Submit your movie to Dead Northern Film Festival 2025
Submissions are open to Feature Films, Short Films, Documentaries & Music Videos
Key information
Eligibility
Dead Northern is open to;
Short Films
Under 25 minutes
Feature Film
Over 25 minutes
Documentaries
Music Videos
In the following genres;
Horror
Fantasy
Thriller
All production techniques, forms & budgets are accepted.
Our Fees
Short film pricing
Standard: ÂŁ10/ Student: ÂŁ5
Film Freeway Gold Members: ÂŁ4.50
Feature Film
Standard: ÂŁ30 / Student: ÂŁ15
Film Freeway Gold Members: ÂŁ15
Documentary Pricing
Standard: ÂŁ30 / Student: ÂŁ15
Film Freeway Gold Members: ÂŁ15
Music Video Pricing
Standard: ÂŁ5 / Student: ÂŁ2.50
Film Freeway Gold Members: ÂŁ4.50
*Prices as of Oct 2024
Key Dates
Submissions Open
October 31, 2024
-
Regular Deadline
July 1, 2025
-
Notification Date
August 1, 2025
-
Event Date
September 2025
Rules and Regulations
Why choose Dead Northern to Feature your Film?
We take pride in showcasing the most exceptional talent in Feature Films, Short Films, Documentaries, and Music Videos. Selected filmmakers will receive exciting opportunities and recognition at our festival.
For more information, please click on the icons below.
SUBMIT YOUR FILM TO DEAD NORTHERN 2025
What the Filmmakers have to say about Dead Northern Horror Film Festival
Stoked to be included in the festival, love the work you're doing, wish I could have made it over!
Adam Jordan
Director - Music Video - The Fungus - Voodoo
A true celebration of independent horror filmmaking! We loved screening "Scopophobia" at Dead Northern this year and we'd be honoured to return with whatever we do next. A fun time with like-minded people at a well-orchestrated, well-communicated event!
Aled Owen
Director - Feature Film -Scopophobia
What an amazing festival! The screening of our short film Black Hole Barry was fantastic and part of a really well curated block of shorts. A huge screen and the cinema was full of horror fans. All in beautiful York. What more can you ask for?
Alejandro Ayala
Director - Black Hole Barry
Loved this festival- great venue, team, merch and screenings. If you have a horror short/feature, this festival is a must. I will definitely be back!
Alun Rhys Morgan
Director - Short Film - Collection Only
Such a great event - as a filmmaker and film viewer. I was looked after throughout and felt that my film was in the hands of truly passionate programmers who wanted as much as I did for audiences to have the best experience with my film. The programme itself was great and such good fun. Definitely a highlight festival experience.
J Taylor-Jone
Director - Student Short - Dead Body
Brilliant programming and such a warm, welcoming festival. There's an amazing genre filmmaking community in York, and that spirit was evident in Dead Northern. Everything was perfect. We will absolutely submit again in future.
Julien Allen
Producer - Short Film - The Wyrm of Bwlch Pen Barras
Brilliant festival, thank you so much for selecting Little Brown Bird and for awarding us the Bloody Good Death Award. Great atmosphere, community and film selections.
Peter Rogers
Writer/Director - Short Film - Little Brown Bird
We had an absolutely brilliant time at Dead Northern, being able to see Do Not Open on a big screen with so many amazing short films was a pleasure, all the organisers were incrediby friendly and it's a great place to meet other filmmakers!
Samuel McNally
Director - Short Film - DO NOT OPEN
I was elated to have my debut short film Dinghy selected to play at Dead Northern! Great festival with good public comms, website, socials, all proper legit. Sadly I couldn't make it in person but I'll definitely be submitting my future films, thanks again for the selection!
Sangeet Prabhaker
Director - Short Film - Dinghy
A pleasure to be featured in Dead Northens programme. Not only does the spirit of the festival shine through but they were also the kindest team in supporting my project.
Sarah Michelle Durrant
Writer/Director - Music Video - Courthouse - 50 shades
Stoked to be included in the festival, love the work you're doing, wish I could have made it over!
Adam Jordan
Director - Music Video - The Fungus - Voodoo
A true celebration of independent horror filmmaking! We loved screening "Scopophobia" at Dead Northern this year and we'd be honoured to return with whatever we do next. A fun time with like-minded people at a well-orchestrated, well-communicated event!
