The Dark Fest is an IMDB qualifying film and script award festival.

We accept feature films, short films, short film scripts and digital media projects in the following genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Mystery, film noir, and Thriller. Including any cross-genre films that strongly incorporate at least one of these genres. Feature films are in award competition only and will not be screened.

Films are in competition for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards.

Fan films are also accepted.

Additional winning categories will receive laurels and digital certificates.

All winning projects will be featured in our awards ceremony video.

*****OUR PROMISE TO YOU*****
1. Our judges will watch every single submitted film in full. We owe that to you.

2. Our festival does provide FREE certificates as well as prizes, you will never have to pay for an award or certificate. We owe that to you.

3. Our directors will make sure to update the status of your submission in a timely manner so that you are fully aware of your submission process. We owe that to you.

4. We will listen to your critical feedback and we will do our best to continue to make The Dark Fest one of the best festivals for filmmakers. We owe that to you.

Awards & Prizes

Note: Every filmmaker that submits will be allowed to screen their film in the virtual event held on our website and will be allowed to participate in awards. Not all films will screen at the live event, only the top rated films will screen until allotted time has been filled.

The following prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

Best Short Film:
1st Place Winner Prize
2nd Place Winner certificate
3rd Place Winner certificate

Best Short Script:
1st Place Best Script Prize
2nd Place Winner certificate
3rd Place Winner certificate

Best Feature Film:
1st Place Winner Prize
2nd Place Winner certificate
3rd Place Winner certificate

Best Feature Script:
1st Place Winner Prize
2nd Place Winner certificate
3rd Place Winner certificate

Best Noir/Neo Noir:
1st Place Winner Prize
2nd Place Winner certificate
3rd Place Winner certificate

With the following additional special award certificates:

Jury Award (Judges overall favorite project)

*No plaques, prizes or certificates will be provided for these categories, digital certificates only.

Rules & Terms

Films must be submitted via an online screener and must be downloadable. If you fail to supply us with a screener before the event, the film will be disqualified without refund.

You will give The Dark Fest rights to screen and promote your film during the run of the festival year in which you submitted your film or script. Including allowing your film to screen in our virtual event behind a paywall and not available for free to the general public. Please contact us for more information.

At The Dark Fest, we value story over anything else, we do not judge projects based on their budget, every filmmaker has an equal opportunity to shine no matter what their film cost.
22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Cameron A. Straughan

    The Dark Fest Awards provided a wonderful experience from start to finish. Communication was professional (with flare and a welcome sense of humour), the organizers clearly care about independent genre storytelling, and I was honoured to receive First Place for my screenplay, Schisma.

    It's encouraging to see a festival that celebrates original voices in horror, science fiction, and dark cinema. I highly recommend The Dark Fest to writers and filmmakers looking for a supportive festival that genuinely appreciates creative and ambitious work. Thank you again for the recognition, and congratulations to all the talented artists who participated!

    June 2026
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  • Michael Thomas Cain

    A great festival that offers great opportunities and communication every step of the way. We're honored to have our feature film TOP HATE as a part of The Dark Fest.

    June 2026
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  • Carlos Estevan

    I have been a huge fan of The Dark Fest for years as a viewer and was thrilled to be accepted into this year’s festival. The organizers were very helpful and communicative making the submission process very easy for us. Based on the films I have seen in past years Dark Fest events, I believe the organizers to be true champions of independent filmmaking at many levels.
    A true pleasure to deal with. 5 Stars!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Beka Jean

    Thank you so much for giving JUST ANOTEHR DAY a 2025 Finalist award! As our short is a Dark Comedy with not much gore...we are always doubly appreciated when the dark side embraces us!

    June 2026
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  • Mikko Löppönen

    Couldn't make it to the festival itself but communication was great and all the emails and videos made were really fun and professional! Thanks for letting our little short in!

    October 2023
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