Northern Horror Fest

Northern Horror Fest showcases top independent films in the genres of horror and thriller, from established filmmakers as well as new talent. The high quality films, selected by a committee, includes features and shorts as well as screenplays. The festival in Bergenfield, New Jersey. We have an awards ceremony followed by an after party to network and meet all the filmmakers, actors and attendees who came to the festival.

All winners receive a trophy presented during our awards gala.

NORTHERN HORROR FEST (NHF) SUBMISSION RULES

1. NHF competition categories are open to the United States and International entries.

2. Films must submit online preview screeners through our submission platform. Any other method must receive prior approval from the festival.

3. Foreign language entries must have English language subtitles.

4. Entries must have been completed in the past 5 years.

5. Applicants may submit as many entries as they wish, as long as each entry has a separate entry form and fee.

6. Entries must include contact information, with both an email address and phone number if possible, and include both on any materials sent to the festival.

7. For DVD and Blu-Ray screeners sent in, please submit in sturdy containers and/or bubble wrap to avoid damage. No fiber filled envelopes. DVD and Blu-Ray submissions will not be returned to the submitters.

8. NHF has the right to screen any film or projects submitted to the NORTHERN HORROR FEST.

9. In order to receive a trophy, the project must have an official representative present.

10. If officially selected, it is the responsibility of the submitter to send the festival their film in the requested digital format.

11. Screening copies will not be returned to the submitter, unless a pre-paid return mailer is included.

12. All decisions made by the festival are final and at their discretion.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Kaan Akyol

My team and I had an absolute blast attending Northern Horror Fest! It was an honor just to be selected, and I’m so grateful for our award!
It was wonderful meeting everyone involved, and we look forward to next year!

July 2026

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Christine Jansen

It was a true honor to be selected for this year’s festival alongside such talented indie filmmakers, and taking home Best Film made the experience truly unforgettable. The venue was fantastic, offering easy access to food and drinks right upstairs between screening blocks an opportunities to network. Overall, the lineup was a masterfully curated collection of films from start to finish. Thank you to the festival team and jury for an amazing event and such an incredible recognition!

July 2026

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Brianna Lee

Attending the Northern Horror Film Festival was an incredible experience! The lineup of horror shorts was diverse, thought-provoking, and genuinely chilling - I felt honored to have my film included among them.

What really stood out to me was the spirit of the festival. There was a strong emphasis on celebrating independent creators who are making something start to finish - and that recognition meant the world to me. It’s rare to find a festival that so clearly values the full creative process and the people behind it. Kudos to Larry and the Northern Horror Festival team.

The event was run with warmth and care, and the community of filmmakers and horror fans was so welcoming. I’m already looking forward to submitting future projects.

Highly recommend this festival to any horror filmmaker looking for a platform that truly supports and celebrates the genre.

July 2025

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Paul Thompson

Had a really fun time at the fest. Was held in a bar location in their lower event space, which while seemingly concerning turned out to be a fun time. Thanks for the hospitality and the screening!

July 2025

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PJ Bracco

A fantastic festival with truly wonderful films. So excited to be a part of the festival’s lineup!

July 2025

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