Welcome to Lit Scares International Horror Film Festival, an IMDB qualifying annual Festival with a Prestigious awards ceremony held in the very heart of Yorkshire in Harrogate every year.

As well as guest judges we will also have live stand up, music and of course the awards themselves. There is also a bar available all evening and there will also been plenty of opportunity for networking.

Lit Scares is the sister company of Lit Laughs, a company formed early 2018 by a group of talented comedians and horror film enthusiasts whose aim is to promote and celebrate the world of Horror by rewarding talented work regardless of budget and location.

Dates for the 2024 Live event will be Saturday August 3rd and will be held at The Manhattan Club, Beech Avenue, Harrogate HG2 8DY UNITED KINGDOM from 19.00 – late.

PLEASE NOTE - THERE WILL BE 5 DAYS OF SCREENING FILMS FROM MON 29TH JULY TO FRIDAY 2ND AUGUST AT VARIOUS BARS AROUND HARROGATE
THIS WILL BE FOR THE FINALISTS ONLY

NB The live event will be held with our Lit Laughs Comedy Finals on the same event same night .

Awards & Prizes

All official entries , Finalists, 3rd place and Runner up and winners will receive a Laurel and a certificate.
Trophies will be awarded to all winners of each category on the night, if not in attendance we will mail to anywhere in the world for a small postage fee.

NEW THIS YEAR *** WE WILL BE PICKING

BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
BEST DIRECTOR
BEST PRODUCER

FROM OUR FINALISTS - ALL FINALISTS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED IN TO THIS AT NO EXTRA COST

We will promote all finalists on our Facebook page at their request

We have another new sponsor offering prize packages for the winners and runner ups of each categories big thank you to
iPitch.tv - "Looking for a way to pitch your idea for a television show or movie? iPITCH.TV offers a next generation platform for creators of original pitches for TV, Film & Digital Media to connect directly with Hollywood Producers and Studio Executives and gives creators industry pro advice on how to pitch a television show or feature film. Pitch your idea for a Movie, Screenplay, Television Show, Short Film, New Media Project and more."

We are offering a free 12 month subscription to all WINNERS
Also a 3 month subscription to all RUNNER & 3rd PLACE

Rules & Terms

**********PLEASE NOTE *******

How we operate our festival may be a little different to others so here is how it works

Official Entry - this is our first round, this means you are now competing in our festival against all other entry's in your chosen category (this does not mean your project will be screened).

Semi-finalist - if you are lucky enough to progress from Official entry then you will move up to been a Semi -Finalist (this does not mean your project will be screened).

Finalist - if you progress to our finalist stage, you project will get a screening and you will also be invited to our live awards event where you will compete to be the overall WINNER

Work can be submitted from any year as Scary does not have an expiry date

ALL NON ENGLISH FILMS MUST HAVE ENGLISH SUBTITLES

89 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Matt Robb

    We are so honored our film NOMAN won “Best Poster” and “Best Student Film”! The festival was very responsive and up to date with their info, and I loved how awards ceremony was streamed live for those who couldnt physically attend such as myself. I’m looking forward to submitting my next short hopefully for next year’s festival!

    September 2023
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  • Taylor Martin

    Nothing but the best. This wonderful operation ensures a fair and good time had by all. Effective communication, hype, networking. Top notch and enjoyable and will submit every time!

    August 2023
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  • Christine Makepeace

    So excited my microshort screenplay made it to the finals. Thank you!

    August 2023
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  • Penny LeLeux

    I was not able to attend the festival, but the commumication was good and the feedback I received for my short script, Monsters Among Us was invaluable. Thank you!

    August 2023
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  • Jack Morgan

    First off it means so much to be acknowledged by my peers... but to actually win as well?! It's an absolute dream come true. Additionally, receiving a physical award within a professional setting gives me the legitimacy I seek as a filmmaker. Bravo Lit Scares, may you continue to reward other striving filmmakers going forward!

    August 2023
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