Have you ever wanted to watch a movie a quarter mile under the earth in an abandoned copper mine? Have you never had that specific inclination, per say, but now that I mention it, it does sound pretty cool? If the answer to either of those questions is yes or maybe, then the Wolf's Head Film Festival in Hancock, Michigan, just MIGHT be the festival for you!

This is the Upper Peninsula's only horror film festival honoring all things creepy, weird, and otherwise unnatural. Expect two interactive nights of short films, iconic classics, unique screening opportunities in unique places like underground mines, Halloween karaoke, and more.

This ghoulish ritual will be hosted at the historically haunted Orpheum Theater which is centrally located in Michigan's historically haunted Keweenaw Peninsula - a place known for its past copper boom and its remnants, turn of the century buildings scattered across the idyllic landscape like corpses left to fester for decades.... Ok, maybe that's a little hyperbolic, but it does make for a spooky setting.

In addition to all the events at the theatre, badge-holders will be given some unique opportunities to explore some of this one-of-a-kind setting where you can point a camera in any direction and get a stunning shot. It's a great opportunity for filmmakers looking for an untapped location for their next film, people who like history, and business card aficionados that are as much into giving their card out as they are into creating the perfect collection of other people's business cards that they look at and smell each night while nursing a warm glass of milk before bed.

So if you like horror, mining history, business cards, or pizza parties, submit your short to Wolf's Head Film Festival today.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will come with prizes crafted by the roughened hands of a local leather tradesman and so many bragging rights. They include categories such as:

*Achievement in Killing
*Audience Choice Award
*Achievement in Length: Distance Traveled
*The highly coveted Wolf's Head Power Gauntlet
*and many more... on channel 4...

Rules & Terms

- All films must be the original work of the filmmakers with all the necessary rights. Please do not submit your brother's film as a joke (unless you can trick him into a signing the rights away to you)

- If selected, we will use images and clips from your film to promote the festival. Gotta get the good word out. Promise not to take your stuff TOO far out of context.

- We accept only short films that skew toward horror or spooky or weird. Comedy is acceptable but give us a dark edge. Any film about dwarves or miners will always have a seat at our table.

- While this is primarily is a short's festival, we do have room for one feature. If you have a feature that you know will be PERFECT for this event, please reach out directly to wolfsheadfilm@gmail.com and make your case.

- Short films are intended to be under 30 min, but if you can make a compelling case why we should sit through your 45 min short epic, we are listening.

- All films that are not in English, must have English language subtitles. Movies filmed in the Dark Tongue of Mordor must be redubbed into a language suitable for speaking in Rivendell.

- Send proof of studenthood to submit as a student filmmaker. Report cards count, but you may be judged based on grades.

- Accepted filmmakers will receive a VIP Badge (a $100 value, absolutely FREE!) to represent their film in person

- Q&A's will be expected for selected films (in person is ideal, remote if your short is THAT good). Let us know what your availability for traveling when you submit. We are not close to any major cities, so it may take some effort to get here. However, our audience wants to be able to ask you about your film so think long and hard about the metaphor in that shot of wind blowing through the grass that you insisted on keeping
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  • Andy Heck

    Wolf’s Head Film Festival was an incredible experience from start to finish. The organizers went above and beyond to create a welcoming and engaging environment and you can truly tell they’re passionate about the films and about bringing them to a local audience. The festival was held in a great theater with a wonderful crowd, and in the beautiful setting of Hancock. Everything was well planned, thoughtfully executed, and filled with genuine enthusiasm for independent film. I’m grateful to have been a part of it and highly recommend this festival to any filmmaker.

    November 2025
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  • Jim Zounis

    Even though we couldn't attend the event, It was such a great honor to have our short selected to participate in the 'Wolf's Head Film Festival' and to also win an award. Thank you Amanda and team. Looking forward to submitting again.

    October 2025
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