Dead Weird is Austin’s festival for horror, cult, and truly strange cinema.

We are looking for short films with strange ideas and underground energy. Horror, sci-fi, cult comedy, dark animation, experimental, and films that don’t fit anywhere else are welcome.

Selected films play for an engaged room that watches and reacts. We program a lot of films and filmmakers show up for it. Q&A sessions are built into the schedule. We also run special events and hangouts that let people talk, trade ideas, and meet other artists. The venue keeps everything close and connected so it feels like a real community.

If your film belongs in front of people who appreciate weird cinema, Dead Weird is the right place to show it.

Awards & Prizes

Winners will receive a custom crystal trophy to celebrate their achievement.

Best Film
The film that defines Dead Weird. Original, unforgettable, and impossible to shake.

Best Director
For the filmmaker whose vision and craft pull us deepest into the strange.

Audience Choice
Chosen by the crowd. The film that hits hardest with our festival audience.

Best Local Film
Awarded to the strongest work made by a Texas filmmaker or filmed in Texas.

Weird Visionary
For the filmmaker who pushes boundaries with bold ideas and fearless imagination.

Dark Discovery
The breakout work that surprises, unsettles, or reveals something we’ve never seen before.

Surprise awards that honor the spirit of Dead Weird - because some films can’t be put in a box.

Rules & Terms

Films must be 40 mins or less, including credits.

Films must be in English or have English subtitles

Works-in-progress are accepted if they will be completed before the festival

Multiple entries are allowed, but each must be submitted separately

Premiere Status
There are no premiere requirements, but Austin premieres are encouraged

Exhibition Format
If selected, films must be delivered as a high-quality digital format(MP4 or MOV preferred)

Notification
Selected films will be notified via FilmFreeway. Please respond promptly.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aaron Bragone

    The crowd was supportive, the energy in the room was great, and you could feel how much passion went into every project on screen.
    I’m truly grateful my film got to be part of such a fun and creative event. Festivals like this remind you why independent film is so special.

    March 2026
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  • Nick Noyes

    Dead Weird Film Festival is a really well-run festival. From the communication leading up to the event to the festival itself, everything was thoughtful and organized. The venue was great, the curation was wonderful, and it’s clear that Josiah cares deeply about the festival and about supporting filmmakers. I can’t speak highly enough about the experience.

    March 2026
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  • Iris Almaraz

    Wonderful people! Loved the support for indie flicks with sick twist! Thanks for all the amazing good vibes!

    March 2026
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  • Nate Bayless

    This fest was a blast! Really hope it expands the way it deserves to. Great selection of films, enthusiastic coordinators, and a very chill vibe for lovers of the weird.

    March 2026
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Nate! We thoroughly enjoyed screening "Shirime" and we look forward to showcasing your work again in the future!

  • Andrew Bateman

    Dead Weird was great. Out of all of the film festivals I've communicated with this year, Josiah and Dead Weird were one of the best. Their social media engagement was outstanding, and it looks like, from the photos I was sent (which was amazing), that the festival was fabulous. I looked at the films in the lineup and it seemed like a truly special event. My only regret is that I was not able to attend.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Andrew! "Go Down Diller" was an awesome short and a crowd favorite. We appreciate you submitting and making our festival better, can't wait to see what you do in the future!