The Virginia Independent Horror Film Festival began as a one-day celebration in Richmond, Virginia, dedicated to promoting local films and businesses. Over the years, the festival has grown significantly, moving to Winchester, in the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. This strategic move allows us to reach a broader audience across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

We're thrilled to announce that this year's festival will be held over the Halloween weekend at the iconic Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Our event has expanded from its humble beginnings to a four-day extravaganza, offering a thrilling lineup of spine-chilling independent horror films. Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience filled with film screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Join us in celebrating the best of independent horror cinema in an atmosphere that blends the eerie charm of Halloween with the scenic beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. Whether you're a filmmaker, a horror enthusiast, or just looking for a unique Halloween experience, the Virginia Independent Horror Film Festival promises to deliver unforgettable moments and spine-tingling thrills. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this growing tradition and showcase your work to a passionate and engaged audience. Submit your film and become a part of our hauntingly exciting journey!

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film Award

Best Feature Film Award

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Screenplay

Best Actor

Best Actress:

Rules & Terms

We want your very best horror shorts and features.
Films must have been completed AFTER January 1, 2021.
Films must be the original work of the applicants. If a film is based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation rights agreements to the Festival.

Films must be submitted as an online streaming video via a participating submission platform (FilmFreeway), a password-protected streaming URL, or on DVD/Blu-Ray with NTSC or PAL formatting (please test before sending).
Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain a parent or legal guardian’s signature to participate in the competition.

Please clearly label your submission.
By agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Horror at the Ohio Film Festival, the applicant submitting an entry acknowledges that he/she/they has read and agreed to the following rules and guidelines:
By filling out this entry application I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree:
I have read, understand, and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements.

To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this submission are true.
This film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation and I am authorized to submit this film to the festival.

I hold The Horror at the Ohio Film Festival, The Friends of the Ohio Theatre, LLC. and its promotion team harmless from any claims of liability for anything that might occur during the course of the festival or screening of the film.