BIG ANNOUNCEMENT - Due to Increased Ticket Sales we are moving the Island of Horror to the Todd Performing Arts Center! We are still at Chesapeake College, but we are upgrading to the larger theater! Come get Mega Spooky with us!

Maryland’s Premier Horror Film Fest is back!

Island of Horror Film Fest: 4 Life (or Death) promises to give back to the creators by giving away all the proceeds as cash prizes. We don't want your money. We want your souls... no... films, yes, films!

The Island of Horror Returns on Nov. 1st, inside the Todd Performing Arts Center of Chesapeake College. We will show the best of the fest and announce the award winners and give away prizes.

In years past our programs have featured World Premiers, Award Winning Thrillers, Student Projects, Local Films, and First Time Directors. The Island of Horror started as a way to celebrate the films we crave, and has turned into an international night of terror our audiences won’t soon forget.

Our judges crave all types of horror - Animation, Comedy, Spooky, Gory, Campy, Thrilling, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Slasher or experimental.

Awards & Prizes

GRAND PRIZES - Cash (Determined by submissions, last year we gave away over $1000) - Selected by a jury of 5 Television Producers. (Do not have to be present to win prize/s)

AUDIENCE PRIZE - Cash in Hand (Determined by tickets) - Selected by a jury of your peers, everyone who buys a ticket gets to vote. (Must be present to accept prize)

STUDENT FILM PRIZE - Money Payout (Determined by Submissions) - Selected by the Peake Players (Drama Department) of Chesapeake College.

SUPERLATIVE PRIZES - No Cash Payout. These are additional awards submitters can win.

Superlative Categories - Best Actress, Actor, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design and Best Scare Moment, and many more.

Rules & Terms

1. Understand that the submission fee does not guarantee your project a place in the festival. Entries are judged by a panel who make the decisions of Official Selections, Finalists, and Grand Prize winners. The judges decisions are final and may not be disputed.

2. All entries must be sent digitally. If selected , it is the responsibility of the film maker to deliver a downloadable version of the film to be screened at the event. Please do not send DVDs, BluRays, images, photographs, we will not consider them for submission or screening.

3. Grand Prize(s) money will be determined after FilmFreeway takes its necessary fees. The award may be delivered through PayPal after the event has concluded.

4. You DO NOT have to be present to win a Grand Prize. We hope to gain many submissions from around the world. Everyone will have a fair shot to win.

5. All films must be screened in English or have English Subtitles.

6. All Official Selections will be asked to submit promotional materials they have available such as film poster, trailer, still photos, website or social media links, etc... Film entries that do not have suitable trailers prepared consent to allowing QACTV to use a clip from their film for promotional purposes.

7. Entry fees are non-refundable unless they are covered by the submission protection option, according to the FilmFreeway terms.

8. The submitter must own the rights to the film or short being submitted.
31 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Value
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Networking
  • Gauvain Neme

    The Island of Horror Film Fest was an absolute pleasure to be part of.
    The team is friendly, responsive, and truly dedicated to celebrating genre filmmaking.
    I was thrilled that Puzzle received two awards, including a 3rd place win among so many strong films.
    A festival I warmly recommend to any filmmaker looking for genuine support and passion for horror cinema.

    December 2025
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  • Richard Wareham / Grüntyers

    So pleased that the Island of Horror Film Fest chose "Loop" for the WTF film block. An honour in itself.
    Great communications and really great to hear that the film lead to discussion afterwards about things temporal. Hoera!
    A big round of applause to all of those involved.

    November 2025
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  • Gatlin Collier

    Thank you so much for screening Ally vs the Dead! Such a fun environment. Everyone there from other filmmakers to staff were so kind and inviting.

    November 2025
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  • Luke and Martha Van Garza

    Many thanks to this festival for screening our short film, SOUS VIDE. We weren't able to attend, but we know that we were in excellent company with the other selections.

    November 2025
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  • Danielle Weinberg

    This is a fun and growing horror fest run by a passionate, charismatic team who cares about the filmmakers. Good selection of films from all over. Many of the awards come with a monetary prize, which we really appreciated. We had a great experience at Island of Horror.

    November 2025
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