1. General Eligibility
Films must be horror-themed or genre-adjacent (e.g., thriller, dark fantasy, psychological, sci-fi horror). We accept short films (under 40 minutes) and feature-length films (over 40 minutes). Films must have been completed after January 1, 2020 to be eligible for the current year’s festival. All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway with an online screener (YouTube, Vimeo, or FilmFreeway upload).
2. Premiere Status
While premiere status is not required, preference may be given to films making a Florida, Southeast, or World Premiere. Films that have been widely released or are available publicly (e.g., on YouTube or streaming platforms) may be disqualified from competition categories, at the discretion of the festival.
3. Language & Subtitles
Films not in English must have English subtitles. Submissions without subtitles will be disqualified without refund.
4. Submission Format
We only accept digital submissions. Physical submissions (DVDs, USB drives, etc.) will not be reviewed or returned. Please submit the version of your film or screenplay that you want to be judged, as we do not allow for these to be updated at a later time. If you require an updated (revised) film to be viewed, submission fees will apply.
5. Submission Fees
All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance status. Fee waivers will be considered only for students and filmmakers from low-income or developing countries with valid proof. Early, regular, late, and extended deadlines each carry their own fee tier as listed on our FilmFreeway page.
6. Exhibition Format (for selected films)
If selected, filmmakers must provide an exhibition-ready file (ProRes, H.264, or DCP format depending on screening venue). Must be received no later than 2 weeks before the festival screening date. Files must be downloadable or delivered via cloud transfer (Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc.).
7. Selection & Notification
All submissions are reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, programmers, and horror enthusiasts. Official selections will be notified via FilmFreeway email by the notification date listed. Submission does not guarantee selection. Programming decisions are final and non-negotiable.
8. Awards & Prizes
Awards are given for both jury and audience categories and may include:
Best of the Fest
Best Actor*
Best Supporting Actor*
Best Writer
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Design
Best Score
Best Special Effects
Best Editing
Best Makeup
Best Creature Design
Scream Queen
Best Breasts*
Most On Theme (2026: Bloodiest)
Audience Choice
*The Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Award will be awarded to the best actor and supporting actor of all submissions. There will be no judgement based on gender.
*The Best Breasts award is awarded to the film with the most creative use of nudity regardless of gender. The key word is creative, you can’t just have a scene in a strip club. Be cheeky…
Prizes may include trophies, sponsor packages, future submission waivers, and/or cash (if applicable).
Films that have been acquired, produced, financed or distributed by any major motion picture studios or production companies are not eligible for our competitive awards.
Jacksonville Horror Film Festival reserves the right to omit any awards should the festival not receive enough entries for specific categories or if none of the submissions meet the judging standards.
Jacksonville Horror Film Festival reserves the rights to give out any additional specialty awards should the judging team feel any of the films/screenplays deserve it.
Jacksonville Horror Film Festival awards will be distributed at the festival. If filmmakers can't attend, and they end up winning physical awards, they'll be responsible for coordinating shipping and associated costs.
9. Rights & Clearances
You must have all necessary rights and clearances for music, images, and other content used in the film. By submitting, you affirm that you hold all legal rights to the film and its contents. Jacksonville Horror Festival is not liable for any copyright infringement.
10. Marketing & Publicity
If selected, the Jacksonville Horror Festival may use film stills, poster art, trailers, or clips (up to 30 seconds) for promotional purposes across social media, websites, or press.
Filmmakers grant the festival non-exclusive rights to promote the film before and during the festival.
11. Attendance
Attendance is not required but strongly encouraged for selected filmmakers.
Selected filmmakers may receive complimentary passes, industry networking opportunities, and priority access to panels, Q&As, and events.
Travel and lodging are not provided unless otherwise stated.
12. Disqualification
Films will be disqualified for:
Content not clearly framed within a horror or satirical context
Incomplete submissions or missing fees
Failure to provide materials by deadlines after selection
Misrepresenting the film’s production year, length, or status.
13. Refund Policy
Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including:
Non-selection
Disqualification
Technical difficulties with uploaded media
Changes in festival format (e.g., virtual vs. in-person)
14. Legal Agreement
By submitting your film, you agree:
To allow your film to be screened at the Jacksonville Horror Festival if selected.
That you own or have secured the necessary rights to submit the film.
That you indemnify and hold harmless the Jacksonville Horror Festival, its employees, judges, sponsors, and volunteers against any claims involving copyright, trademark, credits, or screening issues.
