Bloody Horror International Film Festival (BHIFF)

About

Welcome to the Bloody Horror International Film Festival (BHIFF)—where chills meet cheers and a little bit of creepiness goes a long way! Based in Canada, our sinister panel of judges haunts corners all over the globe, each bringing their own wicked expertise in horror cinema.

We embrace the best in indie horror (both amateur and professional).
Our love for horror runs deeper than a midnight grave. We're not just fans; we're obsessed with every scream, shadow, and behind-the-scenes secret. That's why we invite you to submit more than just your films—behind-the-scenes footage, your dream sequences, and introduction videos are all welcome. Curious about what you can send?
Sneak a peek at our category submission details.

Selected films are recognized, awarded, and screened twice annually. Keep an eye on our submissions page for upcoming dates.

We can hardly contain our excitement to witness your creepy creations!
Though BHIFF might be a small festival, our heart (safely stored in a jar by the window) beats with a mighty passion for sharing your horror stories. As screenings approach, we’re fiercely dedicated to promoting not only our festival but your film as well. With your blessing, we’ll showcase your work across our social media lairs—including names, trailers, posters, and film clips—to spotlight your achievements with the utmost professionalism and admiration for your craft.

To us, every submission is a twisted masterpiece. Selecting our Official Selections and Winners is no easy task, and time limits mean we can’t always screen every Official Selection or Honourable Mention at our venues. Rest assured, whether on the screen or in our nightmares, we truly appreciate every film that finds its way to us.

So, brave filmmakers and fearless visionaries: join our delightfully creepy family, and let’s make the popcorn fly!

Awards

What Chilling Delights Await Our Winning Filmmakers?

* Laurels
* Haunting trophy.
* Free popcorn - always!!
* Certificate
* Your film screened
* Social media promotion

Though BHIFF might be a small festival, our heart (safely stored in a jar by the window) beats with a mighty passion for sharing your horror stories. As screenings approach, we’re fiercely dedicated to promoting not only our festival but your film as well. With your blessing, we’ll showcase your work across our social media lairs—including names, trailers, posters, and film clips—to spotlight your achievements with the utmost professionalism and admiration for your craft.

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 below.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
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.

SUBMISSIONS AND FORMATS
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).

THE FINE PRINT (Read Me... If You Dare)
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!

We have many spooky categories to chose from! Each category will not neccessarily have a winner. If no one submits to a specific category, then of course, no ghosts will be granting them a winning spot in the festival.

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.

FINAL WORDS FROM THE CRYPT
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.

Premiere Requirements

World premiere required.

Jury and Organizers

Nikki Ribisi - Festival Director

Allen Keys - Festival Director