Aled Owen
Director - Feature Film -Scopophobia
What an amazing festival! The screening of our short film Black Hole Barry was fantastic and part of a really well curated block of shorts. A huge screen and the cinema was full of horror fans. All in beautiful York. What more can you ask for?
Alejandro Ayala
Director - Black Hole Barry
Loved this festival- great venue, team, merch and screenings. If you have a horror short/feature, this festival is a must. I will definitely be back!
Alun Rhys Morgan
Director - Short Film - Collection Only
Such a great event - as a filmmaker and film viewer. I was looked after throughout and felt that my film was in the hands of truly passionate programmers who wanted as much as I did for audiences to have the best experience with my film. The programme itself was great and such good fun. Definitely a highlight festival experience.
J Taylor-Jone
Director - Student Short - Dead Body
Brilliant programming and such a warm, welcoming festival. There's an amazing genre filmmaking community in York, and that spirit was evident in Dead Northern. Everything was perfect. We will absolutely submit again in future.
Julien Allen
Producer - Short Film - The Wyrm of Bwlch Pen Barras
Brilliant festival, thank you so much for selecting Little Brown Bird and for awarding us the Bloody Good Death Award. Great atmosphere, community and film selections.
Peter Rogers
Writer/Director - Short Film - Little Brown Bird
We had an absolutely brilliant time at Dead Northern, being able to see Do Not Open on a big screen with so many amazing short films was a pleasure, all the organisers were incrediby friendly and it's a great place to meet other filmmakers!
Samuel McNally
Director - Short Film - DO NOT OPEN
I was elated to have my debut short film Dinghy selected to play at Dead Northern! Great festival with good public comms, website, socials, all proper legit. Sadly I couldn't make it in person but I'll definitely be submitting my future films, thanks again for the selection!
Sangeet Prabhaker
Director - Short Film - Dinghy
A pleasure to be featured in Dead Northens programme. Not only does the spirit of the festival shine through but they were also the kindest team in supporting my project.
Sarah Michelle Durrant
Writer/Director - Music Video - Courthouse - 50 shades
A wonderful festival. We were proud to have THE CREEPING screen at Dead Northern.
Jamie Hooper
Writer/Director - Feature Film - The Creeping
Loved being part of this festival. Amazing cinema and a great team. Brilliant quality of films too. Was privileged to play amongst such quality movies.
Alex Mathieson
Writer/Director - Short Film - Death Date
I was so sad I couldn't be there in person because the communication and social media for Dead Northern is top-notch! The team behind is incredible. I was honoured to have my little film included. I hope I can make it next year.
Alisa Stern
Write/Director - Short Film - Posted No Hunting
What is up DEAD NORTHERN?! If you've made a horror film, you cannot sleep on this festival. The dark horse of the festival circuit for sure, not to be missed. Such a great time with extremely friendly organisers and great times with the filmmakers alike. Can't wait to return!
Alix Austin
Director - Feature Film - Kill Your Lover
Dead Northern has very quickly become a yearly event that I now cannot miss. Ran by the friendly team, the events around the films are incredible and it all being in one venue makes it! I've been lucky enough to be in the festival and the treatment you get as a filmmaker is next to none. Not to be missed as a horror festival in the UKs most haunted city. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Andrew Rutter
Director/Cinematographer/Writer - Short Film - The Heritage
Selected to screen at this year's festival, I wasn't able to attend but was treated great by the festival staff during the process. Dead Northern knows how to put on a show and throw a party! I hate I had to miss this year's festival! Thank you, Dead Northern, for selecting my project, what an honor!
Brandon Pennick
Writer/Director
Great festival had a blast easy to communicate with and very helpful
David Duke
Director - Micro Short - Night Terror
A great experience and I couldn’t be more thrilled for my short film to be a part of the film festival.
David E. Teixeira
Writer/Director
After a long period of attending festivals virtually, it was such a nice and welcome return to attend physically. Dead Northern celebrates horror films and the talent that creates them. I had such a great time meeting other filmmakers and watching superb films, and the Dead Northern team really pulled out all the stops. I was very fortunate to win the best horror short film and even a raffle, luck was very much on my side and I thank everyone involved for putting on a festival that I won't forget in a hurry. Don't think about submitting your films, just do it!
