What does 'terror' mean to you?

RATFest hopes to examine this question by featuring a diverse offering of exciting works showing the many different versions of terror that exist in our world. Works of any genre are welcome.

RATFest 3.0 is bigger than ever, with an IN-PERSON SCREENING EVENT at Chicago's historic New 400 Theater! Beginning April 15, selected works will screen with in-person audiences invited to vote for the awards! Digital screenings will follow with some titles available through 4/22.

Additional programming includes interviews with the cast and team of selected projects, trailer showcases, and more to be announced.

RATFest launched in April 2020, streaming 21 productions over 9 days. Due to popular demand, a second festival followed with a more-distinct horror theme, screening 19 titles over one month and featuring the world premiere of Scary Stories: Dark Web, co-written by Marvel's Crystal Skillman and featuring a cameo from Tony Todd.

The Random Acts of Terror Festival is thrilled to add audience awards in 2023! All titles are automatically eligible upon acceptance and will receive laurels for the IMDb-qualifying fest.

Previously featured titles:
Vol. 1: #SafeSpace, Rat and Mouse, Something Special, Le Puppet, The Beginning, Reefer Madness!, Uncle Fun: You're the One, Freak Show Cabaret, Night of the Living Dead (Drunk), Question, Contact, Skype Sex, Magnolia is Big and Strong, I'll Cry If I Want To, Apocolypse Trump, February, Hairdresser Huey, Greetings from the Moon, Love at First Like
Vol. 2: Wanna Be Friends?, Out of Time, Maere, Elise's Nightmare, The Door, Fire Lies, Camp Out, Annabel Lee, The Conquerer Worm, Beetle's BatHouse, Senseless, The Umbrella Man, Winter's Blood, Monsters Anonymous, Doors, Freak Show Halloween, Scary Stories: Dark Web.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Director
Best Ensemble
Best Performer in a Leading Role
Best Performer in a Featured Role
Best Screenplay
Best Visual Effects
Additional categories may be added based on submissions.

Rules & Terms

1. There is no guarantee of acceptance, and submission fees are non-refundable.
2. Non-English films must include English subtitles. These are welcome for English-language productions as well.
3. Short films must be shorter than 55 minutes. Features must be longer than 55 minutes.
4. There are no requirements regarding previous screenings or when your film was produced.
5. Films are scheduled at our discretion. RATFest retains the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason.

RELEASE: RATFest is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless RATFest 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 materials entered.