The Dark History & Horror Convention is an annual event founded by Brian L Ward whose main objective is showcasing the darker side of history, horror genre entertainment, the paranormal, artwork, authors, comics, and all things dark and creepy! We are excited to include a new film festival as part of our event beginning with our 2024 season! We are seeking films of any length that fall into one of two categories, Dark History or Horror.

We do not try to glorify any of these people or the events!! They are however part of our culture and history, a part that is very important for us to remember and even learn from. True crime, gangsters, serial killers, spree killers, assassinations, public enemies, women's suffrage, the civil rights struggles, Native massacres, tragic events and just about anything not covered in the "history books".

We do this by bringing together a great collection of authors, artists and numerous others who are intimately familiar with these events and their effects. Join us as we bring together like minded individuals and create a network of friends and connections to share our passion for the darker side history and pop culture.

We are excited to offer awards for 2nd Runner Up, 1st Runner Up and Best Film for both submission categories. Further award categories may be added if we see enough submissions fill such categories.

Certification of Entrant I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree:

1 . I have read, understated and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements.

2 . To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true;

3 . This film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;

4 . I am duly authorized to submit this film to the festival;

5 . I hold Dark History and Horror Con harmless from any damage to the print(s) or tape(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film;

6 . I hold Dark History and Horror Con, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry.

7 . I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the entered work.

8 . I give permission for Dark History and Horror Con to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the film for promotional purposes

9 . I give permission for Dark History and Horror Con to screen the film at the Festival as well as any Festival presentations, programs, and/or events.

OTHER NOTES:

There is NO 'Film Made By' date. We have shown horror films from as early as the 30's. Please feel free to submit your early work as well as your current.

PLEASE NOTE: We DO NOT pay screening fees. If any screening fee is requested by filmmaker(s), the associated film will be disqualified.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Excellent organization and very friendly and warm team  

    January 2021
  • Michael Fausti

    Outstanding festival with a host that really knows his stuff. Wasn't able to make it person but received first rate communication throughout. Highly recommended.

    February 2020
  • Last August, I was more than happy to receive the email that my horror short “Grave Endangerment” was an Official Selection. Not only that, but I realized this was my 1st Con my film was ever going to. Sadly though, I was not able to make it, due to me being in college with work, but in my mind as the festival was happening, I hope the audiences enjoyed my horror short, as much as I enjoyed making it. Hopefully, I can come next year!

    November 2018
  • Cynthia Bergen

    Thank you! For selecting The Cop Cam. Keep up the good work supporting Indie Film. Cynthia Bergen #nosleepfilms

    November 2018
  • Mikeal Burgin

    Outstanding organization and communication. Brian and his team run a phenomenal festival and convention. Honored to have had a film included, I'll be submitting in the future without hesitation.

    November 2018