The 25th Annual

CHICAGO

HorroR fest

SUBMIT YOUR FILM NOW!

SEPT 27-28-29 2024

About

The 25th edition of the CHICAGO HORROR FILM FESTIVAL is set to illuminate the world of independent horror cinema.

OCT 2024 dates tbd

This extraordinary event, born from the passion of dedicated horror creators and enthusiasts, promises two days of captivating programming featuring a curated selection of both local and touring short films.

Get ready to experience the pinnacle of indie horror as we present only the most exceptional and spine-tingling works on not one, not two, but three screens!

Film Categories

All winners receive a digital certificate, ready to print: Winners in attendance on OCT 2024 will receive The Golden Dead AF Award!

Best Short*

Best Feature*
Best Director*

Best 1st Time Director
Best Cinematography

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Child Acting

Best Kill
Best Blood/Gore

Best Scare
Best Foreign

Best LGBTQ
Best Animated

Best Comedy

Best Poster

Best Screenplay

Best WTF Was That

Best Monster/Demon/Villain

Best Trailer (most liked on our YouTube channel)

Homegrown Horror Award (Chicago-IL filmmakers)

CHFF Fav Award (chosen by CJ Vecchio)

Meet the Team

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Fest Director

CJ Vecchio

CJ Vecchio is an acclaimed Chicago filmmaker and the new Festival Director of the Chicago Horror Film Festival. With a passion for indie horror and a vision for elevating the festival, Vecchio has driven remarkable growth and international recognition for the event.

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Fest/Program Coordinator

Macklin Youmans

Macklin Youmans is a filmmaker based in Chicago, graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Television Producing/Directing. They love filmmaking and their focus is expanding the horror genre to women and creating an environment for female filmmakers to find their niche in Horror.

Production Assistant/Social Media

Jette Black

Jette Black (JB) is an interdisciplinary visual artist and independent filmmaker specializing in horror. She began her Media and Cinema Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is completing her BA in Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago. Her passion for horror is reflected in her work in screenwriting, production design, and acting.