News – Glowflare Horror Film Festival https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com Official Website Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:26:34 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 241338204 Festival director shares update on upcoming festival https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/04/28/festival-director-shares-update-on-upcoming-festival/ Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=173 Following the overwhelming success of the Glowflare Short Film Festival in January, we are thrilled to now bring you our next evolution: the inaugural Glowflare Horror Film Festival, taking place over two days this May in Beverley. The January event exceeded all expectations, welcoming a passionate audience, showcasing a wide range of voices, and proving just how much hunger there is for fresh, independent storytelling. We’re incredibly proud of what was achieved, and we’re excited to carry that momentum into this new chapter.

8 Feature and 20 Short Films Selected

We are proud to officially announce the incredible horror films, both shorts and features have been selected for the 2025 Glowflare Horror Film Festival. All filmmakers have now been notified. Please check your FilmFreeway accounts and emails for updates.

Expanding to include feature-length horror films marks a major step forward for us, allowing for even deeper storytelling, broader creative exploration, and a greater platform for our community of filmmakers. From high-concept shorts to immersive full-length nightmares, our lineup represents the full spectrum of horror cinema, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

A Diverse Celebration of Horror

This year’s selection includes work made on shoestring budgets and films with professional backing, some created for under £1,000, others exceeding £280,000. That range speaks volumes about the talent, dedication, and resourcefulness of today’s horror filmmakers.

Every film in our programme was selected based on its originality, vision, and impact. Whether it was built with DIY effects and raw energy, or crafted with cinematic polish, each film earned its place in our festival through sheer creativity and storytelling power.

Gratitude to Every Filmmaker Who Submitted

We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who submitted, whether your film was selected or not. Programming this festival is never easy, and narrowing down the submissions was especially challenging. We received an extraordinary amount of quality work, and while we could only select a limited number of films for this year’s two day schedule, every entry was viewed, discussed, and valued.

If your film wasn’t chosen this time, please know this: your work matters, and we want to see more from you in the future. We’re building something that we hope will grow with you.

Looking Ahead 2026 and Beyond

The Glowflare Horror Film Festival is only just getting started. We’re already looking ahead to 2026, where we plan to expand even further, more films, more screens, more time, and more ways to bring your stories to audiences hungry for new horror.

Submissions for the 2026 festival will officially open on 1st May 2025 and remain open until March 2026. Mark your calendars, and start planning your next horrific masterpiece, we can’t wait to see what you create.

Thank You

To all the filmmakers who trusted us with their work, thank you. Whether your film made it into the final lineup or not, your voice contributes to the ongoing evolution of horror cinema. Your imagination, courage, and willingness to explore fear in all its forms are what make this festival possible.

We are committed to growing the festival into a lasting home for horror filmmakers across the world, and we’re just getting started.

See you in May.

Daniel Smales
Festival Director
Glowflare Horror Film Festival

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Glowflare Horror Film Festival Announces Line Up for 2025 https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/04/25/170/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=170 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Glowflare Horror Film Festival is thrilled to reveal the official lineup for its 2The Glowflare Horror Film Festival returns with a thrilling expansion in 2025, now spanning two full days of spine-tingling cinema. Here is the official line up. 

Feature Films

  • All This Time (Rob Worsey) – United Kingdom
  • Blood on the Bleachers (Chase Dudley) – United States
  • Chainsaws Were Singing (Sander Maran) – Estonia
  • Lost Angels (Peder Pedersen) – Denmark
  • The Caretaker (Luke Tedder) – United Kingdom
  • The Cellar (Jamie David Langlands) – United Kingdom
  • The Reign of Queen Ginnarra (Lawrie Brewster) – United Kingdom
  • Tribe (Dan J Asma) – United States

