The Abertoir Horror Festival is Wales' premier International Horror Film Festival, and a proud member of the Méliès International Festivals Federation, awarding the Short Film Melies D'Argent for Best European Fantastic Short Film.

Based in Aberystwyth since 2006, Abertoir’s aim is to promote all aspects of the horror genre. Welcoming audiences from all over the UK, it features an substantial film line-up of brand new premieres and cult classics, Q&As, talks, live music, special events and much more.

The festival will take place in November 2022, dates are currently subject to final confirmation.

Awards & Prizes

Méliès D'Argent for Best European Short Film
Abertoir Audience Prize for Best Feature
Abertoir Audience Prize for Best Short

Rules & Terms

Before submitting, please check your film meets our eligibility criteria.

Short Films
- The year of production must be 2022 or 2023
- Max. length: 15 minutes
- Must be of professional quality
- The film must be broadly recognisable as a ‘fantastic’ film - that is, horror, fantasy or sci-fi

Feature Films
- Must be pre-release at the time of the festival (i.e. not on general cinematic, DVD or VOD release in the UK but may have been shown at other festivals)
- The year of production must be 2022 or 2023
- Min. length: 60 minutes
- Must be of professional quality
- While the definition of horror is broad, nonetheless the film must be recognisably a ‘horror’ film (which encompasses anything from supernatural, psychological terror, gore, murder etc). Documentaries are also accepted.
- Any language welcome, but if your film is not in English, it must include English subtitles.

So, if you've made a film that fits the bill, please do send it our way! We're really looking forward to digging through the best of horror's emerging and independent talent!

For information about fee discounts, please visit our website: http://www.abertoir.co.uk/submissions
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sean Wainsteim

    Sadly I was unable to attend Abertoir this year, but that didn't stop the incredible team from reaching out and being in constant contact. From early and encouraging personal acceptance notes that detailed what my film meant to them and why they selected it, right down to updates on the screening's audience reception, I practically felt like I was there and knew the whole staff. They're all incredibly kind and I feel so honoured to have been invited to participate. I look forward to attending - if I'm fortunate enough to have a film in it again or not - their programming all looked spectacular. Horror films in a seaside town - who wouldn't want to experience that?!

    November 2022
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  • Michael Squid

    Amazing fest, thrilled to have my short be a part of this year's fest! Nia and Colin were wonderful, one of the best film festivals

    November 2022
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  • nathan crooker

    I was thrilled to have #Nofilter selected, and my experience of the festival did not disappoint. They are extremely responsive and do a great job of choosing really amazing genre films to screen. The whole festival team actually care about the films and the filmmakers. They also go a great job of promoting the festival so that people get to see your work! I look forward to submitting again!

    April 2022
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  • Varun Raman

    We were honoured for MAN OR TREE to be in the Short Film Competition. Abertoir's communication was fantastic and we hope to be able to return to the festival in a physical capacity down the line.

    November 2021
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