The MOTOR CITY NIGHTMARES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (MCNIFF) was created to showcase and celebrate the latest and greatest contributions of independent Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Thriller films from around the world!
We help filmmakers and screenwriters get the exposure and recognition they deserve!

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
MCNIFF is focused on bridging the gaps between filmmakers, fans, and financing. Since our film festival is part of our horror convention, we offer filmmakers the unique chance to hang with the horror icons, party with the fans, and network with distribution representatives and financiers.

We accept a wide variety of films and you may enter your film in multiple categories. We are expanding the number screenings this year to accommodate more films.

Awards & Prizes

* Best Actor/Best Actress
* Best Cinematography
* Best Costume Design
* Best Film Editing
* Best Sound Design
* Best Special Effects (or Best Visual Effects)
* Best Director
* Best Horror Feature
* Best Horror Short
* Best Sci-Fi Feature
* Best Sci-Fi Short
* Best Fantasy Feature
* Best Fantasy Short
* Best Thriller Feature
* Best Thriller Short
* Best Animated Movie
* Best Michigan Made
* Best In Show
Awards may be given for each category if submissions allow.

Rules & Terms

Motor City Nightmares Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Motor City Nightmares 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 materials entered.

60 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • michael weaver

    Terrible communication. Our film played MCNIFF July 27th. Over the past 7 weeks I've followed up several times by email and IG DM regarding their award winners and received zero response. I've since read FB comments from returning fans that the con/fest was poorly organized this year - I can't confirm this as I wasn't there. But independent films rely on selections and accolades to put themselves in better position to secure distribution. If this festival didn't at least offer a chance at an award, we wouldn't have bothered tbh.

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Doug Roos

    Very happy! Thanks so much for selecting Bakemono and awarding it Best Special Effects! It means a lot!

    September 2024
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  • Joseph J Parisi

    Awesome Festival/ Horror con! Super thankful to be selected!

    September 2024
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  • Derek Bensonhaver

    Thank you so much for screening The Highwayman as part of this years festival! I'm sorry I wasnt able to attend in person, but i've heard from friends who attended how great the festival was!

    August 2024
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  • Michael Stasko

    Thanks for including “Depraved Mind” this year!

    August 2023
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