Film Submissions

ELIGIBILITY

• Films must fit within the horror genre. Your interpretation of horror is what we want to see.

• Films must have been completed by November 1, 2024, unless entered in the Retro Category.

• Must be a current student to qualify for free submission. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Non-English films must include English subtitles.

• All clearances, rights, and permissions must be secured by the filmmaker.

We are not accepting AI produced films at this time.

For more information and consideration in OOTC please enter through FilmFreeway

FilmFreeway

What We Celebrate:
-Visually striking, story-driven horror
-Diversity in characters, creators, and concepts
-Practical effects, original scares, and fearless artistry
-Emerging voices and genre veterans alike

Submissions:
-Feature (between 55 – 120 minutes)
-Short (under 40 minutes)
-Retro (Features or Shorts) produced before November 1, 2016

Awards & Recognition

Best Juried Short Film – The Best Juried Short Film Award is selected by an independent panel of jurors and recognizes outstanding achievement in storytelling, direction, performance, and technical craft. This award reflects the same core values celebrated by major cinematic institutions and is independent of audience voting or staff selection.

For the categories of:

Best Feature/Retro/Short
Best Scream
Best Death
Best Splatter
Best Creature
Best Jump Scare

There will be an Audience Choice (determined by in-person ballot during the festival), Staffer’s Choice* and Viewer’s Choice Award (determined by on-line ballot during the Digital Platform). All films are eligible for these awards.

*The Staffer’s Choice Award is selected collectively by the Out Of The Cellar festival team.

All selected filmmakers receive Official Selection Laurels.

Festival winners will receive Official Winner’s Laurels and promotional features on the festival’s website and social channels.

Best Juried Short Film will also receive a physical award and become eligible for distribution.