YIKES! Film Festival is a three day celebration of everything horror, sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, mystery, experimental, b-movie, and more! Above all our festival is focused on FUN for the attendees. Think less of a red carpet and more watching unique indie movies with your friends.

Each evening will include screenings of selected films. Breaks will be provided throughout the program to allow for mingling, drinks, bathroom breaks, giveaways and announcements. Full spooky vendor hall and live music also at the event!

After the film portion of the program, we will cap off each night with live music from some incredible local artists and bands! We have curated an experience for film fans to connect and celebrate the wonderful medium that is film, all while having a good time. Food and drinks also available!

**FILMMAKERS** **CASH PRIZES** **TROPHIES**

We encourage all levels of filmmakers to submit their films. Whether it’s a big production or student film, we would love to feature it!

No runtime restrictions!

YFF is seeking unique, creative and hopefully spooky films in the categories of horror, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, experimental, or b-movie. We do specifically have a strong appetite for horror!

We want to provide a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their projects to an audience that will truly appreciate it. Submissions are open to worldwide creators, with local filmmakers being strongly encouraged to submit.

The event will include film screenings, vendors, live music, food and drinks, photo opportunities, panels, giveaways, and more!

What you can expect:
1) Watch your film, and other films on the big screen!
2) Opportunity for networking within the industry.
3) A fun supportive atmosphere, and a team that appreciates your work.
4) A chance to win some awards and prizes!
5) An event packed with more than just films.

Awards & Prizes

YFF is excited to announce grand prizes of $100.00 CAD to the category winners of BEST FILM and AUDIENCE CHOICE, as well as the most prestigious trophies out there… the highly sought after HANDS OF HORROR!

Category winners also include BEST ALBERTA MADE FILM, BEST PERFORMANCE and MOST SHOCKING.

Category Winners:
- BEST FILM (Cash Prize)
- AUDIENCE CHOICE (Cash Prize)
- BEST ALBERTA MADE FILM
- BEST PERFORMANCE
- MOST SHOCKING FILM

*The Hands of Horror trophies are custom made one of a kind trophies provided to winners (shipping provided if unable to attend).

Rules & Terms

- The film has been completed past January 1st, 2022, and is not older than 3 years of that date.

- We welcome international submissions, however any non English films must have English subtitles.

- A digital copy of the film must be submitted through FilmFreeway. We do not accept physical copies.

- A poster or high resolution graphic for each film will be requested once accepted into the festival.

- Once a submission payment has been processed. We cannot provide refunds.

-By submitting my film to YIKES! Film Festival in no way implies any ownership rights by YIKES! Film Festival to the submitted film. I retain ownership of my film.

- By submitting my film, I give permission to YIKES! Film Festival to screen my film at their event, and to further promote the film as they see fit in regards to the festival both online and in person.

- I confirm that I have full legal rights to submit my film and that all necessary consents, licensing, and approvals have been obtained in order to do so.

- I hold YIKES! Film Festival, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, etc., harmless from all claims of liability resulting from my entry.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Darren McInnes

    It was great to have my short The Bait Man selected for the festival. Good communication and well organized.
    Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend but from the pictures it looks like it was a solid event and really good time. I will definitely try to attend next year!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Bradley Olsen

    The trip to Edmonton was completely worth it! This festival has great vibes and is very well run. We were so proud to show our film along side such high quality work. I also really enjoyed checking out all the vendor booths!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Joseph Matthew

    Fun, well-organized festival with great programming. Great online presence, and a great audience. We were thrilled to be included and will definitely submit again.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Markham Samuels

    Thanks so much YIKES Film Fest for having us as part of the festival! It was wonderful to be included in the festival, and join in this year's program this season! Thanks again from everyone on the "Firecrow" team :)

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Danielle Weinberg

    The Yikes team did a great job and had top-notch communication. We weren't able to attend, but by all accounts, this is a fun, relaxed festival full of passionate fans.

    November 2025
    Helpful