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 2025 edition of the festival will take place 12-16 November, in Aberystwyth, Wales (UK).

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 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.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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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  • Alejandro Ayala

    The best festival experience I’ve had so far. Everyone involved is lovely, the communication throughout was great and the screening was brilliant. Definitely coming back next year!

    November 2024
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  • Lieuwe van Albada

    I’ve been attending Abertoir as a regular guest since 2019, and I have nothing but love for this incredible festival. They have an amazing team, outstanding programming that blends classics with new films, fantastic parties and events, and the toughest horror quiz I’ve ever encountered. This year, they selected our short film Paspocalypse, and it was truly an honor to attend the festival as a participating filmmaker. Abertoir is the best!

    November 2024
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  • Jess Bartlett

    Although unfortunately unable to attend Abertoir this year, our first experience with them has been hugely positive! Great communication throughout from Gaz, Rhys and the team - thank you so much for selecting OUTSIDE NOISE! We hope to be back again with another film!

    November 2024
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