This Valentine’s weekend, forget the roses and chocolates—New York Monsters is bringing blood, guts, and screams to the heart of Brooklyn. Launching February 12–14, 2027, at the legendary Film Noir Cinema, this brand-new film festival is a love letter to the grotesque, the bizarre, and the absolutely terrifying. Across three nights, we’ll dive into the dark worlds of horror, sci-fi, and gore with a lineup of cult favorites, savage indies, and fresh premieres that will haunt your heart—and your nightmares. But it’s not just about watching from the shadows. We’re inviting the audience to become the monsters: come dressed as your favorite creature, killer, or cosmic horror and join our nightly monster parades, with prizes for the most spine-chilling transformations.

CALL FOR ENTRIES IS NOW OPEN! We're looking for bold, bloody, and boundary-pushing films from emerging and established creators across the globe. Whether it’s a short shocker or a feature-length descent into madness, if your film dares to disturb, we want to see it. Submit now and be part of the first edition of what promises to be New York’s most monstrous Valentine tradition.

Best Monster Film
Scariest Film Award
Best Kill Scene
Most Disturbing Short
Best Creature Design
Bloodbath Award (for most gore)
Best Screamplay (Best Script)
Last Girl Standing Award (Best Female Lead)
Cursed Cinematography
Best Practical Effects
Unholy Performance (Best Actor/Actress)
Rotten Heart Award (Best Villain)

THE TARKOVSKI GRANT
All selected filmmakers will receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with an average value of about $500. This not only saves you a lot of money, but it also recognizes your work as something to watch for during the selection procedure, making a selection with another partner film festival more likely - but of course, never guaranteed. The Tarkovski Grant supports hundreds of filmmakers each year in their challenging journeys as independent filmmakers, by promoting existing films, no matter the genre, style or length. The Tarkovski Grant is supported by film festivals from all over the world. Find out more here: www.thetarkovskigrant.org.

FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO WHUSH.COM
All selected filmmakers will receive a free subscription to Whush.com for 3 months. Whush.com is a streaming service that has teamed up with over 20 film festivals worldwide, exclusively streaming official selections during the festival period. More information: www.whush.com.

EXPOSURE
Share your story with Final Cut Magazine. Whether you’d like to announce a new selection, promote an upcoming project, celebrate an award win, premiere your trailer, or take part in a one-on-one interview about your work—we’re here to help amplify your voice.
More information: www.finalcutmagazine.com

We accept short and feature films up to 120 minutes: horror, monster films, thrillers, dark experimental, scary, shocking documentaries, ...

SUBMISSIONS
New York Monsters© accepts all forms and genres. All non-English language films must be subtitled in English. Entry does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Submissions WILL NOT be returned. We also accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere and that may have distribution agreements already in place. Rough cuts and incomplete projects are not accepted. Multiple entries are allowed, however a separate entry form must be submitted for each.

EXHIBITION & SCREENING
Screenings are scheduled during the Festival at the discretion of New York Monsters©. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, New York Monsters© reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. New York Monsters© will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling. No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection. If chosen as an official selection, New York Monsters© is granted the permission to exhibit the film at the New York Monsters© and all associated screenings. Location and timing of any screenings of the film shall be the sole decision of the organizers of New York Monsters©. Filmmakers will be solely responsible for all costs resulting from the submission of the film to the Festival including but not limited to postage or insurance of the film, and expenses of your staff or any representatives of the film. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

LOSS OR DAMAGE
Although every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage to materials while in the possession of the festival, New York Monsters© is not responsible should any materials be damaged while in transit to or from, or while in the possession of the festival.

ENTRY LIABILITY
The filmmaker holds the New York Monsters©, its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from entry. The filmmaker certifies to have full rights. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

SCREENING FEE
The festival does not offer screening fees for its films. By submitting through FilmFreeway you are agreeing to NOT request a screening fee as a requirement for your film's participation in the festival, should your film get selected for the program.

WAIVER REQUESTS
Since the festival only requires a nominal entry fee and grants free submissions to local filmmakers and filmmakers who're eligible for the The Connecting Cultures Program (https://www.connectingculturesprogram.com) , we will NOT accept requests for other entry fee waivers.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alora Thompson

    Feel extremely privileged to have been a part of this festival! Everyone was super enthusiastic and inviting which made for an unforgettable experience. Loved being part of the Q&A, the questions asked by the host were engaging and thoughtful. You can tell this team truly believes in their mission to uplift new filmmakers!

    February 2026
  • I had a great time at the New York Monsters festival. Elated to screen my film, Dinner, with an enthusiastic audience. The crowd and their costumes were amazing. Communication with the festival was easy and enjoyed having the detailed Q&A. Felt well taken care of.

    February 2026