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 2024 edition of the festival will take place 14-17 November, in Aberystwyth, Wales (UK); and 23-24 November online.

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 2023 or 2024
- 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 2023 or 2024
- 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.
7 Reviews
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Networking
  • Pirie Martin

    I'm surprised to see so few reviews for Abertoir here! It's an incredible festival, very well organised and generously run by a lovely team! Great experience and I definitely recommend!!!!

    January 2024
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  • Sunita Soliar & Statten Roeg

    Abertoir is a wonderful festival. It has a lovely team and the program is filled with interesting films. It is really nice that it only shows one film at a time, so you really can see everything and there is always a spirited discussion to join afterwards. There are also lots of social events – the pub quiz and the Blade screening at the nightclub were particular highlights! It was great to meet the other filmmakers and also the festival’s loyal fanbase of repeat attendees, who are extremely knowledgeable about horror and film in general. This festival is a lot of fun and we were very proud that Spoor was included with the other films. Thank you, Abertoir!

    November 2023
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  • Van Poynton

    Meaty magic. Great team, great lineup, great fest. And great merch too! 11/10

    November 2023
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  • 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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