Short Films

  • Candy (Giuseppe Marino) – Italy
  • Disease (Alex Masciotra-Milsteiin) – Canada
  • Etripe Advisor (Ludovic Matthey) – Switzerland
  • Evil Dinner (Jose Murzia) – Spain
  • Firecrow (Markham Samuels) – Canada
  • Goodnight Sweetheart (Kathrin Told) – Austria
  • Lady and the Tooth (Shaun Clark) – United Kingdom
  • Mother Mary (Warren Dudley) – United Kingdom
  • Rudi: The Blood Nosed Reindeer (Cole Williams) – United States
  • Sanitorium (Bruno Martínez) – Spain
  • Sour Tooth (Scott McIntosh) – United Kingdom
  • Tears of Sorrow (Jodie R. Tuccio) – France
  • The Abyss (Orlando Del Maestro, Josh Flower) – United Kingdom
  • The Allure (Josh Wood) – Canada
  • The Birdwatcher (Ryan Mackfall) – United Kingdom
  • The Dead of Winter (Stephen Graves) – United Kingdom
  • The Five Stages Of… (Glenn L Lissner) – United States
  • The Shape in the Lake (Falko Jakobs) – Germany
  • The Xmascist (Andy Winward) – United Kingdom
  • Uncanny Valley (Diego Pino) – Venezuela

The Event

Taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025 at Parkway Cinemas in Beverley, the event promises to immerse audiences in the boldest, bloodiest, and most inventive horror films from around the world. Building on the success of the Glowflare Short Film Festival in January, this new horror-focused chapter introduces feature-length films alongside a handpicked selection of shorts, highlighting creativity in horror cinema from newcomers to seasoned creators.

A Celebration of Genre

This year’s lineup features films that span the full spectrum of horror cinema, with selections covering every official festival category: Animation, Comedy, Folk, Found Footage, Gore / Extreme, Monster / Creature, Psychological, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Slasher, Supernatural, and Zombie. From psychologically disturbing features to darkly comedic shorts, from experimental folk horror to blood-soaked creature carnage. The festival showcases the incredible range and depth of modern horror storytelling.

Filmmaking at Every Scale Budgets from £0 to £280,000

The Glowflare Horror Film Festival is proud to support filmmakers at every level. This year’s programme includes: films made for as little as £0 and feature films with budgets reaching $350,000 (approximately £280,000 at completion). This wide range of production scales highlights the ingenuity, passion, and raw creativity that drives independent horror, no matter the budget.

Tickets & Booking

Festival Day Passes £20 each
Available for Saturday, Sunday, or both. Each day pass includes:

  • Full access to all screenings for the selected day
  • Live filmmaker Q&A sessions
  • Printed programme guide

Please note: Entry to the Sunday night awards ceremony is only included with a Sunday pass.

Book online: beverley.parkwaycinemas.co.uk/glowflare-horror-film-festival

Press & Media Contact

We invite media to publish this announcement and reach out for interviews or additional details. 
For any further information, please contact:

Email: press@glowflarehorrorfestival.com
Website: www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com
Follow us on social media: @GFHorrorFestUK
Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, YouTube, LinkedIn

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Final Submission Deadline – Last Chance to Enter Glowflare Horror Film Festival 2025 https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/04/11/final-submission-deadline-approaching-last-chance-to-enter-glowflare-horror-film-festival-2025/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=168 This is your final opportunity to submit your horror film to the Glowflare Horror Film Festival, with the final submission deadline closing on 18th April 2025. After this date, submissions will close for the 2025 season, and no further entries will be considered.

Submit your film via FilmFreeway before the deadline to be part of one of the UK’s newest horror film festivals, where filmmakers have the chance to connect with a global audience, engage in live Q&A sessions, and celebrate the boldest in independent horror storytelling.

Final Submission Window

29 March – 18 April 2025

  • Standard: £15.00
  • Student / FilmFreeway Gold Members: £12.50

Key Date

Selections Notification: 21 April 2025

Full Submission Timeline

  • Early Bird Deadline: 14 February 2025
    £7.50 Standard / £5.00 Student & Gold
  • Regular Deadline: 7 March 2025
    £10.00 Standard / £7.50 Student & Gold
  • Late Deadline: 28 March 2025
    £12.50 Standard / £10.00 Student & Gold
  • Extended Deadline: 18 April 2025
    £15.00 Standard / £12.50 Student & Gold
  • Notification Date: 21 April 2025
  • Festival Event Dates: 17–18 May 2025

Don’t miss your chance to bring your nightmare to life on the big screen. Submit now and be part of the Glowflare Horror Film Festival, taking place 17–18 May 2025 at Parkway Cinema Beverley.

Members of the press are invited to contact us via email at press@glowflarehorrorfestival.com for further details and inquiries. For questions or support, please contact us via our Contact Page or email submissions@glowflarehorrorfestival.com.

