Featured by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Best Genre Festivals in the World!

Millions of people come from all over the globe to learn the lessons of Salem’s past and to revel in the perpetual spirit of Halloween. There is no better place to premiere your film. 

We are seeking unique, wild, thought provoking, and socially conscious feature films and shorts to present live in Salem and are committed to supporting independent, unique, and diverse voices. 

Films must have a premiere status in order to qualify for award consideration.

Feature Films

Jury Award
Audience Award
Romero Foundation Fellowship

Short Films

Jury Award
Audience Award
Romero Foundation Fellowship

Interludes

Romero Foundation Fellowship

Upon submitting a film for consideration to Salem Horror Festival the submitter acknowledges and agrees to the following:

1. The submitter holds relevant copyrights for the submitted film and agrees to screen the film at Salem Horror Festival should it be selected for the program.

2. The submitter understands that submitting a film does not guarantee entry into the festival program.

Salem Horror Fest only accepts submissions electronically, utilizing online screeners. This allows your film to be seen by the whole programming team and thus increases its chances of being selected.

GENERAL RULES

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Eligibility requirements:

- Films must be submitted in English or have English subtitles.

– Running time for all shorts must be 15 minutes or less. Running times for feature length films must be 3 hrs or less.

-Selected films must be made available as a download or the submitter must arrange for KDMs (if required) and shipping of materials to Salem, MA by the agreed festival materials deadline.

-If submitting more than one film, a separate completed entry is required for each title.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

SCHEDULING: Films are scheduled at the discretion of Salem Horror Fest. Salem Horror Fest retains the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason. Films may be screened more than once.

RELEASE: Salem Horror Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. 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 submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless Salem Horror 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 materials entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jake Myers

    Salem Horror was a great experience. Every screening I attended was at capacity. The filmmakers I met were talented and friendly. Everything was walkable and there was always something fun to do. I highly recommend this fest for horror folks!

    May 2024
  • Ryan Doris

    Salem Horror fest was an absolute blast. I was honored to have our film "Who's There?" featured in such a strong collection of diverse horror shorts. Meeting the other incredible filmmakers over a beer around the corner was the icing on the cake. Thanks of having us Salem Horror Fest!

    May 2024
  • Ramone Menon

    This is a great festival and I am very happy my film My Scary Indian Wedding was selected to play there. Kay, Brian and the whole team really care about cinema, horror and it takes place in the fantastic spooky setting of Salem, MA. Highly recommended!

    May 2024
  • What an honor it was for our film Violet Butterfield to be part of Salem Horror!! It was total bummer that we didn't get to attend in person, but the quality of films were outta sight and the communication was outstanding. Thank you so so much to Kay and the entire team at Salem Horror!!

    December 2023
  • Alison Peirse

    I am so pleased and proud that I got to screen at Salem!

    October 2023