We are looking for all things horror and sub-genre, including: Thriller, Psychological, Paranormal, Supernatural, Comedy/Horror, Slasher, Experimental, Dark, Disturbing, Twisted, Grindhouse, Music Video, Animated, Documentary, Screenplays, etc.
GENERAL RULES:
1. PLEASE SUBMIT IN THE PROPER CATEGORY!! If you submit in the wrong category i.e., Short Film as a Trailer or Featurette as a Short, your project will be disqualified. Please read and follow the submission guidelines.
2. Entries must be original works, and the Filmmaker must own all rights to the film.
3. Filmmaker retains all ownership and rights to their original submitted work.
4. More than one entry may be submitted, but each entry must be submitted separately.
5. Filmmaker grants permission to HHFF to exhibit film during the 2026 festival with no expectation of financial compensation.
6. We will accept works in progress, but please make note at the time of submission and if accepted, be prepared to submit the final exhibition copy three weeks prior to festival screening dates.
7. Non-English language films must be subtitled in English.
8. Student films must have been produced/filmed while the Filmmaker was attending an accredited school, college, or university. Proof of enrollment is required with submission. Student films are only eligible for the Best Student Film Award and not any other award category consideration.
9. Trailers must be under 2 1/2 (two and a half) minutes and be original material. Fan film trailers will not be considered.
10. If accepted, the Filmmaker will be notified via email. Filmmaker agrees to provide HHFF with a final exhibition copy of the film three weeks in advance of festival dates. Please note that the cost of shipping materials is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker, and HHFF will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to materials while in transit.
11. Filmmakers may be asked to participate in video/print interviews in advance of the festival for promotional purposes.
12. Filmmakers will be required to provide film trailers, press kits, poster art, production stills, cast/crew bios, headshots, etc., for HHFF promotional purposes.
13. By entering this festival, you grant HHFF the right to use all submitted materials, including, but not limited to, film, trailer, and photographic footage, as well as audio recordings, written materials, logos, poster art, etc., at our discretion for the promotional and screening use of the film festival.
14. Secure online screeners only. DVD/Blu-Ray formats will not be considered.
15. No refunds are given, including for withdrawn projects, so be sure before you submit.
16. We love you guys and value your talent as creators. Thanks, and good luck!
