13Horror.com is one of the most recognized horror contests in the world, known for providing detailed feedback on every submission and supporting writers and filmmakers at every stage of their work.
Whether you’re a screenwriter or a filmmaker, the aim is the same: to offer meaningful feedback, recognize and reward strong work, and create genuine opportunities beyond the contest.
SCREENPLAY CONTEST
Our 2026 screenplay contest accepts submissions of both feature-length scripts and short screenplays of up to 30 pages.
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Each category (feature-length and short) has thirteen winners, with $2,850 in cash prizes awarded to the top three in each. All winning screenplays are offered publication through 13Horror.com, with rights retained by and royalties paid directly to the writer.
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Entries placed within the top 25% are awarded Finalist status. All entrants receive comprehensive feedback, along with the opportunity to revise and resubmit their screenplay.
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Winners and finalists receive official laurels and certificates in recognition of their achievement, with additional award options available.
FILM CONTEST
Our 2026 film contest accepts submissions of both feature-length films and short films of up to 30 minutes.
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Laurels are awarded across key categories, including Best Film, Director, Actor, Actress, Horror Baddy and Special Effects, recognising standout work across the craft of filmmaking.
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Selected winners and finalists are presented to Black Mandala, an international sales and production company working with distributors, festivals and buyers worldwide. This creates a potential route beyond the festival circuit, with opportunities that include international sales, broader exposure, and inclusion in anthology productions.​
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All submitted films are viewed in full and receive considered feedback. Winners and finalists are awarded official laurels and certificates in recognition of their achievement.
PRIZES
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$2,850 in cash prizes
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Comprehensive feedback from industry judges on every entry
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Screenplay publishing deals with royalties
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NEW: Industry partnership with Black Mandala (international sales & production)
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Trophies, laurels, and Hall of Fame recognition
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Submit directly (card or PayPal) or via FilmFreeway / Stage 32
Includes feedback from our Hollywood horror industry judges on every single entry.
13HORROR.COM FILM & SCREENPLAY CONTEST 2026
Short screenplay contest
Thirteen winning slots
First place - $500
Second place - $300
Third place - $200
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First, second and third plus TEN other winners in this category also win publication of their screenplay and royalties for life, winner certificates and laurels.
Feature-length screenplay contest
Thirteen winning slots
First place - $1000
Second place - $500
Third place - $350
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First, second and third plus TEN other winners in this category also win publication of their screenplay and royalties for life, winner certificates and laurels. Top three also win a horror model.
Short film contest
Laurels awarded for:
- Best film
- Best director
- Best actor
- Best actress
- Best horror baddy
- Best special effects
Selected winners and finalists will be presented to Black Mandala, an international sales and production company working with distributors, festivals, and buyers worldwide.
Opportunities include:
-
International sales and distribution
-
Festival strategy and global exposure
-
Inclusion in anthology productions
Feature-length film contest
Laurels awarded for:
- Best film
- Best director
- Best actor
- Best actress
- Best horror baddy
- Best special effects
Selected winners and finalists will be presented to Black Mandala, an international sales and production company working with distributors, festivals, and buyers worldwide.
Opportunities include:
-
International sales and distribution
-
Festival strategy and global exposure
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED JUNE 29, 2026
READ IT AND WEEP
Half a million words of horror. The three most controversial and notorious horror anthologies of all time in this one massive e-book of two hundred terrifying horror stories.
Included in this collection is the interactive and terrifying horror experience known as 'The Magic.'
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