The First Cut Film Festival showcases films in the horror, macabre and/or obscure genres. We are accepting international and domestic short films as well as highlighting locally made independent films. A short film is defined as an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits.

Wilmington, NC, USA has become a sought-after location for film, having been home to productions from Scream to The Black Phone and many more. Steeped in its own historic ghost stories and lore, Wilmingtonians have a strong appreciation for all things horror and Halloween. We are hosting The First Cut in October to capture that spirit.

This event will feature guest speakers from the horror film community giving insight into the true slash and gash of the film industry.

Awards & Prizes

*Juried Awards given but not limited to:

Best Short
Best Director
Best Comedy
Best Local Short
Best Local Cast & Crew
Best New Filmmaker
Best Foreign Short
Best Darkest Matter
Best Paranormal/Haunting

4 Individual Block Audience Choice Awards

*These are past awards and awards may differ from year to year
**In person representation is required to obtain an award

Rules & Terms

We offer submission cost waivers to residents of New Hanover County or the City of Wilmington. For a waiver code, email film@firstcutproductionsllc.com.

A short film is defined as an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits.

Please apply English subtitles with submissions predominately in non-English dialogue.

It is not The First Cut Film Festival's responsibility to screen for potential copyright infringements or deny acceptance based on the possibility of such an infringement. If the filmmaker responsible for the infringement is caught due to the material's exhibition during the festival or infringement is noticed by a festival attendee, no legal recourse can be taken against The First Cut Film Festival for whatever reason.

The First Cut Film Festival has two submission deadlines.

Upon chosen, we request filmmaker send a high quality file of film via email no less than two weeks before event date.

There will be a Q&A after each block. One representative from each selected film is welcome to participate in this Q&A.

11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Laura Patterson

    Marc and Christine were amazing, and the First Cut Horror Film Festival was a blast. The venue was fairly small but packed to the brim, and the pre-festival networking event was a great chance to meet other filmmakers. Also, the awards presented at this festival were the COOLEST!!! Definitely submit!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your feedback Laura, you put a smile on our faces! We are so glad you found the festival to be fun and valuable. We love the filmmakers!!

  • Craig Layton

    The First Cut Horror Festival was an absolute honour to be part of. My film Horror Inc. won Best Foreign Film, and the experience couldn’t have been better. The team’s passion for independent horror shines through in every detail — from how they curate the lineup to how they champion each filmmaker. They go above and beyond to make you feel supported and celebrated, and their love for the genre is infectious. It’s the kind of festival that reminds you why you make horror in the first place.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    This is the most incredible review and you've described so well what we strive for, thank you Craig! We appreciate you so much and are excited to have you in the First Cut family!

  • Nick Karner

    A warm, wonderfully organized fest with a welcoming atmosphere and gleefully naughty vibe of mischief.

    The organizers ably kept the proceedings rolling along while the theatre itself is a small, funky, reliably kitschy spot to enjoy some horror amongst friends. I wouldn’t have said no to meeting both organizers right away, but everyone’s busy and I eventually met everyone and was also given a lovely bag of goodies including badges, swag, candy, as well as giveaways from local sponsors.
    The Q&A was among the best I’ve seen, with solid moderating and a clever trick of having each filmmaker stepping in front of their film’s still frame while the audience uses the same projected still to vote for an audience award. It’s always a little awkward knowing where to stand. Afterwards, we were treated to a demonstration of special effects by a local effects artist and it was marvelous.

    Overall, one couldn’t ask for much better from a fest and in the end, I felt welcomed and honored for being a filmmaker.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    This is the best feedback we could receive, so glad you felt appreciated and seen Nick. Thank you so much for being part of the festival - you're part of the First Cut family for life!

  • Robert Cummins

    This was a super fun festival! I can't believe this year was only its second year. Marc and Christine have done an amazing job.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Robert, it was wonderful having you be part of it!

  • Markham Samuels

    Thanks so much First Cut Horror Film Fest for having us as part of the festival this year! It was wonderful to participate, and a very special thanks from everyone on the "Firecrow" team :)

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was truly our pleasure, thank you for letting us show your phenomenal film. We're glad to have you in the First Cut family now!