PURCHASE TICKETS: chicagohorrorfilmfest.com/
Oct 2 - Oct 4, 2026
For nearly three decades, the Chicago Horror Film Festival (CHFF) has been giving independent horror filmmakers a place to unleash their creativity. What began 28 years ago as a small afternoon showcase of local short horror films has grown into a major three-day celebration featuring feature-length and short horror films from around the world.
That evolution reflects the continued growth of independent horror cinema—and CHFF has been there to champion it.
Horror Made by Filmmakers, for Filmmakers
At the heart of the Chicago Horror Film Festival is a simple mission: celebrate the best in indie horror filmmaking while recognizing the craft that makes great horror unforgettable.
CHFF places a strong emphasis on the elements that define effective horror cinema, including storytelling, cinematography, editing, and sound design. These creative components can transform a frightening concept into an experience that stays with an audience long after the credits roll.
For horror filmmakers working outside the traditional studio system, festivals like CHFF provide an important opportunity to put their work in front of audiences who genuinely love the genre.
A Launchpad for Indie Horror
The festival's impact extends beyond its screenings. Over the years, numerous films selected by CHFF have gone on to secure distribution deals, helping independent filmmakers move their projects from the festival circuit toward wider audiences.
That makes the Chicago Horror Film Festival more than a place to watch scary movies. It can also serve as a meeting point between filmmakers, horror fans, and the broader film industry.
For emerging filmmakers, having a film selected by an established horror film festival can provide valuable exposure and help introduce their work to audiences, industry professionals, and potential partners.
More Than a Screening
CHFF also actively promotes its selected films through its social media platforms, helping extend the conversation beyond the festival itself. That focus on filmmaker recognition is an important part of the festival's identity.
After 28 years, the Chicago Horror Film Festival continues to provide a platform for independent horror creators while celebrating the filmmakers and craft behind the genre.
Whether you're searching for your next favorite indie horror film, following emerging horror filmmakers, or simply love discovering new ways to be scared, CHFF is a festival worth keeping on your radar.
After all, independent horror has always been at its most interesting when filmmakers are willing to take a few creative risks.
#ChicagoHorrorFilmFestival #CHFF #ChicagoHorror #HorrorFilmFestival #IndieHorror #IndependentHorror #HorrorMovies #HorrorFilms #HorrorShorts #IndependentFilmmakers #IndieFilmmakers #HorrorFilmmakers #HorrorCinema #ChicagoFilm #HorrorCommunity #IndieFilm #IndependentCinema #HorrorFans