Welcome to Lit Scares International Horror Film Festival, an IMDB qualifying annual Festival with a awards ceremony.

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.

WINNING films in each category will be screened at the event on the night of the Finals.

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.

Awards & Prizes

All official entries , Semi-Finalists and Finalists will receive a Laurel and a certificate.
Trophies will be awarded to all winners of each category on the night.

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

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

112 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jay Connor

    Another amazing film festival again... velton puts on the best festivals and makes everyone feels welcome.
    Really appreciate the work that you do for the independent film scene

    November 2025
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  • Yvette Kuhl

    Thank you for selecting my short script, Pearavator!! I would have loved to have attended in person, and if I get another chance in the future I will. Great communication!

    November 2025
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  • Christopher Matthew Spencer

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” IG: @theredmarketfilm featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly, and having “The Red Market” become an award-winning film at your festival is stunning. Thank you.

    November 2025
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  • Hamed Ghonuei

    This festival was truly exceptional, and I wish them continued success. I will definitely participate again. Many thanks to all the organizers and everyone involved in making it happen.

    November 2025
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  • Rebekah Louisa Smith

    A lovely team and festival highly recommended for genre filmmakers

    November 2025
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