An Independent Horror Film Festival for Independent Horror Filmmakers by Independent Horror Filmmakers.

The Whistle to the Maples Horror Film Festival was conceived while running through the festival circuit with our own short film, "Whistle to the Maples".  We saw an opportunity within our community to help grow connections and gather an audience for fellow filmmakers to promote their own projects.
​
We wanted to focus our festival on the subtleties that are unique to our beloved horror genre.  Originality, subtext, style, and most importantly, atmosphere are our focus.

Our second annual Film Festival will be held at The Campus Theatre in the heart of downtown Lewisburg, Pennsylvania on November 18th, 2023. For our second year, we will be adding a Horror Trailer segment to our festival with one block of Official Selection Horror Trailers playing at the start of the show and another block playing upon return from the intermission.

The Campus Theatre is a historic landmark and hub for the arts.  Built in 1941, it is one of the few remaining single-screen art deco theatres in the country.

With a capacity of 340 seats, full concession stand, and true digital cinema projection onto a 16'x31' screen, we are excited to be able to showcase independent horror films in the way they deserve to be seen with no cut corners or expenses spared.

Our Horror Festival is for the Independent Filmmakers.  Those who speak fluently in film quotes and have spent the long days on set.  For those who have lived and breathed for their art.  For those who see things differently.

Awards & Prizes

Official Selection
Best Film
Best Writing
Best Editing
Best Practical Effects
Best Visual Effects
Most Atmospheric
Independent Spirit

Rules & Terms

Short films anywhere from 60 seconds to 40 minutes are encouraged to submit.

Trailers for in-production and prospective upcoming horror films with durations from 30 seconds to 5 minutes are also encouraged to submit.

Films with spoken languages other than English must contain burnt-in English subtitles.

Submitters must have full rights to show the film they are submitting.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • J.Lee Vertz

    We were honored to have our film be a part of this festival in its first year. Communication was great, the organizers were friendly, and you can tell this is a festival created by folks who really have a passion for what they're doing. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this event :)

    November 2022
    Helpful
  • Jude Bertrand

    Very proud to have had our film Tiny Shaman screen at this years festival! Can’t wait for next years.

    November 2022
    Helpful
  • Adam Clark

    This was the festival’s first year but we couldn’t even tell! It was so nicely organized and curated. The theater was beautiful and the staff were friendly. The organizers showed genuine interest in all the films, as did the audience. The Q&A afterwards was a great experience. The organizers did excellent promotion for both the event and the individual films. I’m so grateful to have had this experience. Any time I have a new movie, I’ll be submitting it here.

    November 2022
    Helpful