*** UPDATE: We will not accept any submissions after Sept. 26th 2025.***
(The site will not let us remove the Late Deadline which was added incorrectly. Late deadline is Sept 26th 2025 - Any submissions submitted after Sept 26th will be considered for future festivals.)

Phoenix FearCON is partnered with the
A Night of Misfit Films Film Festival
happening November 28-30 2025 in Phoenix Arizona
We are sponsoring the 1st Night which is dedicated to Horror and Sci-Fi!

FearCON is hosting Horror/Sci-Fi Night at A NIGHT OF MISFIT FILMS
on Friday, November 28th 2025
ALWUN HOUSE
1204 E ROOSEVELT STREET
PHOENIX AZ 85006

These submissions will be considered for A Night of Misfit Films, happening Nov. 28th, 29th and 30th, 2025.

This call for entries is for SHORT FILMS ONLY.
WE CAN ACCEPT HORROR AND SCI FI SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS EVENT.
Winners will receive an award trophy and our deepest respect. We are also partnered with several distribution companies who will be interested in our winners.
We will also offer filmmakers the opportunity to participate in our new streaming channel dedicated to horror, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and suspense, The FearCON Network.

Films will be adjudicated by a panel of professionals and viewed by attendees.
Viewership is worldwide on the FearCON Network

Phoenix FearCON Independent Horror Film Festival is a community driven event focused on the independent horror film maker, and the obstacles they face trying to get their film projects noticed. This year our focus is to partner with like minded festivals and give our filmmakers additional exposure to fans.

Phoenix FearCON has been showcasing since 2006, dedicated to strengthening the general understanding of horror genre film culture by providing audiences independent, cutting‐edge, original films – and authentic representations of horror from around the world.

Cinema is a bridge that connects us all. The committee members and our volunteers have a passion and energy dedicated to this event.

Awards & Prizes

Best Overall SHORT
Award plus invite to stream on the FearCON Network, plus meeting with one of FearCon's partner Film Distribution companies.

Best local Short: Award, plus invite to stream on the FearCON Network and swag

Best Foreign Short - Award plus invite to stream on the FearCON Network and swag

ALL FILMS, FILMMAKERS, AND COMPANIES WILL BE PROMOTED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE FEARCON NETWORK on ROKU

Rules & Terms

*** UPDATE: We will not accept any submissions after Sept. 26th 2025.***
(The site will not let us remove the Late Deadline which was added incorrectly. Late deadline is Sept 26th 2025 - Any submissions submitted after Sept 26th will be considered for future festivals.)

For this round we are looking for SHORT FILMS ONLY and should be more or less in the horror/SCI FI/fantasy/mystery/suspense genre. A Night of Misfit Films requests that all submissions in this genre be 15 minutes or less.

ELIGIBILITY: Films CAN NOT have been released for broad distribution (DVD, on-demand or theatrical) in the United States, prior to the date of the festival.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION:
* A link to a digital screener is preferred
* or a DVD (NTSC preferred)
* Synopsis
* Cast/Crew Bios
* Photo Stills
* Any additional information you feel might be of interest, e.g. film background, trailer, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns:
Please email director@phoenixfearcon.com.

25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Latrice Curry (Quintana)

    First let me say Thank you very much! You selecting us is a dream come true You are Horror and to acknowledge our concept film we are humble. You open the door for us to be selected by Robert Englund and the Team from Night Mare to choose us for a Semi Finalist in California. Then we are thank for you saw our vision and heard our voice!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hello Latrice!
    Thank you for the lovely review and it's always been the mission of FearCON to get all our filmmakers the exposure we feel they need to get ahead and continue their creativity
    We wish you much success and feel free to submit films to FearCON in the future!
    Sincerely
    Chris and Jim McLennan
    Founders and Festival Directors
    Phoenix FearCON
    (stoking the fear since 2006)

  • Ashley Butcher

    From the onset, we were excited to participate in Phoenix FearCON, as it already had a reputation, not only for being one of the "must do" horror festivals, but also for its organising team.

    We were fortunate to have our short film "Terminus" selected for the FearCON Horror Night at the Albuquerque Film Festival, and not only that, we were honoured with the Best Foreign Short award!

    Throughout the whole process, Jim and Chris from FearCON were clear and communicative, positive and encouraging, and well organised, certainly living up to their well earned reputation.

    April 2025
    Helpful
  • Derek Bensonhaver

    Thank you all so much for not only having our film "Little Deaths" premiere for its festival run, but also for our Best Horror Short award! We're super honored!

    April 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hello Derek!
    Thank you for the lovely review and it's always been the mission of FearCON to get all our filmmakers the exposure we feel they need to get ahead and continue their creativity
    We wish you much success in your future endeavors!
    Sincerely
    Chris and Jim McLennan
    Founders and Festival Directors
    Phoenix FearCON
    (stoking the fear since 2006)

  • Zeke Farrow

    I’ve played Phoenix FearCon twice and I just love this festival. It’s run by great people who love and support indie genre filmmakers year round. I can’t recommend submitting here highly enough. A+++

    April 2025
    Helpful
  • Logan Dunn

    We were thrilled to be a part of Phoenix FearCON this year with our short film "The Menagerie". Jim and Chris were very helpful and communicative, and we were honored to have won "Best US Short"!

    October 2024
    Helpful