Retro 3d glasses

Created in 1999, The NEVERMORE Film Festival is an International juried competition festival which programs brand-new genre feature and short films from around the world. The festival seeks submissions for horror, science fiction, animation (horror/sci-fi themed), and mystery/suspense.

Nevermore has been selected as a "Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals" by FilmFreeway and "One of the Best Horror Film Festivals in the World" by Dread Central.

We are NOT seeking dramas or comedies (unless they have a definitive horror or sci-fi theme), documentaries, or "crime" thrillers (Pulp Fiction, gangster films; you get the idea.)

More than 1200 features and shorts have screened at the festival in its 20+ year run. It has gained an international reputation as one of the premiere genre festivals in the United States.

Nevermore has hosted many artists over the years. The festival is a great place for artists to network. An Artist Luncheon is held on the Saturday morning of the festival for artists to meet and mingle with one another.

Awards & Prizes

JURY AWARDS
Best Feature
Best Animated Film (Feature or Short)
Best Short (1-19 min; US/Canada)
Best Short (1-19 min; International)
Best Horror-Comedy Short
Best Science Fiction Short

AUDIENCE AWARDS
Best Feature
Best Short (1-19 min; US/Canada)
Best Short (1-19 min; International)
Best Animated Short

Rules & Terms

Nevermore is seeking new narrative feature and short films that have NOT yet been released (or planned to be released) on Netflix, DVD/BluRay, or other pay services prior to March 1, 2023, the first day after the end of fest. VOD is acceptable. (If your feature film is ONLY available for purchase on your website but NOT on any other service such as Amazon, etc., it is indeed eligible.)

Films that are 2+ years or older are ineligible.

Short films that are available on Youtube, Vimeo or other media services are indeed eligible.

Nevermore does NOT accept unsolicited documentaries. Nevermore does NOT accept music videos or similar.

EXHIBITION FORMATS:
All films, regardless of length, are digitally projected. Digital files must be in DCP, .mp4, Apple ProRes, .mov, .avi, or .wmv formats.

FILM CONTENT WARNINGS:
If your film contains scenes of graphic hardcore sexual material, rape, or simulated animal torture, please notify us as such on your submission listing. Certain jury members are sensitive to this content. If we are unable to "flag" these submissions in advance for committee members, your film may be rejected due to low scores. It is better to forewarn us in advance so we can notify jury members rather than catch them off-guard.

ARTIST TRANSPORTATION:
If accepted, Nevermore does NOT pay for artist transportation such as airfare, train, etc. We also do not coordinate travel arrangements with International Cultural Agencies. Please do not ask.

57 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Robin Careless

    I had an absolutely wonderful time at Nevermore! The whole team at the festival was communicative, supportive, and friendly. It was the first festival I got to see my short Escape: A Ghost Story projected live at, and I couldn't have asked for a better festival to have it's in person premiere at. I can confidently say I will be submitting all my future projects to Nevermore and highly recommend it to any horror directors out there looking for a fun and welcoming event to showcase their work.

    March 2022
    Helpful
  • Tristan Shepherd

    Incredible festival. The staff are very communicative and helpful. In particular, the festival director, Jim Carl, is extremely hospitable, generous with his time and keen for the filmmakers to succeed. The festival is very much set up for the filmmaker and audience experience. I would recommend to anyone. Very proud to have been part of 2022 festival. Will definitely look to return in the future.

    March 2022
    Helpful
  • Ramone Menon

    If you love all things horror and genre, Nevermore is a must attend/submit on the festival circuit. Jim and his team ensure you have a great time through out the festival. There are plenty of great films and filmmakers to network with. The venue that the festival is held is one of the best in the world in terms of sound and picture quality. The town of Durham is perfect for a genre festival and has plenty of great things to eat and drink when you want to take a break from watching amazing genre cinema! This festival is a must attend on the festival circuit!

    March 2022
    Helpful
  • Mark J. Parker

    So happy and grateful my short film Twin was accepted by this festival this year. Nevermore was on my radar for a while, and after my previous short Family History screened at OutSouth Queer, also run by the super friendly, thorough, and communicative Jim Carl, I knew Nevermore should be on my list. I wasn't able to be there in person, but the emails and filmmaker Facebook group were great. And thank you Jordan from marketing for setting up my interview with the Progressively Horrified podcast! A very cool bonus.

    March 2022
    Helpful
  • Tim Luna

    There are festivals that you just have to love. Nevermore is one of those festivals. I had such good communication with Jim, to put it simply, it's the kind of communication I wish some so-called A festivals could (should) have. Other than that, Nevermore is just a great festival and has great networking opportunities! I / we were happy that our short film Hunger (Hambre) was in the program and wish Jim, the crew and the festival many more great editions!

    March 2022
    Helpful