A horror-themed graphic with a DVD labeled "Horror Film" spattered with blood, and a bloody cleaver labeled "Jacksonville" stabbing through the DVD. The words "Horror Film" are written in black, and "Festival" is written in red, bloody letters.

To Our Filmmakers and Supporters,

It is with sincere regret that we announce the cancellation of the 2027 Jacksonville Horror Film Festival.

This was not a decision we made lightly. Our goal has always been to create a festival that celebrates independent horror filmmakers and provides a welcoming platform for artists to share their work with audiences who genuinely love the genre. Unfortunately, circumstances have made it impossible for us to present the event at the standard of quality that filmmakers, attendees, and our community deserve.

We understand the disappointment this announcement brings, especially to those who were planning to submit their films or attend the festival. Independent filmmaking demands tremendous dedication, and we never take your trust or support for granted.

We want to thank every filmmaker, volunteer, sponsor, vendor, and horror fan who has supported the festival. Your enthusiasm and belief in what we are building have meant more than words can express, and they continue to inspire us as we work toward the festival's next chapter.

Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you back when the Jacksonville Horror Film Festival returns.

Until then, keep making horror.

The Jacksonville Horror Film Festival Team

Two people standing next to a large pillow with the words 'Jacksonville Horror Film Festival' written in red, with one person pointing to it and the other smiling at the camera.
A man with curly hair and glasses is smiling while reading from a paper at a microphone, with a man in the background also smiling, in front of dark curtains.
A man wearing a purple patterned coat and a matching purple top hat is standing in front of a signing table, talking to a seated man with a black hat and black clothing. Three other people are waiting in line behind him, one holding a Coca-Cola bottl
A man with dark hair and a beard stands up holding a microphone, speaking to an audience in a conference room. The audience is seated in rows, listening attentively, with some people appearing engaged and others more neutral. The room has beige walls
Audience sitting in theater seats, some appearing bored or distracted during a presentation or event.
Award trophy with engraved text for Jacksonville Horror Film Festival, Best Creature Design for the movie 'The Demonatrix', placed on a wooden base on a dark table.
Two men standing on stage, one holding a paper, wearing hats and glasses, with a dark curtain in the background.
A person dressed as Michael Myers from Halloween and a woman dressed as a bloodied nurse or patient, holding horror movie T-shirts at the Horror Film Festival in Jacksonville, with a neon sign that reads Horror Film Festival.
A man speaking at a podium, wearing a gray suit, graphic t-shirt, black hoodie, and baseball cap, with a microphone in front of him and a dark curtain background.
Group of four diverse people standing on stage in front of a large screen, smiling, dressed in casual and semi-formal attire, with a wooden floor and a table with some objects behind them.
Two men speaking into a microphone on a stage, with blue curtains in the background. One man is wearing a black shirt with colorful text and a dark jacket, the other man behind him appears to be singing.
Audience members seated in auditorium, some taking photos or watching, in a dimly lit room with gray seats.
A man with curly hair and glasses standing at a podium, pointing forward and smiling, with a name badge hanging around his neck, in front of dark curtains.
A man with a beard and long hair wearing a black hat and black jacket, holding a microphone, smiling, with a conference badge around his neck.
Group of seven people standing on stage in front of a large screen with a skull and pointing finger graphic and the words "Audience Choice." The individuals are smiling and embracing each other.
Two people dressed as horror movie killers with masks and costumes pose with two attendees at a horror film event. The backdrop features a large slime cover with red spray-painted lettering that reads "Jacksonville Horror" and "For" with additional w
Group of people dressed in horror movie character costumes standing indoors near a window.
A woman with dreadlocks wearing a sleeveless black top and glasses resting on her head, smiling while holding a book, standing behind a table with a Monopoly game box, a black cup, and some plastic utensils.”}

MISSION

The Jacksonville Horror Film Festival is a high-octane celebration of bold, blood-soaked cinema. We spotlight daring filmmakers who embrace the gritty, the grotesque, and the unforgettable—from grindhouse-inspired shock and sleaze, to character-driven terror. Our mission is to electrify audiences, cultivate a thriving horror scene in Jacksonville, and champion fearless storytelling that pushes boundaries and leaves a mark.

2027 AWARDS LIST

Best of the Fest

Best Actor*

Best Supporting Actor*

Best Writer

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Sound Design

Best Score

Best Special Effects

Best Editing

Best Makeup

Best Creature Design

Most On Theme

Audience Choice

Scream Queen

Best Breasts*

The Best Breasts award is awarded to the film with the most creative use of nudity regardless of gender. The key word is creative, you can’t just have a scene in a strip club. Be cheeky…

*The Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Award will be awarded to the best actor and supporting actor of all submissions. There will be no judgement based on gender.

In the event the judges deem the minimum requirements for a category are not met, the award will not be given out for the year

GET INVOLVED

Are you passionate about horror and looking to be part of something thrilling? Whether you want to volunteer behind the scenes or showcase your products as a vendor, we want to hear from you! Jacksonville Horror Festival is calling on dedicated fans, artists, and creators to help bring the event to life. If you're interested in joining the team or setting up a vendor booth, please fill out our contact form and let us know how you'd like to be involved. We'll be in touch soon with more details!

Sponsor Form
Volunteer
Vendor Application