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 full festival will return in 2027, when submissions will re-open. We're taking a break in 2026 (though do check out our special year-round events in Aberystwyth!).

Awards & Prizes

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

Rules & Terms

2025's Rule and Terms

Before submitting, please check your film meets our eligibility criteria as we are unable to offer a refund if it's ineligible.

Short Films
- The year of production must be 2024 or 2025
- 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 2024 or 2025
- 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!

You can find information about fee discounts on our website: http://www.abertoir.co.uk/submissions.
17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ashley Butcher

    Abertoir is one of those very unique, special festivals that attracts such an intensely passionate audience. It is very well organised, and as a cinephile genre filmmaker visiting in person is rewarding as they screen a mixture of new and classic horror films.

    Abertoir is a very audience driven festival, so keep in mind that filmmaker networking opportunities are fewer than other festivals, and awards are audience driven rather than jury driven. Don't let this discourage you - much of the audience are seasoned regulars, genre film obsessed, and certainly know their trivia! Abertoir is therefore a great opportunity to connect with an open and passionate audience, and wow is it a fun festival!

    We can't wait to have another project ready to send to Abertoir - we are looking for our next excuse to return :)

    December 2025
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  • Pardeep Sahota

    Although we couldn’t attend in person, the communication from the festival was excellent throughout. The programming was strong and curated with care. We really appreciated being included and would happily submit again.

    December 2025
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  • Zoe Cleland

    Although I wasn't able to attend, I had a great experience at Abertoir when they screened my short film The Newcomer. Festival organizers were incredibly kind and communicative. I hope to be able to attend in person someday!

    November 2025
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  • Colin G Cooper

    Absolutely loved my experience bringing our short film BATH BOMB to Abertoir this year. Aberystwyth is such a gorgeous little seaside town. I stayed in a cozy hotel on Cardigan Bay, explored the ruins of an ancient castle, and had my first mince pie latte :) The festival itself was excellent. The programming was solid, our screening was well attended by an enthusiastic audience, and seeing Fabio Frizzi & his band perform their score for ZOMBIE live to the film was a top highlight of my entire 2024 festival tour. Many thanks to Gaz & the rest of the team!

    December 2024
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  • Festival Formula

    We're always happy to shout out festivals that do things right - and Abertoir Horror Festival do it right! A great line-up as well as good communication. We were delighted that our client TRIPTYCH screened in 2024.

    November 2024
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