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 fourth annual Film Festival will be held at The Campus Theatre in the heart of downtown Lewisburg, Pennsylvania on November 15th 2025.

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.

Official Selection
Best Film
Best Editing
Best Practical Effects
Independent Spirit

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brandon Manderville

    Our team loved traveling to and attending this festival. Great crowd, great team behind the festival, and a wonderful array of films to see! 10/10 would submit again. Thanks for the Independent Spirit Award!!

    March 2026
  • An excellent film festival. Thank you for selecting our film.
    I feel truly honored. I look forward to participating again next time.

    November 2025
  • Chaz Parvez

    A joy to see my film do so well, and people have been in-touch after seeing it too.

    November 2025
  • Excellent film festival, was truly blown away by both the venue and the love that was put into its presentation. The atmosphere of this fest feels unique and the quality of films presented were excellent. Among my favorite horror film festivals I've been to.

    The team behind it are talented filmmakers in their own right, which I feel goes a long way in the direction of the program. Very nice group to boot!

    November 2025
  • Patrick McGinley

    Great festival! Thank you for having us!

    November 2025