Rules

Welcome, brave filmmakers and fearless visionaries!

If you think you have what it takes to send shivers down spines and keep us up at night, this is your moment.

Before you submit your latest creation to BHIFF, please take a moment (preferably with the lights on) to review our guidelines.

  • We crave horror. Classic, supernatural, psychological, slasher, monster, sci-fi, comedy horror, or anything that makes popcorn fly! If it fits under “horror,” we want to see it.

    Both professional and amateur filmmakers are welcome—our nightmares know no boundaries.

    Previously released films (online or elsewhere) are acceptable, as long as they’re fresh enough to keep the cobwebs off.

  • Online submission will be accepted throughFilmFreeway.

  • All entries must be submitted via Film Freeway. If you try to send a VHS tape by raven, it will probably get lost.

    Films must be in English or include English subtitles, dub, or closed captions—so we can scream in unison.

    Each film should be submitted to the appropriate category, as run time limits apply. Read each category description carefully (no, really, it’s not as scary as it sounds).

  • All submissions are final. No refunds. Our coffers are haunted by past mistakes.

    We love animals and will not accept films that depict animal cruelty. If your monster has a pet, treat it kindly.

    By submitting, you grant us the right to use your name, your film’s name, trailers, posters, and clips to promote the festival, whether your film wins or not. Fame and (possibly) infamy await!

    BHIFF screens twice a year. Dates and venues are revealed when we emerge from the shadows.

    We may share your work on social media to give it a little extra life—think of it as a friendly haunting.

  • Thank you for scaring us (and yourselves)! We admire every filmmaker who enters the arena—and truly, every submission is a masterpiece in its own monstrous way. We wish you luck, scream-filled inspiration, and hope you’ll continue sharing your film adventures with us.

    Ready to submit? We dare you.