The Toronto Horror Film Festival is a grassroots celebration of independent horror, run entirely by passionate volunteers who live and breathe the genre. We’re here to spotlight bold, boundary-pushing films from first-time filmmakers to seasoned indie voices to give those stories the audience they deserve.

What sets us apart? We keep submission fees low, attendance is completely free, and every dollar we raise goes straight into making the festival happen. No red tape - Just a genuine love for horror and a commitment to building an inclusive space for creators and fans.

In our debut year, the 2025 spring edition sold out, proving there’s a massive hunger for fresh, fearless horror in Toronto. We’re here to feed it, and this is only the beginning.

Bonus for Filmmakers:
Submit to the 2026 edition and, if your film isn’t selected, you’ll automatically receive free consideration for our 2027 edition. One submission, two chances to screen, because bold horror deserves every opportunity to be seen.

Awards & Prizes

Reaper's Choice Award (People's Choice)
Devil’s Playground Award (Best Film)
Dark Visionary Award (Best Director)
Devil’s Ink Award (Best Screenplay)
Scream King Award (Best Actor)
Scream Queen Award (Best Actress)
Echo of Evil Award (Best Sound Design)
Blood & Guts Award (Best Gore/Makeup Effects)
Dark Reel Award (Most Disturbing Film)
Twisted Smile Award (Funniest film)
Graveyard Glam Award (Best Costume)
Butcher’s Cut Award (Best Editing)
Killer Vision Award (Best Cinematography)

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:
The festival is open to all filmmakers, both established and emerging. All films must be original works. You must own the rights to the work submitted. By submitting your film, you confirm that you have obtained all necessary permissions and clearances for any copyrighted material used.

Film Categories:
- Short Films: Must have a runtime of 120 seconds (2 minutes) minimum and 20 minutes maximum.
- Feature Films: Must have a runtime of 70 minutes minimum. There is no maximum length for feature films.

Language & Subtitles:
All non-English films must include English subtitles. If the film contains dialogue or narration, the subtitles should accurately translate the spoken words.

Submission Process:
Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Exhibition Format:
All films must be submitted in a digital format. Specific technical requirements for submission will be provided upon acceptance.

Screening Rights:
By submitting your film, you grant the Toronto Horror Film Fest permission to screen the film at the festival and to use the excerpts of the film (up to 2 minutes) for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, and press.

Awards & Selection:
A panel will judge the films, and awards will be presented in various categories (e.g., Best Film, Audience Choice, etc.). The festival's selection committee reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not meet the festival’s standards or requirements.

Notification:
Filmmakers will be notified of their submission status (accepted or declined) by email. Submission of a film does not guarantee acceptance into the festival.

Fees:
Submission fees vary depending on the category and submission date. Please refer to the festival website for the latest information on fees.

Liability:
The Toronto Horror Film Fest is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury related to the submission or exhibition of any film.

Violation of Terms:
Any violation of the rules and terms outlined above may result in the disqualification of your film from the festival. The Toronto Horror Film Fest reserves the right to disqualify any film at any time if it is found to be in breach of these terms.

Agreement:
By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to all the rules and terms outlined above.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • arinn westendorf

    Well organized, fun fest, with a full theatre of cool people. Easy to see it's put together by someone with a passion for the genre. Looking forward to submitting again!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Ryan Cox

    Incredible festival. If being in the prestigious Fox Theatre wasn't enough, seeing our own film on screen there certainly took this above and beyond.
    That doesn't even cover how great Kyle and the rest of the event staff are to do with. They really put together a festival of great quality and selection.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Nick Larner

    Great festival, honored to have had my short film shown there and can't wait to enter again in the future. Really appreciate the great communication from the staff.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Daniel C. Stewart

    Wonderful film festival--at which I had the pleasure of showcasing my short The Bore (People's Choice Award winner)--led by a group of true horror enthusiasts. I had the pleasure of attending on both nights, so I can attest to the audience's engagement throughout the festival. Communication was crystal clear, and Kyle et al. made the experience streamlined, fun, and memorable. Thanks so much for having us!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • 梁 詠喨

    Very excellent film festival for horror filmmakers !!!
    It offered a very good opportunity for us to show our film, and we were very grateful.
    The director of festival was so nice and kept in touch with every filmmakers, show professionalism to us.
    I just want to say, if any horror filmmaker want to share your works, please don't miss the next festival.

    November 2025
    Helpful