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 2023 festival the film must have been completed after June of 2019.

If accepted, the filmmaker will be asked to submit a digital 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.
62 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elias Hinojosa

    YES. This festival was a blast. Was honored to share my film "ALL-NIGHTER" with an audience of engaged film FANS. Experts in the genre, essentially, who ask all the right questions and appreciate genuine storytelling... no matter your background or experience level. Was also awarded the most incredible trophy for 'Best Actor - Short Film'... a serious work of art. Will cherish it forever. Thank you HHFF!! 10/10

    August 2023
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  • JT Seaton

    Over the past few years, the Houston Horror Film Festival has grown into a powerhouse! What an AWESOME event. We are so honored to have had our film, "The Haunted Baby Carriage From Hell" selected and screened at this amazing fest! Do yourself a favor (fellow filmmakers) and submit to this incredible festival. You won't regret it! Congrats to Troy and Tony! You guys put on a fantastic show!

    August 2023
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  • Tyler Beveridge

    What an absolute fantastic festival with true love for the horror genre. This is definitely a festival worth the submission price. Excellent communication, lineup, and attendance. Jingle Hell screened to a packed house! Only 4 years in and I see this being one of the genre giants in the upcoming years.

    August 2023
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  • Lisa Ovies

    Amazing all around! Can't wait to be able to play here again one day. Thanks so much for everything!

    August 2023
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  • Casey De Fremery

    I attended the HHFF for my short, “The Needle,” and had a blast! It was a much bigger convention/fest than I expected so it was a trip being around thousands of horror fans. This meant that the screening blocks were always packed and my film played great! The only reason I didn’t rate it higher was a projection issue that skipped the first two minutes of my movie but I’m the Q&A afterwards, I got them to replay the opening. Total fluke scenario but it was a very fun event!

    August 2023
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