Follow the festival

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Celebrating Independent: The Perfect Venue for Our Festival Parkway Cinema https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/03/27/celebrating-independent-the-perfect-venue-for-our-festival-parkway-cinema/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:12:55 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=158 As the festival draws near, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of the most important elements of this event: Parkway Cinema Beverley. Nestled in the heart of East Riding of Yorkshire, this venue is far more than just a place to watch films, it embodies the very spirit of independent cinema. Its ethos perfectly aligns with the values of the Glowflare Horror Film Festival, making it an ideal setting to celebrate creativity, bold storytelling, and boundary-pushing horror filmmaking.

The Importance of Independent Cinema

In today’s cinematic landscape, where large chains and commercial blockbusters dominate the screen, independent cinemas like Parkway play a vital role in nurturing creative expression and diversity in film. They provide a platform for the strange, the unsettling, the unexpected, exactly the kinds of stories we seek to showcase at Glowflare.

This mission is at the heart of our festival: giving voice to filmmakers who dare to challenge genre norms, explore new forms of fear, and reimagine horror through a fresh, independent lens. Hosting Glowflare at a venue that has championed indie films from the beginning makes Parkway Cinema Beverley the perfect partner.

A Legacy of Independence

Since its founding in 1983 by Gerald and Denise Parkes, the Parkway Cinema chain has been a champion of independent filmmaking across the UK. For over four decades, it has cultivated spaces where filmmakers can experiment, connect with audiences, and present stories that push creative and thematic boundaries.

This legacy of creative freedom is precisely why we chose Parkway Beverley as our festival’s home. Without independent venues like Parkway, many horror filmmakers, especially those working outside the mainstream, would struggle to find audiences for their daring work. The Glowflare Horror Film Festival is here to change that.

A Venue Built for Fear

With six state-of-the-art screens and a total seating capacity of 980, Parkway Cinema Beverley offers the perfect atmosphere for horror cinema. Each screen is equipped with Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound and Christie digital projection, ensuring that every scream, scare, and shadow is experienced at the highest quality.

Our primary screenings will take place in the cinema’s largest auditorium, featuring 4K digital projection and over 260 seats, setting the stage for an immersive and unforgettable horror experience. An additional screen will host more terrifying tales throughout the weekend.

A Creative Hub for Horror Filmmakers

Beyond its impressive technical specs, Parkway Beverley is a venue that supports and empowers filmmakers. It fosters a welcoming, community focused environment where creators and audiences engage directly, through Q&A sessions, networking, and shared experiences.

This intimate connection between filmmaker and viewer is a cornerstone of independent horror and central to what makes Glowflare more than just a festival. It’s not just about screening films, it’s about celebrating the art, sharing the fear, and creating lasting conversations.

Why Parkway Cinema Matters to Horror

For horror filmmakers, Parkway Cinema represents more than a screening space, it’s a venue that celebrates creativity, bravery, and the darker corners of storytelling. For horror lovers, it’s a place to experience the genre in its rawest, most thrilling form, among fellow fans and creators who live for the same chills.

By partnering with Parkway, we’re building a legacy that’s about more than films. It’s about creating a space where horror is respected as an art form, and where filmmakers who dare to provoke, disturb, and terrify can connect with a dedicated and open-minded audience.

We’re proud to call Parkway Cinema Beverley the home of the Glowflare Horror Film Festival, where independent horror thrives and the future of fear comes to life on screen.

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Final Weeks for Late Submissions – Glowflare Horror Film Festival 2025 https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/03/21/final-weeks-for-late-submissions-glowflare-horror-film-festival-2025/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=156 The late submission deadline for the Glowflare Horror Film Festival is creeping closer… Filmmakers have until 28th March 2025 to submit their terrifying tales before the final entry fee increase.

This is your last chance to submit your film without paying the extended deadline rates!

