HAUNTED HOUSE FEARFEST 2026
If it looks creepy, it must be cool. Follow the Fear. The House is waiting.

ABOUT HAUNTED HOUSE FEARFEST
Welcome to Haunted House FearFest, a year-round horror multiverse and storytelling platform showcasing independent horror films, video games,art and TikTok horror shorts from creators around the world.
We champion all creators — all backgrounds, identities, styles, and experience levels. Horror belongs to everyone who dares to enter the House.
FearFest is not just a festival.
It is a living House, expanding room by room, season by season, as creators bring new nightmares to life.
Whether your work is spine-tingling, wickedly funny, atmospheric, gory, psychological, paranormal, experimental, or monster-driven —
If it looks creepy, it must be cool. Follow the Fear. The House is waiting.
We welcome every horror subgenre:
paranormal • psychological • zombies • slashers • supernatural • monster horror • dark fantasy • gothic • sci-fi horror • creature features • folk horror • camp • elevated horror • horror comedy • absurdist • experimental • VR/XR • and more.

2026 YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING
Haunted House FearFest unfolds across three creative seasons, each unlocking a different wing of the House.

❄️ FROZEN WING — Winter Season
January–April 2026
Icy terror, winter folklore, isolation horror, and frostbitten nightmares across film, games, and TikToks.

☀️ HEATWAVE — Summer Season
May–September 2026
Sun-scorched monsters, summer madness, fiery humor, and heat-driven creativity.

🏚️ MAIN FESTIVAL (OCTOBER 2026)
October 6 – November 6, 2026
The House opens fully.
All screenings are hosted virtually on Eventive with secure, ticketed access.
All video games are hosted via Steam or approved supported platforms.
Pending financing, an in-person component may be added in New York.

FILM SUBMISSIONS (2026)
Films may be from any year, previously screened, or already online.
All subgenres welcome.
All non-English films must have embedded subtitles.
Screenings
Films are screened virtually on Eventive.
Required Eventive Technical Specs
All selected films must meet Eventive’s delivery requirements:
Resolution: 1920x1080 or 3840x2160
Codec: H.264 or H.265
Format: MP4 or MOV
Bitrate: 10–20 Mbps recommended
Audio: Stereo 2.0 or 5.1
Subtitles: Embedded for all non-English films
File must be downloadable via FilmFreeway or Vimeo
Non-compliant files may result in replacement requests or disqualification.

VIDEO GAME SUBMISSIONS (2026)
All game submissions must be submitted via the official Google Forms:
Full Game Submission Form
👉https://forms.gle/pE1UrxqXVF8YeARY9
Demo / Prototype Submission Form
👉 https://forms.gle/be1oTirDajxaNQ368
Steam Requirement
A Steam link is required for all submissions unless otherwise approved by the festival.
If your game is not yet on Steam, contact:
👉 festival@hauntedhousefearfest.com
Showcase Opportunities
Selected games may be featured via:
Official HHFF Steam Festival Page
→ Steam link to be provided
Looks Creepy Cool Podcast developer interviews
Twitch gameplay showcases
Fan reviews, featurettes, and House commentary
Eventive gameplay blocks (when applicable)
Not all selected games will receive the same showcase format.

TIKTOK HORROR SHORTS (2026)
TikTok submissions are NOT accepted through FilmFreeway.
All TikTok creators must submit via the official TikTok Form:
TikTok Horror Submission Form
👉 https://forms.gle/AwP5pFJX1fuTMnJq7
Requirements:
Tag @hhfearfest on TikTok
3 minutes or under
Created within the past 2 years
Audio/music must be rights-cleared
You must own the content
TikTok shorts may appear in Frozen Wing, Heatwave, October programming, FearFest Fridays, Bloody Sundays, and House social showcases.

🎨 ART SUBMISSIONS (2026)
Artwork submissions are not accepted through FilmFreeway.
Haunted House FearFest welcomes original horror artwork from visual artists working across all styles and mediums, including (but not limited to):
Illustration • Digital Art • Photography • Collage • Poster Art • Concept Art • AI-assisted art (disclosed) • Mixed Media • Experimental Visuals
All artists must submit via the official Haunted House FearFest Art Submission Google Form.
Selected artwork may be featured across digital galleries, social showcases, seasonal programming, and House lore.
Submission guidelines, technical requirements, and rights disclosures are outlined in the official Art Submission Form.

Artwork may be featured across:
Festival website galleries
Social media showcases
Digital programming blocks
Promotional materials (with credit)
House lore, rooms, and seasonal wings
Submission Requirements
All artwork must be submitted via the official Art Submission Google Form
👉 https://forms.gle/DEw1eLp5mVJNQTDT6
Artists must own all rights to the submitted work
AI-assisted artwork must be clearly disclosed at submission
Multiple submissions are allowed unless otherwise stated
Technical Guidelines
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, SVG
Minimum resolution: 3000px on the longest side recommended
File size limits may apply (per submission form)
Showcase Disclaimer
Selection does not guarantee placement in a specific gallery, room, or promotional format. Final presentation is determined by the House.

THE MULTIVERSE OF THE HOUSE
Every submission enters a room of the House, shaping how it is featured in programming:
Fear Corridor — Suspense, tone, atmosphere
Creepy Kitchen — Effects, craft, chaos, creativity
Library of Shadows — Story, lore, worldbuilding
Mirror Room — Identity, transformation, experimentation
Basement Brief — Underground work, secrets, raw concepts
Attic Hall — Rising talent, future vision
Final Room — Awards, recognition, revelation
The Multiverse framework stretches across:
Film Programming • Video Game Shows • TikTok Features • Podcast Interviews • Steam Listings • Social Media • FearFest Fridays • Bloody Sundays • Digital Passport & Badge System

Awards & Prizes

When submitting your project, ensure you apply to the correct and appropriate category.

