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 400 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 15th, 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
  • Lisa Ovies

    Truly one of the best festivals around. I love everything about it and the amazing humans that run it.

    December 2024
  • Michael Stasko

    Thank you so much for including "Vampire Zombies...from Space!" at your festival! Great place to have your New York premiere. Cherry on top to win Best Sci-Fi Feature film. Q&A hosts were lively and engaging, lots of passion here.

    December 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Michael for that cool review, it is much appreciated.

  • Such a wonderful time! Thank you to everyone who works so hard to put on NYC Horror. You are all so generous and caring. Cheers to you!!

    December 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Aaron. That is what we always strive for, and it is so nice to know we have achieved just that. Wishing you a wonderful holiday.....Cheers! Ronnie

  • Production Team

    We had a great time at NYCHFF! The programmers are very responsive, highly attentive to guests’ needs, and the venue was great. We will definitely be submitting again!

    December 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks guys, we always appreciate feedback on our festival. So happy to know your time with us was so positive. Hope to see you again. Happy holiday!.......Ronnie

  • So thankful to have been apart of this festival! Such a great experience with true professionals

    December 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Alex, thank you so much. It is always our goal that filmmakers
    will have a positive experience at the NYC Horror Film Festival, So happy to know we achieved just that. Happy holiday to you and family. With appreciation...Ronnie---