Late Submission (Until 28 March 2025):

  • Standard: £12.50
  • Student / Gold Members: £10.00

After 28 March, final submission fees will apply:

Extended Final Deadline (29 March – 18 April 2025):

  • Standard: £15.00
  • Student / Gold Members: £12.50

Full Submission Timeline

  • Early Bird Deadline: 14 February 2025
    £7.50 Standard / £5.00 Student & Gold
  • Regular Deadline: 7 March 2025
    £10.00 Standard / £7.50 Student & Gold
  • Late Deadline: 28 March 2025
    £12.50 Standard / £10.00 Student & Gold
  • Extended Deadline: 18 April 2025
    £15.00 Standard / £12.50 Student & Gold
  • Notification Date: 21 April 2025
  • Festival Event Dates: 17–18 May 2025

Categories

We accept both short and feature-length horror films across these sinister subgenres:

  • Animation – Stop-motion, experimental, and animated horrors.
  • Comedy – Films that blend laughter with fear.
  • Folk – Rural terror, ancient rituals, and folklore nightmares.
  • Found Footage – Immersive horrors blurring fiction and reality.
  • General – Unique and unconventional horrors that defy subgenres.
  • Gore / Extreme – Brutality, splatter, and boundary-pushing content.
  • Monster / Creature – Beasts, vampires, werewolves, and unknown horrors.
  • Psychological – Slow-burn dread, paranoia, and descent into madness.
  • Sci-Fi / Fantasy – Futuristic, otherworldly, and speculative horror.
  • Slasher – Masked maniacs, brutal kills, and relentless terror.
  • Supernatural – Ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal entities.
  • Zombie – The undead rise again in apocalyptic nightmares.

Members of the press are invited to contact us via email at press@glowflarehorrorfestival.com for further details and inquiries. For questions or support, please contact us via our Contact Page or email submissions@glowflarehorrorfestival.com.

Follow the festival

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Filmmaker’s Best Friend: Exploring the Benefits of FilmFreeway https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/03/12/filmmakers-best-friend-exploring-the-benefits-of-filmfreeway/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=152 In today’s digital world, filmmakers no longer need to rely on outdated methods of mailing physical submissions to film festivals. FilmFreeway has changed the way filmmakers share their projects, providing a platform that’s easy to use for both creators and festival organisers alike.

What is FilmFreeway?

FilmFreeway is an online platform that helps filmmakers, screenwriters, and other creators submit their work to film festivals, screenplay contests, and other creative competitions all over the world. Launched in 2014, FilmFreeway has become a widely used platform, with more than 12,000 festivals accepting submissions through the service.

By offering a simple, secure process, FilmFreeway has replaced old methods like mailing DVDs. It brings the entire submission process online, allowing both filmmakers and festival organisers to manage submissions, feedback, and decisions in one place.

Key Features of FilmFreeway

1. Easy Submission

FilmFreeway’s platform is designed for simplicity. Filmmakers can upload their projects and submit them to multiple festivals with just a few clicks. It supports films, screenplays, and other creative projects, making it a one-stop platform for creators.

2. Global Reach

With over 12,000 festivals available on the platform, FilmFreeway gives filmmakers access to both local and global opportunities. These include small, independent festivals as well as internationally recognised events.

3. Secure Submissions

FilmFreeway ensures that projects are securely uploaded and only accessible to authorised festival reviewers. Filmmakers can rest assured that their work is protected while under consideration.

4. Management Tools for Festivals

FilmFreeway provides festival organisers with all the tools they need to track, review, and select films. Organisers can view films, provide feedback, and communicate with filmmakers directly within the platform, eliminating the need for physical copies or scattered communications.

Why FilmFreeway Benefits Both Filmmakers and Festivals

FilmFreeway provides several key benefits for both filmmakers and festival organisers:

For Filmmakers:

  • Convenience: Filmmakers no longer need to create DVDs or mail submissions. They can submit projects to multiple festivals online, quickly and efficiently.
  • Exposure: With FilmFreeway’s global reach, filmmakers have access to festivals they may not have been able to approach before.
  • Submissions: Filmmakers can track the status of their submissions, seeing when a festival has received their project and whether it has been selected. While they can’t see when a film is actively reviewed, they can monitor its progress from submission to decision.

For Festival Organisers:

  • Efficiency: Festivals no longer need to manage physical submissions or multiple communication methods. Everything is centralised and easy to access.
  • Judging: Organisers can give secure access to judges, allowing them to review films and submit feedback digitally, making the judging process faster and more streamlined.
  • Management: From receiving submissions to selecting films for screening, FilmFreeway provides all the necessary tools in one place.