All laurels delivered as SVG/JPG/PNG.

Winners receive trophies; shipping fees may apply.

GRIM REAPER AWARD
Best of the Festival (film and/or game)

Main Film Categories
Horror Short/Feature • Horror Comedy • Psychological • Slasher • Monster • Zombie • Paranormal • Animated • Dark Fantasy

Additional Film Categories
Best Director • Editing • Cinematography • Acting Awards • Music • VFX • SFX • Costume Design • Hair & Makeup • Best Haunting • Best Supernatural • Best Ensemble • Best Drop Dead Funny

Video Game Categories
Game of the Year • Best Horror • Best Narrative • Best Audio • Best Art Direction • Action/Adventure • Biggest Scare • Best Score & Music

Rules & Terms

2026 TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read all terms carefully before submitting.

1. Submission Agreement & Screening Consent
By submitting, you affirm:
You own all rights or have secured the rights to submit.
You grant HHFF a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to showcase your project across Frozen Wing, Heatwave, and the Main Festival (Oct 6–Nov 6).
Screenings may occur on Eventive, Steam, Twitch, House social channels, or livestream formats.
HHFF may use stills, titles, clips, and descriptions for promotional purposes.
HHFF does not claim ownership; all rights remain with you.

2. Virtual Screenings (Eventive – Films Only)
Submitting gives consent for virtual screenings on Eventive, including:
DRM-protected playback
Watermarking
Ticketed access
On-demand and scheduled screening blocks

3. Required Eventive Film Specs
All selected films must meet:
MP4 or MOV format
1920x1080 or 3840x2160 resolution
H.264/H.265 codec
Downloadable file
Embedded subtitles for non-English films
Audio: Stereo 2.0 or 5.1

4. Venue Disclaimer (Pending Financing)
Physical venue availability is not guaranteed for 2026.
Submissions acknowledge the festival may remain entirely virtual.
No refunds for venue changes or cancellations.

5. Required Materials & Access
Films must be submitted as downloadable video files.
Games must be fully playable through a supported platform (such as Steam or itch.io); downloadable builds are not required unless otherwise requested by the festival.
Downloadable trailers are required for all selected films and games.
Failure to provide required access or materials may result in disqualification.

6. Video Game Submission Requirements
All games must be submitted via the official Google Forms:
Full Game Submission Form
Demo / Prototype Submission Form
A Steam link is required unless approved via email at:
👉 festival@hauntedhousefearfest.com
Games may be showcased on Steam, Eventive, Twitch, or podcast formats.

7. Art Submission Requirements
By submitting artwork, you affirm:
You are the original creator and rights holder
You grant HHFF a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display the artwork for festival programming, promotion, and House-related showcases
HHFF does not claim ownership of your artwork
Artwork may be featured digitally and may be cropped or resized for presentation purposes only, without altering the original work’s integrity.
Failure to disclose AI-assisted creation, rights issues, or misrepresentation may result in disqualification.
Artwork is submitted via a separate Google Form and governed by the terms outlined within that form. Submission constitutes agreement to those terms.

8. TikTok Horror Short Requirements
TikToks must be submitted through the official Google Form (not via FilmFreeway).
Must be:
3 minutes or under
Created within the past 2 years
Rights-cleared audio
Tagged @hhfearfest
May appear in Frozen Wing, Heatwave, October, and social showcases.

9. Showcase Limitations
Selection does not guarantee:
A virtual screening
Steam listing
Podcast appearance
Twitch gameplay
TikTok showcase
Programming decisions depend on theme, season, time, and technical capacity.

10. Eligibility
No completion date restrictions
Works may be online
Subtitles required for non-English works
You must have full legal clearance

11. Refund Policy
All submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstance.

12. Copyright & Legal Indemnification
Creators retain full copyright.
Submitter indemnifies HHFF from all disputes, including music clearance, rights issues, privacy/publicity claims, and third-party claims.

13. Communication & Notifications
HHFF will notify selected creators via the provided contact info.
Feedback is not guaranteed.

14. Attendance Requirement for Winners
Winners must attend (virtually or in-person if applicable) or designate a representative.

15. Harassment, Threats & Disruptive Behavior
Zero tolerance.
HHFF may impose:
Immediate disqualification
Permanent ban
Revocation of awards
Legal action
No refunds issued if removed for misconduct.

16. Amendments
HHFF reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.

🎃 THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING THE FEAR.
The House is waiting.
72 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • C.F. Davis

    I couldn't be more impressed by this festival and the vision for its future, and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Jared Tipton

    Creepy cool festival run by true horror fans! Thank you!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    woohoo! we are just getting started! thank you!

  • Nicholas Laughlin

    What an incredible experience! Renee and the whole HHFF team are incredibly kind and welcoming. The other film selections are exquisite. FearFest is without a doubt worth the submission price and I can't wait to submit my next project!

    Long Live The House!

    Nick Laughlin
    Writer/Director - "Stimulant

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    The House is grateful, Nick.
    Your work brought incredible energy to our rooms this season, and we’re honored you chose to share your story within these walls. Thank you for being part of the FearFest spirit — the House remembers those who create with passion.
    Long Live The House!

  • Rita Osei

    Wonderful festival! Fantastic team and an iconic location.

    March 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much!

  • Troy Fortenberry

    An awesome festival that we were very happy to be a part of, thank you for having us. I would highly recommend this festival!

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Awesome! And glad you had a great experience! Keep on creating!