The Abertoir Horror Festival is Wales' premiere 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.

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 2020 or 2021
- 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 2020 or 2021
- 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!