No More Physical Submissions

We no longer accept physical or postal submissions. All entries must be submitted digitally through FilmFreeway. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the need for physical copies, making the process more efficient and eco-friendly.

Conclusion

FilmFreeway has made it easier for filmmakers to share their work and for festivals to manage submissions. By using this platform, filmmakers can reach more festivals, and festival organisers can handle submissions more efficiently. Whether you’re submitting a project or managing a festival, FilmFreeway is the ideal tool to simplify the process.

For more information, visit FilmFreeway’s official website or follow them on social media:

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My Top Tips: 5 Essential tips for a Successful Film Festival Submission https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/03/06/my-top-tips-5-essential-tips-for-a-successful-film-festival-submission/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=150 Hey there, filmmakers! I’m Daniel Smales, the Festival Director, I want to make sure you get the most from your submission but also to provide some advice for the basics for any festival you submit your film. It’s a big step in your journey it can also be a costly one, especially if you not meeting the basics. I want to make sure you feel supported throughout the process. Whether this is your first festival or you’re a seasoned pro, here’s how to give your film the best possible reach with our platform and audience. You’ve made it this far and your ready to submit, so your vision and your piece is your magic, don’t ever be put off if not accepted into a festival it doesn’t mean it wasn’t good! As my dad taught me, you fall, you get up, and you try again, and you keep trying until you get where you want to be, never give up.

1. Your Visual Package

Let’s start with the basics of any submission. Your poster, imagery, and trailer are the first things that we see when you submit your film via FilmFreeway. Think of them as your hand handshake. You want it to be strong, confident, and leave a lasting impression. This isn’t always about getting our attention we watch all films regardless of this content, it’s about being prepared if selected by a festival. These are the marketing materials the festival will want from you to assist in getting the word out about the film. Make sure your poster is sharp, your images are eye-catching, and your trailer is nothing short of captivating.

  • Poster: Don’t just slap something together. This is your film’s face. Make it memorable! A great design can do wonders in grabbing attention. 
  • Imagery: Pick stills that tell a story, that spark curiosity. High-quality is a must!
  • Trailer: This is your film’s elevator pitch. Keep it snappy, make it engaging, and leave us wanting more.

2. Consistency is Key

Even if your project is a work in progress, your submission must clearly reflect your vision. While elements like sound, SFX, or colour grading may be unfinished, the narrative should be complete. Don’t submit a film that’s still undergoing major edits, such as changing the length or replacing scenes. The story may evolve for the better, but the team may have made a decision on your submitted edit, an incomplete submission won’t represent the final film.

  • Narrative: Got a killer plot? Make sure it’s tight and clear, even if the effects aren’t fully polished yet.
  • Design: Your film’s look and sound should feel cohesive. If you’re still working on parts, just let us know in your submission.

3. Technical Specifications

We know tech stuff can be a drag, but it’s super important. If your film doesn’t play right, we can’t experience the brilliance you’ve created. So double-check everything before your submission.

  • File Quality: No one likes a pixelated picture or crackly sound. Unless part of the project and intended for viewing quality. Keep it clean, crisp, and in the right format.
  • Formats: Follow the guidelines on our Submissions page to avoid any hiccups.

4. Supporting Materials

We love getting to know the person behind the camera. Your filmmaker’s statement, synopsis, and press kit (if you’ve got one) help us connect with your vision. Don’t be shy this is your chance to tell us why your film matters. If you have a personal connection to the piece we want to know about it, we want to be part of the journey.

  • Filmmaker’s Statement: Share your journey, your passion, your why. It makes your submission that much more personal.
  • Synopsis: Give us a taste of your story without spilling all the beans.
  • Press Kit: Got one? Awesome! Include it so we can get the full picture.

5. Maximise Your Exposure

You must be able to get as much out of this festival as possible and any festival for that matter. If your project isn’t findable, that’s a problem how will the audience talk about you and pass that information on? You never know who might be in the audience at the festival. Make sure your entire project has a well rounded marketing flow. Your poster should reflect what’s in your film, and your trailer should do the same, complementing the poster and the story.