David Yorke
Write/Director - Short Film - Eric/Nervous Ellie/Safe/Foresight
Maybe the best medium-sized horror festival in the UK, this is definitely worth your time to submit and attend. There is a real emphasis on getting people together at the festival, to network, be entertained and celebrate indie horror. Plus York is beautiful!
Dominic O'Neill
Write/Director - Feature Film - Haunted Ulster Live
A wonderful festival. We were proud to have THE CREEPING screen at Dead Northern.
Jamie Hooper
Writer/Director - Feature Film - The Creeping
Loved being part of this festival. Amazing cinema and a great team. Brilliant quality of films too. Was privileged to play amongst such quality movies.
Alex Mathieson
Writer/Director - Short Film - Death Date
I was so sad I couldn't be there in person because the communication and social media for Dead Northern is top-notch! The team behind is incredible. I was honoured to have my little film included. I hope I can make it next year.
Alisa Stern
Write/Director - Short Film - Posted No Hunting
What is up DEAD NORTHERN?! If you've made a horror film, you cannot sleep on this festival. The dark horse of the festival circuit for sure, not to be missed. Such a great time with extremely friendly organisers and great times with the filmmakers alike. Can't wait to return!
Alix Austin
Director - Feature Film - Kill Your Lover
Dead Northern has very quickly become a yearly event that I now cannot miss. Ran by the friendly team, the events around the films are incredible and it all being in one venue makes it! I've been lucky enough to be in the festival and the treatment you get as a filmmaker is next to none. Not to be missed as a horror festival in the UKs most haunted city. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Andrew Rutter
Director/Cinematographer/Writer - Short Film - The Heritage
Selected to screen at this year's festival, I wasn't able to attend but was treated great by the festival staff during the process. Dead Northern knows how to put on a show and throw a party! I hate I had to miss this year's festival! Thank you, Dead Northern, for selecting my project, what an honor!
Brandon Pennick
Writer/Director
Great festival had a blast easy to communicate with and very helpful
David Duke
Director - Micro Short - Night Terror
A great experience and I couldn’t be more thrilled for my short film to be a part of the film festival.
David E. Teixeira
Writer/Director
After a long period of attending festivals virtually, it was such a nice and welcome return to attend physically. Dead Northern celebrates horror films and the talent that creates them. I had such a great time meeting other filmmakers and watching superb films, and the Dead Northern team really pulled out all the stops. I was very fortunate to win the best horror short film and even a raffle, luck was very much on my side and I thank everyone involved for putting on a festival that I won't forget in a hurry. Don't think about submitting your films, just do it!
David Yorke
Write/Director - Short Film - Eric/Nervous Ellie/Safe/Foresight
Maybe the best medium-sized horror festival in the UK, this is definitely worth your time to submit and attend. There is a real emphasis on getting people together at the festival, to network, be entertained and celebrate indie horror. Plus York is beautiful!
Dominic O'Neill
Write/Director - Feature Film - Haunted Ulster Live
Stoked to be included in the festival, love the work you're doing, wish I could have made it over!
Adam Jordan
Director - Music Video - The Fungus - Voodoo
A true celebration of independent horror filmmaking! We loved screening "Scopophobia" at Dead Northern this year and we'd be honoured to return with whatever we do next. A fun time with like-minded people at a well-orchestrated, well-communicated event!
Aled Owen
Director - Feature Film -Scopophobia
What an amazing festival! The screening of our short film Black Hole Barry was fantastic and part of a really well curated block of shorts. A huge screen and the cinema was full of horror fans. All in beautiful York. What more can you ask for?
Alejandro Ayala
Director - Black Hole Barry
Loved this festival- great venue, team, merch and screenings. If you have a horror short/feature, this festival is a must. I will definitely be back!
Alun Rhys Morgan
Director - Short Film - Collection Only
Such a great event - as a filmmaker and film viewer. I was looked after throughout and felt that my film was in the hands of truly passionate programmers who wanted as much as I did for audiences to have the best experience with my film. The programme itself was great and such good fun. Definitely a highlight festival experience.
J Taylor-Jone
Director - Student Short - Dead Body
Brilliant programming and such a warm, welcoming festival. There's an amazing genre filmmaking community in York, and that spirit was evident in Dead Northern. Everything was perfect. We will absolutely submit again in future.
