Grimmfest 2026 Submission Deadline Fast Approaches

Grimmfest 2026 is entering a crucial stage of its preparations, with regular submissions for this year’s edition of the Manchester-based horror and genre film festival set to close on 19 June.

For filmmakers hoping to see their work screened before one of the UK’s most dedicated genre audiences, time is running short. Festival organisers have issued a final call for entries ahead of Friday’s deadline, after which submission fees will increase for any remaining late applications.

Taking place from 8 to 11 October at the Odeon Great Northern in Manchester, Grimmfest 2026 will once again bring together a mix of horror, cult, fantasy and science fiction cinema from around the world. Since its launch, the festival has established itself as one of the UK’s leading showcases for independent genre filmmaking, regularly premiering new features and short films while providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers.

Organisers have encouraged directors and producers with new horror and genre projects to submit their films before the deadline, while reassuring those who have already entered that submissions are currently being reviewed by the programming team.

The call for entries arrives alongside several other announcements from the festival as activity begins to ramp up ahead of October’s event. Day passes for Grimmfest 2026 are now available, with Friday and Sunday passes carrying an added incentive. Through a partnership with Second Sight Films, one pass holder will win a limited edition Blu-ray box set of the acclaimed Norwegian horror series Cold Prey Trilogy.

The competition remains open until 19 June, with all eligible Friday and Sunday pass purchases automatically entered into the draw.

Away from the festival itself, Grimmfest continues to expand its year-round activities through its GrimmVision label. The organisation recently added Damaged to its YouTube channel as a free-to-watch title, while several former festival selections have either recently launched or are scheduled for digital release.

Among them are Content, Self Driver, Tribe and Shadows of Willow Cabin, all of which have screened through Grimmfest before finding wider audiences online. In particular, Self Driver earned Best Actor honours for Nathanael Chadwick during its festival run, while Tribe picked up a Special Achievement Award following its premiere at Grimmfest 2025.

Festival merchandise is also now available through the event’s online store, offering attendees an early opportunity to prepare for October’s gathering.

Grimmfest 2026 takes place at Manchester’s Odeon Great Northern from 8 to 11 October 2026. Regular film submissions close on 19 June, while day passes are available now. For more information, visit: grimmfest.com/