  • Branding/Marketing: Think of your film as a brand. The more collective your materials, the more memorable it will be to audiences and professionals. 
  • Visibility: Use consistent branding across all film-related platforms. Ensure that your poster and trailer are immediately recognisable as part of your film.
  • IMDb and Social Media: Ensure your film is listed on IMDb. This is super important if you get a nomination or award at the festival, as we list these through IMDb. If you don’t have one your marketing or potential distributors in the future don know about your or your film history of the film circuit. Additionally, consider setting up social media accounts for your film. While this is optional for the festival, it can be incredibly helpful after the event. Having a presence on social media allows people to follow your film’s journey, engage with your work, and stay updated on future projects. 

Further Information

Submitting early isn’t just about beating the rush, it’s also about saving money. Many festivals, including ours, offer discounted submission fees for early entries. Plus, getting your film in early shows you’re on top of your game. Take advantage of early bird deadlines to save on fees and get your submission in front of us sooner. Remember, follow-ups are not needed, we will inform you on the notification date if your film has been selected.

Our website, is packed with information and resources to help you along the way. Something we are working on all the time, from the Frequently Asked Questions section to our Submissions section, everything you need to know about the festival is right here.

If you have any questions, we’re here to help! Reach out to our festival team anytime at submissions@glowflarehorrorfestival.com. We’re dedicated to making sure your submission experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

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Regular Submission Deadline Approaching for Glowflare Horror Film Festival 2025! https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/02/28/regular-submission-deadline-approaching-for-glowflare-horror-film-festival-2025/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=148 Time is ticking, horror filmmakers! The regular submission deadline for the Glowflare Horror Film Festival is fast approaching. You have until 7th March 2025 to submit your film at our regular rate before fees rise again for late entries.

Whether you’re submitting a spine-tingling short or a full-length nightmare, this is your chance to join one of the UK’s most exciting new genre festivals, taking place 17–18 May 2025 at the atmospheric Parkway Cinema Beverley.


Regular Submission (Until 7 March 2025):

  • Standard: £10.00
  • Student / Gold Members: £7.50

After 7 March, late submission fees will apply:


Late Submission (8 – 28 March 2025):

  • Standard: £12.50
  • Student / Gold Members: £10.00

Extended Final Deadline (Until 18 April 2025):

  • Standard: £15.00
  • Student / Gold Members: £12.50

Notification Date:

  • 21 April 2025

Categories

We welcome both short and feature-length films across the following horror subgenres:

  • Animation – Stop-motion, experimental, and animated horrors.
  • Comedy – Films that blend laughter with fear.
  • Folk – Rural terror, ancient rituals, and folklore nightmares.
  • Found Footage – Immersive horrors blurring fiction and reality.
  • General – Unique and unconventional horrors that defy subgenres.
  • Gore / Extreme – Brutality, splatter, and boundary-pushing content.
  • Monster / Creature – Beasts, vampires, werewolves, and unknown horrors.
  • Psychological – Slow-burn dread, paranoia, and descent into madness.
  • Sci-Fi / Fantasy – Futuristic, otherworldly, and speculative horror.
  • Slasher – Masked maniacs, brutal kills, and relentless terror.
  • Supernatural – Ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal entities.
  • Zombie – The undead rise again in apocalyptic nightmares.

Don’t miss the opportunity to submit your film to the festival at the lowest price. Submit through FilmFreeway before 6th September to avoid paying higher fees. All categories remain open, and early submissions also benefit from early consideration by our selection team.

Members of the press are invited to contact us via email at press@glowflarehorrorfestival.com for further details and inquiries.

Follow the festival

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Introducing Daniel Smales: Festival Director of Glowflare Short Film Festival https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/02/12/introducing-daniel-smales-festival-director-of-glowflare-short-film-festival/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=143 As the driving force behind the Glowflare Horror Film FestivalDaniel Smales brings a broad range of experience and a genuine passion for filmmaking. Born and raised in Hull, East Yorkshire, Daniel’s journey in the creative arts began with a background in musical theatre, which he studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. However, his interests have always extended beyond the stage, encompassing a deep love for both acting and filmmaking.

Daniel has worked in various capacities within the industry, including roles in independent films such as Death Walks and No Reasons. These projects, along with his continued work as an actor and filmmaker, have helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of the craft, both in front of and behind the camera. He has also developed one of our sister film festivals Glowflare Short Film Festival that also had its inaugural festival back in January.