Julien Allen
Producer - Short Film - The Wyrm of Bwlch Pen Barras
Brilliant festival, thank you so much for selecting Little Brown Bird and for awarding us the Bloody Good Death Award. Great atmosphere, community and film selections.
Peter Rogers
Writer/Director - Short Film - Little Brown Bird
We had an absolutely brilliant time at Dead Northern, being able to see Do Not Open on a big screen with so many amazing short films was a pleasure, all the organisers were incrediby friendly and it's a great place to meet other filmmakers!
Samuel McNally
Director - Short Film - DO NOT OPEN
I was elated to have my debut short film Dinghy selected to play at Dead Northern! Great festival with good public comms, website, socials, all proper legit. Sadly I couldn't make it in person but I'll definitely be submitting my future films, thanks again for the selection!
Sangeet Prabhaker
Director - Short Film - Dinghy
A pleasure to be featured in Dead Northens programme. Not only does the spirit of the festival shine through but they were also the kindest team in supporting my project.
Sarah Michelle Durrant
Writer/Director - Music Video - Courthouse - 50 shades
Stoked to be included in the festival, love the work you're doing, wish I could have made it over!
Adam Jordan
Director - Music Video - The Fungus - Voodoo
A true celebration of independent horror filmmaking! We loved screening "Scopophobia" at Dead Northern this year and we'd be honoured to return with whatever we do next. A fun time with like-minded people at a well-orchestrated, well-communicated event!
Aled Owen
Director - Feature Film -Scopophobia
What an amazing festival! The screening of our short film Black Hole Barry was fantastic and part of a really well curated block of shorts. A huge screen and the cinema was full of horror fans. All in beautiful York. What more can you ask for?
Alejandro Ayala
Director - Black Hole Barry
Loved this festival- great venue, team, merch and screenings. If you have a horror short/feature, this festival is a must. I will definitely be back!
Alun Rhys Morgan
Director - Short Film - Collection Only
Such a great event - as a filmmaker and film viewer. I was looked after throughout and felt that my film was in the hands of truly passionate programmers who wanted as much as I did for audiences to have the best experience with my film. The programme itself was great and such good fun. Definitely a highlight festival experience.
J Taylor-Jone
Director - Student Short - Dead Body
Brilliant programming and such a warm, welcoming festival. There's an amazing genre filmmaking community in York, and that spirit was evident in Dead Northern. Everything was perfect. We will absolutely submit again in future.
Julien Allen
Producer - Short Film - The Wyrm of Bwlch Pen Barras
Brilliant festival, thank you so much for selecting Little Brown Bird and for awarding us the Bloody Good Death Award. Great atmosphere, community and film selections.
Peter Rogers
Writer/Director - Short Film - Little Brown Bird
We had an absolutely brilliant time at Dead Northern, being able to see Do Not Open on a big screen with so many amazing short films was a pleasure, all the organisers were incrediby friendly and it's a great place to meet other filmmakers!
Samuel McNally
Director - Short Film - DO NOT OPEN
I was elated to have my debut short film Dinghy selected to play at Dead Northern! Great festival with good public comms, website, socials, all proper legit. Sadly I couldn't make it in person but I'll definitely be submitting my future films, thanks again for the selection!
Sangeet Prabhaker
Director - Short Film - Dinghy
A pleasure to be featured in Dead Northens programme. Not only does the spirit of the festival shine through but they were also the kindest team in supporting my project.
Sarah Michelle Durrant
Writer/Director - Music Video - Courthouse - 50 shades
A wonderful festival. We were proud to have THE CREEPING screen at Dead Northern.
Jamie Hooper
Writer/Director - Feature Film - The Creeping
Loved being part of this festival. Amazing cinema and a great team. Brilliant quality of films too. Was privileged to play amongst such quality movies.
Alex Mathieson
Writer/Director - Short Film - Death Date
I was so sad I couldn't be there in person because the communication and social media for Dead Northern is top-notch! The team behind is incredible. I was honoured to have my little film included. I hope I can make it next year.
Alisa Stern
Write/Director - Short Film - Posted No Hunting
What is up DEAD NORTHERN?! If you've made a horror film, you cannot sleep on this festival. The dark horse of the festival circuit for sure, not to be missed. Such a great time with extremely friendly organisers and great times with the filmmakers alike. Can't wait to return!
