OUR 2025 AWARDS CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE OCTOBER 4-5 at KEVIN SMITH'S SMODCASTLE CINEMA IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ. The funkiest town on the Jersey Shore now has an offbeat film festival. Highlands is the home town of Kevin Smith, the creator of "Clerks," and we want to capture that spirit with our Highlands Horror Film Fest. Our 2024 theme is "Horror and Suspense." We are interested in seeing anxiety-inducing psychological terror as well as blood and guts--everything from A (for Alfred Hitchcock) to Z (Rob Zombie, of course)

Awards & Prizes

2025 winners will receive a Serpent Skull Trophy. This beautiful trophy will instantly make you the envy of all your filmmaking friends and impress all others around you! You must attend to receive the trophy.

Rules & Terms

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Highlands Film Fest from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
31 Reviews
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Networking
  • Marc Marashi

    These guys are great! We were thrilled to have our first film included in their program. We weren't able to attend due to scheduling conflicts, but communication was great and everyone involved were very welcoming and kind. We will for sure submit again!

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We enjoyed THE LONELY PORTRAIT! The audience reaction was great!

  • Sarah K Reimers

    This is a small festival, but has a big heart and a ton of charm. The audience is friendly, it's easy to meet and connect with other film-makers and the founders are passionate and dedicated. They also have the coolest awards to grace your mantel. I will definitely submit again. It's also only 1.5 hours from NYC and in an awesome coastal location.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the kind words. It was a great honor to have you attend the screening of your films, NIGHT FEEDING and BITTEN!

  • CHRISTOPHER A. HOFFMAN

    The Highlands Film Festival was such a fun and welcoming experience! The vibe was super laid-back, which made it easy to connect with other filmmakers and enjoy the films. The screening was really well put together, and it felt like the audience was engaged. Winning an award for my film Salamander was an amazing surprise and made the festival even more memorable. You can tell they really care about independent filmmakers and unique stories. It’s definitely a festival worth checking out if you’re into indie films or want to see some fresh new work! Thanks Rob & Jay!!

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We loved SALAMANDER because it made us wriggle in our seats!
    Keep up the good work!

  • Jill Letteney

    Highlands Horror Film Festival was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Leading up to the event, Robert was super responsive and personable when sending out details or answering questions via email. Robert and Jay were just as welcoming and fun in person, greeting everyone at the theater and joking around. Hosting the event at Smodcastle made it extra special, and seeing my work on the big screen with surround sound was a real highlight.

    What really stood out was how much thought and care went into curating the festival. The Q&A sessions were run so professionally, with detailed, insightful questions that showed they had really taken the time to watch and understand each film. Jay didn’t ask surface-level questions but dove into the plot, character choices, and the production process, which made for engaging, meaningful discussions.

    The overall atmosphere was fun and authentic. As part of the Women in Charge block, I found it easy to connect with the audience and other filmmakers. It was laid-back, collaborative, and I left feeling excited to stay connected with the people I met. Truly one of the best festival experiences I’ve had this year. Bonus: the awards are dope AF.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We really enjoyed screening your film SCOUT. It was disturbing to say the least. Keep us in in mind for your next film!

  • Anders Elsrud Hultgreen

    It was awesome to be selected to this year Highlands Horror Film Fest.
    I wish I could go there in person, but I could not make it.
    The dialogue with the festival was great and the festival did a great promotion of my film.

    November 2023
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    Response from festival:

    A pleasure to screen another of your excellent films!