Death Walks

Death Walks is a zero-budget horror film directed by Spencer Hawken. The story revolves around a group of people trapped overnight in a shopping mall, facing a sinister presence. Daniel played the role of Steve, a shop assistant who finds himself in the middle of this eerie and suspenseful scenario. This project was particularly notable for its creative approach to filmmaking, relying entirely on volunteers and limited resources to bring the horror to life.

Trivia: Despite its lack of budget, Death Walks received attention for its ambitious scope and the way it created tension and atmosphere on a shoestring budget.

No Reasons

In No Reasons, Daniel portrayed Kevin, a journalist who becomes entangled in a dark and disturbing story. This psychological thriller, also directed by Spencer Hawken, challenges the viewer with intense themes and complex characters. 

TriviaNo Reasons dives deep into psychological horror, and Daniel’s performance added a subtle yet significant layer to the chilling narrative.

Commercial and Corporate Work

Beyond film, Daniel has contributed to various commercial and corporate projects. He appeared in a commercial for the Gogodoc, which promotes on-demand healthcare services. His role in this commercial helped communicate the app’s innovative approach to healthcare accessibility. Additionally, Daniel worked with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on corporate videos aimed at educating on financial matters and data leaks. He also featured in a Hyundai commercial, demonstrating his versatility across different media formats.

Film Festival Commitment

His work across festivals such as the Romford Horror FestivalRomford Film Festival, and East London LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Glowflare Short Film Festival, demonstrates his dedication to supporting independent filmmakers and promoting diverse storytelling. His ongoing involvement with these festivals ensures he remains connected to the world of independent cinema, continuing to inspire and nurture new talent as a judge and supporter.

Vision for the Festival

As the festival approaches its first edition, Daniel’s goal is to create an inclusive event that fosters a sense of community among filmmakers. While balancing his commitments as an actor, Daniel remains passionate about ensuring the festival is a space where independent filmmakers can share their stories and connect with audiences, offering a platform that celebrates creativity and diverse voices.

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Last Chance to Submit Early: One Week Until Deadline for Discounted Fees https://www.glowflarehorrorfestival.com/2025/02/07/last-chance-to-submit-early-one-week-until-deadline-for-discounted-fees/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://glowflarehorrorfestival.com/?p=141 Calling all horror filmmakers! There’s just one week remaining to submit your film to the Glowflare Horror Film Festival 2025 at our early bird rates. This is your chance to showcase your most chilling work at our debut event, taking place 17–18 May 2025 at Parkway Cinema Beverley.

Submit via FilmFreeway before 14th February 2025 to lock in the lowest available fees.

Early Bird Submission (Before 14 February 2025):

  • Standard: £7.50
  • Student / Gold Members: £5.00

After 14 February, regular submission fees will apply.

Key Dates & Fees

  • Early Bird Deadline: 14 February 2025
    £7.50 Standard / £5.00 Student & Gold
  • Regular Deadline: 7 March 2025
    £10.00 Standard / £7.50 Student & Gold
  • Late Deadline: 28 March 2025
    £12.50 Standard / £10.00 Student & Gold
  • Extended Deadline: 18 April 2025
    £15.00 Standard / £12.50 Student & Gold
  • Notification Date: 21 April 2025

Categories

We welcome both short and feature-length films across the following horror subgenres:

  • Zombie – The undead rise again in apocalyptic nightmares.
  • Animation – Stop-motion, experimental, and animated horrors.
  • Comedy – Films that blend laughter with fear.
  • Folk – Rural terror, ancient rituals, and folklore nightmares.
  • Found Footage – Immersive horrors blurring fiction and reality.
  • General – Unique and unconventional horrors that defy subgenres.
  • Gore / Extreme – Brutality, splatter, and boundary-pushing content.
  • Monster / Creature – Beasts, vampires, werewolves, and unknown horrors.
  • Psychological – Slow-burn dread, paranoia, and descent into madness.
  • Sci-Fi / Fantasy – Futuristic, otherworldly, and speculative horror.
  • Slasher – Masked maniacs, brutal kills, and relentless terror.
  • Supernatural – Ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal entities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to submit your film to the festival at the lowest price. Submit through FilmFreeway before 6th September to avoid paying higher fees. All categories remain open, and early submissions also benefit from early consideration by our selection team.

Members of the press are invited to contact us via email at press@glowflarehorrorfestival.com for further details and inquiries.

Follow the festival

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