“One of the Best Genre Festivals on Earth” —Dread Central
The legendary Nightmares Film Festival live experience returns for its 10th edition, Thursday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 19.
VIP Passes On Sale Now See the 2025 Schedule
Only at Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio.
A true destination horror and genre fest, Nightmares Film Festival (NFF) has been named one of the world’s top horror film festivals by every major genre outlet. Christened the “Cannes of horror” by iHorror, NFF is dedicated to elevating horror, fostering an inclusive and supportive community of creators, and connecting those artists with audiences.
Attending the festival?
The ultimate way to experience our celebration of genre cinema, NFF VIP passes offer the holder a guaranteed seat in every round of films, access to the VIP bar and lounge, and in-and-out privileges throughout the fest.
“A wonderful, welcoming home for fans of independent horror and genre cinema” —Dread Central
“Nightmares Film Festival is unique in its emphasis on community and connection among filmmakers. While they strive to showcase innovative, compelling, and high-quality projects, where they really shine is in their efforts to ensure everyone feels welcome, celebrated, and valued. Attending is a truly special experience.”
“One of the Bloody Best Genre Fests in the World” —MovieMaker Magazine
“I couldn’t be more impressed with this fest. First of all, I’m a Columbus, Ohio native. To see this top tier fest in my hometown is awesome.”
“Mindblowing” —We Are Indie Horror
See the 2025 Official Selections
Look back at past year’s festivals
Nightmares Film Festival 2024
Premiere screenings included Sayara from madman Can Evrenol (Baskin, Housewife), the world premieres of Jason Trost’s (The FP series) groundbreaking side-scrolling horror film The Waves of Madness, The Soul Eater from Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury (Inside, Livid, Among the Living), and Replicator, an Ohio-made body horror feature from Mark Hamer (I See You), and making its North American premiere, Solvent, a POV nightmare descent into madness from Johannes Grenzfurthner (Masking Threshold, Razzennest).
Browse the 2024 schedule by day or the full program here.
Nightmares Film Festival 2023
Premiere screenings included The People’s Joker, the world premiere of Zac Locke’s (#Float) psychological Christmas horror Santa Isn’t Real; the U.S. premiere of Stewart Sparke’s (Book of Monsters) classic-creature horror comedy How to Kill Monsters, horror comedy anthology Cryptids, and nightmare fuel Abruptio, a descent into madness created entirely with lifelike puppets.
And, festival breakout hit, Hundreds of Beavers.
Browse the 2023 schedule by day or the full program here.
Nightmares Film Festival 2022
Premiere screenings included Something in the Dirt, Moon Garden, Obstacle Corpse, the world premieres of FP4EVZ and the theatrical World Premiere of Razzennest.
Nightmares Film Festival 2021
Premiere screenings from exceptional new voices, including The Scary of Sixty-First, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, the World Premiere of The FP 3 – Escape from Bako, and a live orchestral score of James Quinn’s Ivory Wave presented on 35mm film.
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