Established by MooDude Films CEO / Producer / Director / Michael J. Hein in 2001. The NYCHFF is a week long event that takes place each December at venues throughout New York City. The NYCHFF has grown to be a world recognized event, with industry, filmmakers, and press attention from around the globe.The Hein Family is committed to keeping the festival alive in memory of the truly missed and loved founder Michael J Hein.
The festival is competitive, screening approximately 50-60 films each year.
Awards are given in the following categories:
Best Director
Best Horror Feature Film
Best SCI-FI Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Screenplay
Best Special Effects
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Design
Best Actor
Best Actress
Audience Choice
- See more at: nychorrorfest.com

Best Director LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Screenplay
Best Special Effects
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Design
Best Actor
Best Actress
Audience Choice
Best Sci-Fi Feature Film
Best Sci-Fi Short Film
Unproduced Short
Unproduced Feature
Best Sci-Fi Short Film
Best Horror Comedy Feature
Best Horror Comedy Short

SCREENING and ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (Films and Screenplays)
***DCP MUST BE PHYSICAL COPY**
The NYCHFF is an international film festival that accepts films and screenplays from around the globe.

WE ARE A HYBRID OF IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL

Submissions postmarked later than September 1st will be automatically submitted to the following year. All filmmakers will be notified no later than October of each year of submission status. Before submitting, we encourage filmmakers to research all film festivals they intend to submit to. Film festival fees add up, so please do your homework before submitting to any event! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us. Lastly, we wish all filmmakers and writers good luck!

In fairness to all filmmakers, WE DO NOT GRANT WAIVERS!

All features must be a minimum of 60 minutes. Shorts no longer than 30 minutes including credits.

1. Film cannot have played VOD or been released on disc or other formats before our festival dates. Please make sure to let us know what your premiere status is.

2. All DCPs must be picked up after the screening and signed for by the filmmaker. If you attend the festival and do not pick up your DCP, you will be responsible for shipping
charges. - See more at nychorrorfest.com

3. You may submit multiple entries but each must be accompanied by a submission form and entry fee.

5. Screening requirements for films selected for exhibition are DCP, downloadable link short synopsis of the film. Trailers and posters (if available). Director's headshot and bio.

6. If your film is selected, you will be notified via email by early October. Please check your contact information.

7. Films must be submitted via Vimeo link and must be subtitled in English if in any other language.

8. Entry fees are non-refundable and must be in U.S. dollars. If eligibility requirements are not met, we reserve the right to disqualify any submission.

9. Films that have had public or festival screenings in the NYC metropolitan area are ineligible within our festival dates (6 months for feature and 3 months short) this includes theatrical, commercial, TV.or internet play.

10. Final notification date is October 30th, although we may notify earlier.


The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless The New York City 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.
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SCREENPLAY COMPETITION RULES

The NYCHFF has launched a Screenplay Competition for budding horror storytellers. Please note that this is for Unproduced Screenplay Submissions Only. If you have submitted a produced feature film or short into this year’s event, it is automatically considered for a Best Screenplay award in the festival.

Feature/Short Screenplay: DEADLINES
Submissions postmarked later than September 1st will be automatically submitted to the following year. All screenwriters will be notified no later than October of each year of submission status of selected scripts.

Eligibility Requirements:

Before submitting, we encourage entrants to research all film festivals they intend to submit to. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us. Lastly, we wish all filmmakers and writers good luck!
In fairness to all entrants, we do not grant waivers.

Unproduced status will be one of the factors considered when determining a screenplay’s inclusion in the New York City Horror Film Festival. Screenplays must not
have had any commercial, theatrical, TV, or internet play in the United States.
Please use our Script Submissions Page on FilmFreeway to submit your materials.
Length: Feature screenplays (85-120 pgs.) / Short screenplays (1-30 pgs.)

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • It's clear why this festival has been running as long as it has. This is a team that LOVES horror and they show equal love to the filmmakers.

    Being there for the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Doug Bradley was something I'll never forget. I met folks I continue to keep in touch with and will no doubt collaborate with and support.

    The folks at NYCHFF show their deep appreciation for ALL things horror in their programming. I'm so glad I was able to catch all of the shorts blocks and many of the features. I will definitely be returning as an audience member/supporter.

    Every single member of the festival team is wonderful. THANK YOU for putting this incredible gathering of incredible folks together!

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Kristin....Thank you so much for that wonderful review. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience for all
    our guests and filmmakers. To know we did just that is so rewarding. Hope to see you again real soon.

  • Scott Brown

    I had an incredible time at NYCHFF. I cannot recommend this festival enough. It's a must stop for your Horror film festival run. Amazing films and so many networking opportunities.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for that incredible review Scott. It is always what we strive for at the NYCHFF, and we are thrilled you felt we accomplished just that. Hope to see you again with your next blockbuster.

  • Robin Rippmann

    Simply one of the best festival experiences I've had so far. The quality of the films was outstanding and the whole festival was well organised by a very friendly team.

    January 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Robin, for your awesome review of the NYC Horror Film Festival. It is so appreciated.

  • Lisa Ovies

    LOVE this festival and the amazing team that helps to run it. Truly grateful to have played with you all again. X

    December 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Lisa, we missed you so much. Thank you for trusting us with one oif your most prized possessions, and those kind words about the NYC Horror Film Festival.Can not wait to see what comes next. Sending big hugs.

  • Allan Piper

    My team and I had a wonderful time at this festival. The projection quality was outstanding. This was the largest screen and the best sound system our movie had ever shown on.

    The quality of films shown was excellent. It was an honor for ours to be in the company of the others.

    The bar and lounge in the Look Dine-In Cinema lobby made it easy to meet and celebrate with the other filmmakers, which is one of the most rewarding parts of any film festival.

    I will be eager to submit future films for consideration.

    December 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Allan, Thank you so much for that awesome review. We are so happy to know we met your expectations,as that is what we always strive for. I loved meeting you and can not wait to see your next smash. Come back soon....R.