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 festival 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 2027 edition and, if your film isn’t selected, you’ll automatically receive free consideration for our 2028 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.
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sree Hari Varma Sagi

    Submitting Signal to Toronto Horror Film Festival was one of the best decisions we made during our run. The selection process felt genuinely curated, and being part of this lineup meant a lot to our team. The communication was warm and clear throughout. For a film we made on an iPhone with a small crew, getting selected here was a real validation. Highly recommend to any filmmaker looking for a festival that actually cares about the work.

    June 2026
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  • Justin Robert Vinall

    Great communication! Made me feel very welcomed despite being on the other side of the nation! Helped promote my film and got me to zoom in for a Q&A. Lots of love and lots of great folks running this fest. Shout out Kyle!

    June 2026
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  • Dead End Film House

    This festival is one of the best horror festivals out there. Kyle was so very easy to communicate and cooperate with. Getting everything he and the festival needed to them was so streamlined and easier than most fests we've ever been a part of. He was so kind to send us a picture during the screening of our film on the big screen even though we weren't able to attend. He also offered to send us brochures from the night of our screening for us to all have as a keepsake. We had friends attend and they had a great time. SUBMIT YOUR HORROR FILM TO THIS FESTIVAL!

    June 2026
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  • Brandon Gotto

    Absolutely amazing festival, the team was so kind to us even if we couldn't attend, they treat us as well as we could be there. Also, it feels good to see that this festival is getting bigger with a great audience in a beautiful cinema. Thank's to the THFF ! :)

    June 2026
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  • Jess Blackwell

    Thank you for including our short dark comedy film, Guilty Pleasures, in your 2026 lineup. The whole Lumida Productions team was thrilled to be included, and we loved the virtual Q&A you arranged to include filmmakers from all over the world. Hope to be back again soon!

    June 2026
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