IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 AND ITS IMPACT ON INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS AND THE FILM FESTIVAL INDUSTRY, THE SPOOKY MOVIE INTERNATIONAL HORROR FILM FESTIVAL WILL KEEP OUR CURRENT REGULAR SUBMISSION PRICES THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE SUBMISSION PERIOD, RATHER THAN INCREASING THEM FOR LATE AND EXTENDED SUBMISSIONS.

For 14 years, the Spooky Movie International Horror Film Festival's central objective is to spotlight on the Big Screen new, innovative, independent and international horror, science fiction, underground and cult works for our local audiences. Since 2006 Spooky Movie has challenged and entertained our audience by celebrating all the things that go bump in the night, while advocating the shared experience of enjoying film in a theatrical setting.

"Spooky Movie Festival is amazing. The quality of everything is just top notch, and stuff you just can't see elsewhere!" - Teller (of Penn and Teller)

"One of the premiere horror events!" - Fangoria

"Giving cinema fans all the fake blood they've been craving!" - The Huffington Post

"The World's Premiere Horror Film Festival!" - BadLit.com

"A slashing good time!" - The Washington Post

"All the fright celluloid can scar up!" - WAMU

"A film for every freak!" - Washington City Paper

Watch the 2019 festival promo - https://youtu.be/E91etOp293A

2020 GUIDELINES FOR FILMS

FILMS (SHORTS AND FEATURES):

o Feature and short film entries must be submitted through a secure online screene.
o We consider any work longer than 45 minutes to be a "feature."
o Foreign language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English.
o In addition to your entry, please enclose any press kits, reviews, or publicity materials.
o Eligible features, videos, shorts and documentaries must have been completed after January 1, 2018.

* Checks should be made out to "The Mid-Atlantic Film and Television Group"

FEATURES, SHORT FILMS AND TRAILERS:

o Films: Spooky Movie Film Festival | 700 S. Court House Rd #504 | Arlington, Va, 22204
o Cost of shipping exhibition prints to the festival is the responsibility of the entrant.
o Exhibition copies must be sent to the festival prepaid.
o The festival does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of materials while in transit.
o Please use only plastic or bubble pack cases when shipping entries.

SUBMISSION WAIVERS - PLEASE READ!

Filmmakers may always request a waiver, however is is VERY rare where we will waive a submission fee. Two exceptions:

o Film Festival alumni (directors whose work previously screened at Spooky Movie) are always eligible for their new films from

o Films produced in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia or the Maryland suburbs of Washington may request a waiver only if the screening at Spooky Movie would be a World Premiere ("cast and crew" screenings would disqualify it from this).

SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION AND INFORMATION

o Enclose a stamped, self addressed postcard if you want confirmation that your entry has been received.

o Programming decisions are made by the festival directors and selection committee.

o Film projects not chosen may still be selected for additional screenings at a later date.

o ONLY filmmakers selected will be notified by email, however all who use FilmFreeway will receive automated notification.

o If accepted, the presentation format will need to be in our office by September 6, 2020.

o The festival DOES NOT pay rental fees for submitted work that is programmed.

o Be sure to indicate aspect ratio of your film/video and all special screening/presentation information.

o Mid-Atlantic Film and Television Group is not responsible for any materials lost, stolen or damaged in transit.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great communication, amazing line-up. So proud to have been part of this amazing festival.

    October 2020
  • Super glad to have "Plasmid" screen at Spooky Movie Film Festival at the AFI Theater. Thanks, guys! :)

    October 2019