Step into the thrilling world of fear and imagination at the inaugural San Antonio Horror Film Festival! Nestled in the heart of Texas, this brand-new festival is dedicated to showcasing exceptional independent horror films from around the globe. Over the course of two chilling days, horror enthusiasts, filmmakers, and fans will gather on a single screen to experience a curated selection of spine-tingling short films and feature-length horror masterpieces that push the boundaries of storytelling through fear.

Festival Highlights:

Diverse Lineup: Featuring an eclectic mix of independent horror films that represent various sub-genres, styles, and cultural perspectives. From psychological thrillers to supernatural hauntings, audiences will experience the breadth of creativity thriving in the independent horror scene.

Intimate Screenings: With a single screening venue, attendees will enjoy a close-knit festival atmosphere that fosters connection among filmmakers and fans. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your passion for horror in a welcoming environment.

Meet the Filmmakers: Participate in Q&A sessions after select screenings, where directors and creators will share insights into their creative processes and the art of horror filmmaking.

Networking Opportunities: This festival provides a platform for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals, fellow creatives, and potential collaborators, making it a hub for horror film innovation.

Awards: Celebrate the best of the festival with accolades awarded to standout films in various categories, recognizing both emerging and established talent within the genre.

Join Us:
Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or new to the genre, the San Antonio Horror Film Festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with thrills, chills, and conversation. Come witness the power of independent filmmaking as we embrace the art of fear and creativity.

Get Ready to Scream!

Awards will be given out at awards ceremony March 22nd 7pm awards show. If cannot attend awards will be shipped to your address given.

Awards are as follows:

BEST HORROR FEATURE FILM
BEST HORROR SHORT FILM
BEST DIRECTOR HORROR FILM
BEST EDITING HORROR FILM
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY HORROR FILM

Winner of each award recieves a TROPHY for award.

Note following the guidelines, rules, and regulations of our competition and/or not meeting eligibility requirements may be cause for disqualification. Please read carefully.

Criteria: Each film will be judged solely on its own merits.

Certification of Entrant

I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree:

1 . I have read, understated and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements.

2 . To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true;

3 . This film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;

4 . I am duly authorized to submit this film to the festival;

5 . I hold the Film Festival harmless from any damage to the print(s) or tape(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film;

6 . I hold the Film Festival, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry.

7 . I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the entered work.

8 . I give permission for the Film Festival to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the film for promotional purposes

9 . I give permission for the Film Festival to screen the film at the Festival as well as any Festival presentations, programs, and/or events.

I M P O R T A N T !
-- Please do not include color bars or countdown leaders or any other video within your print besides the final exhibition copy of the film to be screened.

-- Please send the dimensions as is (no black bars, only image). **
Subtitles for non-English films must be burned in.

We recommend that you send your film as one of the following formats:

OPTION 1:
Digital Cinema Package (preferred)
Please email to the address below
OR
Coordinate with BAFF on a delivery to the Plaza Theatre:
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306

NOTE: They open 30min before the first show.

OPTION 2:
Digital File

Please convert your file to the following format:
Video/Data Settings:
Compression type H.264
Frame rate 23.97, 29.97fps, 24fps (preferred), 25fps, 30fps are acceptable
Key frames AUTO
Quality BEST (in Adobe Premiere, Render at maximum depth)
Data-rate RESTRICT TO 50mbps (in Adobe Premiere, VBR 2Pass)
Dimensions CURRENT **
Sound Settings
Format: LINEAR PCM or AAC
Channels STEREO (L,R)
Sample Rate 48K
Quality BEST 320kbps

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Chet Turner

    Good , well worth the submission fee

    April 2025
  • Isaias Homeyer

    This was the worst festival because of the experience I had. I’m rating all of these categories a 0 and even though my overall rating is a 0, it’s really a 0.

    My film got selected to be included in the festival via Filmfreeway, but when I got there the coordinator (Colin) said my film wasn’t on the roster. My team and I previously communicated with him via email, but got a really rude response. Was this foreshadowing for what was to come?

    Mind you, I traveled from Houston to San Antonio, got a hotel, took off from work and spent money on gas. It was very disappointing to not be included.

    The only good thing I can say about this is that I got my money back for my film submission.

    I would NOT recommend this festival to anyone.

    April 2025
    Response from festival:

    This is an ugly thing to post about a 1st year film festival that paid you back for your submission and you treated the film festival with 21 questions and expected full responses. Read the film festivals website and follow the instructions in emails you get. Very ugly to post this. We also offered to play your film the next day and your refused.