"The Old Ones were, the Old Ones are, and the Old Ones shall be..."

Welcome to The Dunwich Horror Fest! We are passionate about uplifting and supporting independent filmmakers and artists! Be it short films, features, screenplays, photography, music/score, makeup FX or poetry. If you have a love for it, then we want to see it!

Don't let the name fool you, we accept projects of all kinds! Whether it’s comedy, drama, action, thriller, romance, fantasy, experimental, horror, science fiction, documentary or anything else you can dream up, we're ready for it! No restrictions on rating, length, or year it was produced; there is a place for you all! We proudly support creators across all walks of life, and will always be a safe and inclusive experience!

We hold a special black spot in our hearts for independent films with passion. Where you can feel the love for the craft from the filmmakers, no matter the size and scope of the project.

We don't believe in judging projects simply based on budgetary restraints. We will judge a film with a $50 budget the same as a $500,000 budget. If the heart is there, then we'll see it and be proud to showcase your talents!

Each month we hold an award ceremony where we announce the best projects in each category, and the winners will be given a custom certificate for their excellent work! One overall project who we feel truly embodies the essence of STRANGE will win Best of the Fest!

"...Not in the spaces we know, but between them. They walk serene and primal, undimensioned and to us unseen."

Share your creations and JOIN US!

Awards & Prizes

—MAY 2025 WINNERS—

BEST BITE SIZED HORROR
Is It Cake? - Bill Doty

BEST MICRO SHORT FILM
The Absence - Carson Knecht

BEST INTERNATIONAL MICRO SHORT FILM
Hainschatten - Daniel Wolters

BEST SHORT FILM
After The Fall - Polly Schattell

Best Short Film
(Under 15 minutes)
Germaphobia - Nick Daniello

BEST SHORT FILM
(Under 10 Minutes)
Station Alpha - Raina Griffin

BEST EXTENDED SHORT FILM
Your Husband Was A Good Man - Jamie Alvey

BEST FEATURE FILM
Hellfire Hades II: 1980's Voodoo - William Clapp

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
Syndrome - Daniel Lama & Alessandro Sivieri

BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY
One For The Box - Kevin Machete

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT SCREENPLAY
BLINK - Barto Muñoz, Daniel Raja & Fran Marín

BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY
(Under 10 Pages)
Tether - Eric Irizarry

BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY
Greenville Society - James Steele Haney

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE SCREENPLAY
Sandbox Neon - Nikolai Egel

BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY
(Under 100 Pages)
Personal Demons - Erik D. Harshman

BEST OF THE FEST
Invaders Of The Valley Saloon - Dustin Tidwell

AWARD CATEGORIES:
Best Bite Sized Horror
Best Micro Short Film
Best Short Film
Best Extended Short
Best Feature Film
Best Photography
Best Music/Score
Best Art/Painting/Poetry/Makeup FX
Best Short Screenplay
Best Feature Screenplay

*Sub categories may be added*

Rules & Terms

We only accept submissions through FilmFreeway

Submissions are open to the US and international entries.

You own the rights to your submitted works.

You don't hold The Dunwich Horror Fest responsible for claims of liability, losses, copyright, trademarks, infringement, or credits from your submission.

You give permission for us to promote and share your work on social media, including Instagram and YouTube.

There are no restrictions on when or where your film was produced.

Submission and trophy fees are non-refundable.
41 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • William Clapp

    Had an absolute blast with The Dunwich Horror Fest!! It was such fun being included as an official selection and a huge honor winning best feature film!!! (can’t wait to receive my certificate!) Highly recommend to any and all horror filmmakers out there!!

    June 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much William! We had an absolute blast watching Hellfire Hades II: 1980'S Voodoo! Such a fun film, and we're honored that you joined us! We hope to see you again!

  • Aaron Mendoza

    My short screenplay The Babysitter Slasher was selected as a finalist and it was an honor. Thank you, Dunwich, for supporting indie horror and giving a platform to new voices in the genre.

    June 2025
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    Response from festival:

    The Babysitter Slasher is awesome Aaron! We're honored that you let us read it and be a small part of your creative journey! Come back anytime!

  • M.D. Singleton

    This festival is amazing! They have great communication and I love how they announce finalists and winners. We’re very happy our short The Reprisal was selected as a finalist. Thanks so much.

    June 2025
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    Response from festival:

    We appreciate you and The Reprisal very much! Thank you for being a part of our weird little festival, we truly wish you the best in everything you create, and we hope to see you again!

  • Erik D. Harshman

    A very classy and unpretentious fest!
    Love everything about this fest!
    Thank you for your consideration... and for including me in your festival!
    I am beyond honored and humbled!

    June 2025
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    Response from festival:

    We really appreciate your kind words and support Erik! Personal Demons is fantastic, and we thank you so much for sharing it with us! We'd love to see more of your work!

  • Dustin Tidwell

    So honored that Invaders of the Valley Saloon won Best of the Fest! Couldn't have asked for a better experience from The Dunwich Horror Fest.

    June 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Invaders of the Valley Saloon is such a fun film, and we are honored that you shared it with us Dustin! Congratulations to everyone involved with the project, you all should be very proud!