Alix Austin
Director - Feature Film - Kill Your Lover
Dead Northern has very quickly become a yearly event that I now cannot miss. Ran by the friendly team, the events around the films are incredible and it all being in one venue makes it! I've been lucky enough to be in the festival and the treatment you get as a filmmaker is next to none. Not to be missed as a horror festival in the UKs most haunted city. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Andrew Rutter
Director/Cinematographer/Writer - Short Film - The Heritage
Selected to screen at this year's festival, I wasn't able to attend but was treated great by the festival staff during the process. Dead Northern knows how to put on a show and throw a party! I hate I had to miss this year's festival! Thank you, Dead Northern, for selecting my project, what an honor!
Brandon Pennick
Writer/Director
Great festival had a blast easy to communicate with and very helpful
David Duke
Director - Micro Short - Night Terror
A great experience and I couldn’t be more thrilled for my short film to be a part of the film festival.
David E. Teixeira
Writer/Director
After a long period of attending festivals virtually, it was such a nice and welcome return to attend physically. Dead Northern celebrates horror films and the talent that creates them. I had such a great time meeting other filmmakers and watching superb films, and the Dead Northern team really pulled out all the stops. I was very fortunate to win the best horror short film and even a raffle, luck was very much on my side and I thank everyone involved for putting on a festival that I won't forget in a hurry. Don't think about submitting your films, just do it!
David Yorke
Write/Director - Short Film - Eric/Nervous Ellie/Safe/Foresight
Maybe the best medium-sized horror festival in the UK, this is definitely worth your time to submit and attend. There is a real emphasis on getting people together at the festival, to network, be entertained and celebrate indie horror. Plus York is beautiful!
Dominic O'Neill
Write/Director - Feature Film - Haunted Ulster Live
A wonderful festival. We were proud to have THE CREEPING screen at Dead Northern.
Jamie Hooper
Writer/Director - Feature Film - The Creeping
Loved being part of this festival. Amazing cinema and a great team. Brilliant quality of films too. Was privileged to play amongst such quality movies.
Alex Mathieson
Writer/Director - Short Film - Death Date
I was so sad I couldn't be there in person because the communication and social media for Dead Northern is top-notch! The team behind is incredible. I was honoured to have my little film included. I hope I can make it next year.
Alisa Stern
Write/Director - Short Film - Posted No Hunting
What is up DEAD NORTHERN?! If you've made a horror film, you cannot sleep on this festival. The dark horse of the festival circuit for sure, not to be missed. Such a great time with extremely friendly organisers and great times with the filmmakers alike. Can't wait to return!
Alix Austin
Director - Feature Film - Kill Your Lover
Dead Northern has very quickly become a yearly event that I now cannot miss. Ran by the friendly team, the events around the films are incredible and it all being in one venue makes it! I've been lucky enough to be in the festival and the treatment you get as a filmmaker is next to none. Not to be missed as a horror festival in the UKs most haunted city. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Andrew Rutter
Director/Cinematographer/Writer - Short Film - The Heritage
Selected to screen at this year's festival, I wasn't able to attend but was treated great by the festival staff during the process. Dead Northern knows how to put on a show and throw a party! I hate I had to miss this year's festival! Thank you, Dead Northern, for selecting my project, what an honor!
Brandon Pennick
Writer/Director
Great festival had a blast easy to communicate with and very helpful
David Duke
Director - Micro Short - Night Terror
A great experience and I couldn’t be more thrilled for my short film to be a part of the film festival.
David E. Teixeira
Writer/Director
After a long period of attending festivals virtually, it was such a nice and welcome return to attend physically. Dead Northern celebrates horror films and the talent that creates them. I had such a great time meeting other filmmakers and watching superb films, and the Dead Northern team really pulled out all the stops. I was very fortunate to win the best horror short film and even a raffle, luck was very much on my side and I thank everyone involved for putting on a festival that I won't forget in a hurry. Don't think about submitting your films, just do it!
David Yorke
Write/Director - Short Film - Eric/Nervous Ellie/Safe/Foresight
Maybe the best medium-sized horror festival in the UK, this is definitely worth your time to submit and attend. There is a real emphasis on getting people together at the festival, to network, be entertained and celebrate indie horror. Plus York is beautiful!
Dominic O'Neill
Write/Director - Feature Film - Haunted Ulster Live
Still have Questions about submitting to Dead Northern?
Our Filmmaker support page will help.