of its sub-genres (slasher, supernatural, psychological, monsters, ect..) from any country. However, if the film is not in English, English subtitles are required.

For the 2026 festival the film must have been completed after June of 2024.

If accepted, the filmmaker will be asked to submit a digital MP4 copy of the film for the film screening.

By submitting your film, you agree:

That you have ownership and/or permission to submit the film for festival consideration.

That you have full rights to all music used in the film.

That you give Houston Horror Film Festival permission to screen your film at the event and utilize any submitted posters and/or images from the film in our advertising.

That if you choose to attend the festival, transportation and accommodation costs are your own responsibility.
82 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Derek Bensonhaver

    I feel beyond honored to have not only screened, but have a nomination at this brilliant fest. It was a stake to my heart to not be able to be there in person, but we'll definitely be back, again and again for more! The feedback i've heard from others who did make it have assured me this isnt to be missed again.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Colin G Cooper

    Though I was unable to attend Houston Horror in person, my experience communicating with the festival team was excellent. Festival director Troy Escamilla was pleasant, thoughtful, and attentive. I would certainly submit again, and hope that I have an opportunity to attend in person in the future.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Jonjo Lyons

    Thank you so much for screening my short film Better Anything. Houston Horror is a brilliant festival, and I can't wait to attend with my next project. Thanks guys!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Regan Schenck

    Houston Horror Film Festival is a convention we've been personally going to for nearly 5 years now and have always had an amazing time. Getting to attend the event as a filmmaker was just extraordinary! Everyone on staff at the event was so helpful and helped keep our cast and crew seated together. 10/10 will always recommend this event!

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Roger Conners

    I’ve attended this festival as a guest for the past three years, and I had always dreamed of having the opportunity of screening one of my films as part of this event. That dream came true this summer, and it was truly one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences of my career. HHFF is truly a remarkable event, prioritizing affordable ticket cost and accessible venues for their passionate and diverse fan base. What a blast!

    August 2025
    Helpful