AHFF is a premier horror film festival in the heart of Bat City. Unlike genre film festivals that feature a wide variety of films, AHFF caters specifically to horror enthusiasts. This specialization provides a platform for horror filmmakers to showcase their work to a niche, passionate, and FUN audience.

All screenings occur at the legendary Ballroom ATX with a full bar and food trucks on site. Film blocks are carefully curated, focusing on a mix of horror's many sub-genres including but not limited to psychological, supernatural, slasher, monster, comedy, found footage, and grindhouse.

The AHFF team has a lot of experience running successful film festivals as we also program the ATX Short Film Showcase, Austin's monthly film festival, now in its 3rd season. We pride ourselves on our turnout, regularly packing our venue with 150+ local film lovers month after month, and aim to do the same for the inaugural AHFF.

Awards & Prizes

Our one-of-a-kind awards come in the form of VHS tapes complete with a custom AHFF label and cover sleeve!

Awards will be given out during our awards ceremony. The categories include:

Best Micro Film or Trailer
Best Short Film
Best Texas Film
Best Student Film
Best Feature Film
Best Director
Best Dramatic Performance
Best Comedic Performance
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Special Effects
Best Kill

Rules & Terms

-No waivers are granted.
-Short films should not exceed 40 minutes in length.
-All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
-Films created prior to 2020 are not eligible.
-Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Submission fees are non-refundable.
-By submitting you certify that your film is an original work to which you have full rights to all aspects, including the use of the music. Your film is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation.
-Entrants must maintain open and timely communication with festival organizers. Failure to respond to inquiries or furnish necessary information may result in disqualification.
-By submitting your film you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood, and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, rules, terms, and conditions.
-To the best of your knowledge, all of the statements in your submission are true.
-You give permission for Austin Horror Film Festival to use stills, titles, copy, video clips, and/or information from the short for promotional purposes.
-You hold Austin Horror Film Festival, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from your entry.