Founded in 2009, the Knoxville Horror Film Fest has grown from a single short film program into a multi-venue weekend event celebrating the best in horror cinema. It is the longest-running film festival in Knoxville, and recognized as one of the southeast’s premier genre movie destinations. In 2018 the KHFF team opened Central Cinema to local acclaim; the theater is currently closed in response to the pandemic but hopes to reopen soon.

Awards & Prizes

Awards vary by year, depending on festival makeup. Categories typically include Scariest Film, Funniest Film, Weirdest Film, Best Performance and Best Scenario, as well as "Palm d'Gore" award for best film.

Rules & Terms

INFO & GUIDELINES:

Films are divided into four overall competitions: FEATURE, REGIONAL FEATURE (films produced in Tennessee), SHORTS and REGIONAL SHORTS.(short films produced in Tennessee)

Submission fees are $50 for feature films, $40 for Regional Feature Films, $25 for Short films and $20 for Regional Short films.

One film per entry fee. Entry fees are non-refundable. Paying the fee does not guarantee your film will be played, it only enters your film into consideration for being a part of the festival.

Films must be original in content or adapted with binding permission.

24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nicholas deGrazia

    I loved being apart of this festival!

    January 2021
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  • Bryon Evans

    Although not able to attend I was thrilled to have my short film Inflatio selected to play the festival. Communication was excellent as well as the programming. I hope to attend in the future!

    November 2020
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  • Ryan Cauchi

    The team at Knoxville Horror Film Fest have hosted my work on three separate occasions. Needless to say, the event is a personal favorite of mine. Great communication - they're a team that care about the filmmakers. Their efforts to host a live event in the midst of a global pandemic are to be applauded. I can not recommend them enough.

    November 2020
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  • Seth Young

    Obviously with how everything has gone in 2020 things were different, I felt like the team did a great job adapting. I liked the drive-in addition this year and believe it is a fantastic idea to carry forward in future festivals, but would suggest prices adjusted to a per vehicle basis though.

    November 2020
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  • Beck Kitsis

    Love this festival, the whole team is amazing!!!

    November 2020
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