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Resting in a Bath

Opening Date

  • January 5, 2026

Earlybird

  • March 31, 2026

Regular

  • June 30, 2026

Horror Haven Film Expo Logo

Late

  • September 20, 2026

Notification Date

  • September 27, 2026

Event Date

  • October 15 – 16, 2026

SUBMIT YOUR FILMS FOR SEASON 3 NOW!

ABOUT US

Spider Webs

Horror Haven Film Expo was created for the filmmakers who live and breathe the dark side of cinema. Horror has always belonged to the outsiders. The dreamers. The ones who build nightmares from nothing and turn limited resources into unforgettable terror. Our festival exists to celebrate that kind of creator. The artists who are not afraid to push deeper into the shadows and tell the stories that bigger studios run from. 

Haunted House

Now entering our third season, Horror Haven has grown into a platform that seeks out original voices from across the indie horror world. We watch every submission with an open mind and a focus on vision. We do not judge films by budget or access. We judge them by the feeling they leave behind. The atmosphere. The imagination. The impact. 

Fictional Character

This season we are introducing the Horror Haven Award. This is the Festival Director's personal selection and is given to the project that captures the true spirit of the festival. It recognizes a film that stands out for its voice, its ambition, and its dedication to the craft of horror.

Outdoor movie

Horror Haven is not just another festival. It is a gathering place for horror creators who refuse to water down their ideas. A space where dark stories are welcomed, original visions are encouraged, and bold filmmaking is celebrated. Independent horror has always been the beating heart of the genre. Here, that heart has a home. 

If you bring everything you have to your work, Horror Haven welcomes you.

Horror Haven Awards.jpg

2025 CATEGORIES & AWARDS

Horror Haven Film Expo honors the creators who shape the shadowed corners of independent horror. Each season we recognize films, scripts, and trailers that stand out through atmosphere, originality, and powerful storytelling. Our prizes support filmmakers while preserving the dark identity of our festival.

Below is the official prize lineup for Season 3.

BEST FEATURE FILM

The winner of Best Feature Film receives:
 

• Official Horror Haven trophy
 

• Official Winner Laurel
 

• Website and social media spotlight
 

• Priority distribution consideration from Blood Pact Films
 

• Free submission to Season 4
 

This award celebrates a feature that demonstrates bold vision, strong craft, and commanding use of the genre.

BEST SHORT FILM

The winner of Best Short Film receives:
 

• Official Horror Haven trophy
 

• Official Winner Laurel
 

• Website and social media spotlight
 

• Priority review for possible inclusion in a future Blood Pact anthology release
 

• Free submission to Season 4
 

This award recognizes a filmmaker who delivers an impactful and atmospheric story within a short runtime.

BEST SHORT SCRIPT

The winning short script receives:
 

• Official Winner Laurel
 

• Website and social media spotlight
 

• Free submission to Season 4
 

This award celebrates concise storytelling and powerful mood within a short script format.

BEST TRAILER

The winner of Best Trailer receives:
 

• Official Horror Haven trophy
 

• Official Winner Laurel

• Website and social media spotlight
 

• A filmmaker software prize from one of our partners
 

• Full feature article or spotlight post
 

• Free submission to Season 4
 

This award honors tone, pacing, sound, and the ability to create fear and intrigue in a condensed form.

THE HORROR HAVEN AWARD

Introduced for Season 3, this award is the Festival Director's personal selection. It is given to the film that best represents the heart and identity of Horror Haven.

The winner receives:
 

• Official Horror Haven trophy
 

• Official Winner Laurel
 

• Invitation to return as a featured filmmaker in Season 4
 

• Optional invitation to serve as a guest judge next season
 

This honor celebrates a project that lingers long after viewing and embodies the creative spirit of independent horror.

anding use of the genre.

EXCELLENCE IN SCORE

Awarded to the film that demonstrates exceptional use of music, mood, and atmospheric composition.

Selected from all submitted feature and short films for Season 3.

The winner receives:

• Official Horror Haven trophy
 

• Official Winner Laurel

This honor celebrates

creators who use sound to pull viewers deeper into the darkness.

EXCELLENCE IN PRACTICAL EFFECTS

Awarded to the film that showcases outstanding practical effects, makeup, creature work, or physical horror craftsmanship.

Selected from all submitted feature and short films for Season 3.

The winner receives:
 

• Official Horror Haven trophy
 

• Official Winner Laurel

This award celebrates the artistry behind the blood, the monsters, and the in-camera fear that define the genre.

OFFICIAL SELECTION PERKS

All Official Selections receive:

• Official Selection Laurel


• Website listing for the season
 

• Social media announcement
 

• Visibility across our festival network

Scary Building

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