The Wicked Realm Film Festival is an annual event that features Horror & Sci-Fi films 30 minutes long or less. Hosted by Gangster Octopus, this event also features food, drinks, music, photo-ops, spooky vendors, and a costume contest. Taking place Saturday, October 3rd at Empire Sports of the Southern Tier in Elmira, NY.

Awards & Prizes

The 2026 awards will be announced closer to the event.

Rules & Terms

Enter your Horror or Sci-Fi film into The Wicked Realm Film Festival. Dates for our location in Elmira, NY will be added soon. $10 entry fee. NYS residents may enter their film for FREE (email thegangsteroctopus@gmail.com to receive waiver code). Films must be between 1 and 30 minutes long. We reserve the right to reject any entry.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • David James Nielsen

    I’m grateful to Chris and the whole team for screening ALZILLA at this year’s festival. It’s an honor to have been nominated for best director. It’s wonderful see how much support and enthusiasm the film has generated. We couldn’t make it to the event, but the amazing social media posts gave us a sneak peek into the special celebration. Thanks again!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind word. Everyone loved ALZILLA. A truly enjoyable film that showed a lot of skill and hard work.

  • Melle Windig

    Thank you Wicked Realm Film Festival for providing us the opportunity to share our short stop motion animation film Cell Buddies with your audience. Unfortunately we could not attend but the communication was great and the event looked awesome on social media!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Cell Buddies was a great addition to the film festival, thank you!

  • Lisa Soper

    Chris and team were so much fun and professional. We really felt special being included in this years festival. Though we could not be there in person, Chris kept us up to date with what was happening and sent over pictures of the event. We were bummed we couldn't be there in person, but are totally going to be joining them for the next festival season. I highly encourage submitting to this special wicked fest!

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for nominating "Enter the Room" for Best Acting in your festival. I wasn't able to attend the festival in person, but was impressed by the frequent and detailed communication. Based on the information and photos provided, the festival looked like a great experience and I hope to be able to attend one of the future events of Wicked Realm Film Festival.

    November 2023
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your contribution, we apricate your hard work.