The TERROR-FI FILM FESTIVAL is New Zealand’s premier genre film festival; showcasing the best horror, thriller, sci-fi and other fantastically awesome films from around the world.

We champion the big screen and the films that deserve to be seen on it. We celebrate filmmakers, unique stories, new voices, and also local talent.

TERROR-FI wouldn’t be anything with the fans, so we provide truly unique experiences both on and off screen; including custom pre-shows, themed lobbies, custom food and drink menus, dress-up events, DJs, special guests, and filmmaking masterclasses.

Founded in 2017 by New Zealand genre producer and distributor James Partridge, TERROR-FI now has a home in New Zealand’s three largest cities (Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch) playing to an audience of over 5,000 of passionate genre fans each year.

We’re also proud to be a New Zealand festival, where 100% of the profits from the festival go toward supporting local films and filmmakers.

In previous years, TERROR-FI has been the home to New Zealand premieres of films such as BARBARIAN, BODIES BODIES BODIES, THE CIVIL DEAD, SOMETHING IN THE DIRT, VESPER, ANTLERS, NEW YORK NINJA, POSSESSOR, PSYCHO GOREMAN, COLOR OUT OF SPACE, OVERLORD, SUSPIRIA, ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE, PROSPECT, ANTEBELLUM, READY OR NOT and many more. One-off event premieres and advanced screenings throughout the year have also included RENFIELD, PEARL, EVIL DEAD RISE, COCAINE BEAR, SCREAM VI, NOPE, THE BLACK PHONE, X, PIG, and SCREAM V.

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Awards & Prizes

TERROR-FI has a juried competition for features and shorts, with trophies awarded in a number of categories. In previous years, up to $10,000 in production grants have been awarded to the Best New Zealand Short.

Rules & Terms

PARTICIPANT/SUBMITTER AGREEMENT:

The submitter:
1) holds the full legal right and authority to submit the heretofore mentioned film/video project for consideration by Terror-Fi, and that all necessary consents, licensing and approvals have been obtained with respect thereto.
2) agrees to screen the film at TERROR-FI should it be selected for the program.
3) understands that submitting a film does not guarantee entry into the festival programme and that no refunds will be issued for submission fees for films not selected for the programme.
4) agrees that if the film is selected for the TERROR-FI programme they will be able to provide a screening copy on DCP and arrange for KDMs (if required) and shipping of materials to New Zealand by the agreed festival materials deadline.

GENERAL RULES / TERMS AND CONDITIONS / SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Eligibility Requirements:


- Features must be New Zealand premieres and not be publicly available online.
- International short films must be New Zealand premieres and not publicly available online
- New Zealand short films must not publicly available online.
- Run time for all feature films must be 60 – 180 minutes.

- Run time for all shorts must be approximately 20 minutes or less
-
 Selected feature films must be made available on DCP and the submitter must arrange for KDMs (if required) and shipping of materials to New Zealand by the agreed festival materials deadline.

- Selected short films must be made available on DCP or .mov file (in 24 or 25 fps - 24 preferred) and the submitter must arrange for KDMs (if required) and shipping of materials to New Zealand by the agreed festival materials deadline.

- Film submissions in a foreign language must be subtitled with English subtitles.

- Preview format is an online screener.

- If submitting more than one film, a separate completed entry is required for each title.

Submissions:

TERROR-FI only accepts submissions electronically, utilising online screeners. This allows your film to be seen by the whole programming team and thus increases its chances of being selected.

Scheduling:

Films are scheduled at the discretion of TERROR-FI. TERROR-FI retains the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason. Films will likely be screened in all three cities, and possibly more than once in each city.

Release:

TERROR-FI is hereby granted the right to utilise an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes. The individual or business submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorised to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless TERROR-FI 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.

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  • Antonio Rotunno

    An interesting mix of features and shorts and a great opportunity for us to reach the New Zealand audience in 2 different venues! Thank you for selecting "A Taco"!

    December 2023
    Helpful