Lakeland Horror Film Festival (LHFF)

RULES:

HORROR IS THE ONLY GENRE BEING ACCEPTED. It can be a combination of other genres (ie. Horror Comedy) but the primary genre must be Horror.

We do NOT offer entry fee waivers.

1. Productions may be created in any format, but all entries for pre-screening must be in a digital file.
2. Productions must be entered by the primary rights holder or their authorized representative. If you are acting on the behalf of the rights holder of the film, you may be required to furnish proof of authorization.
3. All entries must be in English, dubbed in English or contain on-screen English subtitles. Non-English entries submitted without dubbing or on-screen English subtitles will be automatically disqualified.
4. Entries must be be submitted by deadline dates.
5. Works-in-progress will not be accepted for consideration. You must submit the fully completed project to be considered.
6. We do not require, but STRONGLY RECOMMEND providing an "all audiences" trailer (downloadable) for your film in online format. This will greatly increase your chances of being included in all social media promotions for the Festival and social media is what this festival relies upon for advertising and promotion.
7. We require a film poster to be uploaded to FilmFreeway in order to properly showcase your film on the festival poster.
8. For each accepted entry, the Lakeland Horror Film Festival will allocate one (1) filmmaker pass to the festival and networking event. A representative of your film must pick up all passes at check-in.
9. If attending the event, you will be responsible for securing your own lodging. Lakeland Horror Film Festival can provide suggestions if needed.
10. A local premiere of the film is preferred but films previously premiered at other film festivals will still be accepted. The film must not be on any money-making platforms.

TERMS:

1. Only complete entries (including entry, payment, and media file) will be processed and considered for screening.
2. Films must have been created no earlier than January 1, 2024.
3. Films promoting or advertising products or services for "for-profit" companies will not be given consideration.
4. Entrants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance into the festival by August 1, 2026.
5. Entrant stipulates that they control all rights to the submission and that public exhibition is authorized during the 2026 Lakeland Horror Film Festival if the film is accepted to the Festival.
6. If selected, entrant agrees to provide a copy of the film in an approved format for public exhibition no later than August 15, 2026. CMX cinemas requires DCP format. The festival will convert your film to DCP format, however, we must have an MP4 to do so.
7. If the Entrant wishes to decline acceptance to the Lakeland Horror Film Festival, it must be provided in writing no later than August 1, 2026.
8. There are no refunds of submission fees.
9. Participants agree that all materials related to their film (including excerpts of the film) may be published for any promotional purpose related to the Lakeland Horror Film Festival, including the Festival Program, Festival Web Site, and any local or national media. Posters and images of the film may be used independently or in combination with images from other films to promote the film and the Lakeland Horror Film Festival.
10. Productions must be entered by the primary rights holder or their authorized representative. If you are acting on the behalf of the rights holder of the film, you may be required to furnish proof of authorization. Films already steaming or available for purchase, films that have aired on a broadcast, cable or VOD platform for wide viewing by a general audience will not be accepted.
11. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Lakeland Horror Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.