JERSEY CITY INDEPENDENT FILM FEST
JCIFF PRESENTS:
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Submission Deadline
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
JCIFF Presents: NIGHTMARES is a one-night Halloween horror film experience celebrating independent filmmakers, immersive storytelling, and horror culture. More than a traditional film screening, Nightmares combines independent horror films, filmmaker discussions, audience engagement, interactive exhibits, and horror-inspired art into a signature Halloween event.
We're looking for bold, original voices that leave audiences talking long after the credits roll.
Bring your vision to the big screen. We're seeking bold, original horror films from independent filmmakers ready to share unforgettable stories with a live audience during JCIFF Presents: Nightmares.
FILMMAKERS
Help transform Nightmares into an immersive horror experience. We're looking for painters, illustrators, sculptors, photographers, and mixed-media artists whose work celebrates the strange, the eerie, and the unforgettable.
VISUAL ARTISTS
Showcase your brand to a community of horror fans, filmmakers, and creatives. Whether you create collectibles, apparel, books, handmade goods, oddities, or horror-inspired merchandise, we'd love to feature your work during Nightmares.
VENDORS
Films We Need
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Psych Thriller
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Supernatural &
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Creature Features
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Slasher
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Found Footage
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Horror Comedy
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Sci-Fi Horror
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Independent Films
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Animated Horror
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Student Films
Art We Need
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Painting
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Illustration
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Sculpture
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Photography
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Mixed Media
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Practical FX & Props
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Poster Design
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Comic Art
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Digital Art
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Installation Art
Vendors We Need
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Horror Merchandise
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Books & Comics
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Apparel & Accessories
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Collectibles & Toys
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Handmade Goods
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Home Décor
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Candles & Fragrances
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Oddities & Curiosities
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Art Prints & Stickers
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Food & Specialty Treats
Eligibility
Preferred Runtime
Selection Criteria
Selected Filmmakers Receive
To be considered:
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Films must be completed by the submission deadline.
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Open to filmmakers worldwide.
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Short and feature-length films are welcome.
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Films may have screened elsewhere.
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English-language films or films with English subtitles.
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Filmmakers must own or control all exhibition rights.
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Multiple submissions are permitted.
Short Films
5–25 minutes
Feature Films
60+ minutes
(Runtime preferences are flexible for exceptional films.)
Our programming team looks for films that demonstrate:
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Strong storytelling
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Creative filmmaking
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Memorable performances
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Original concepts
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Effective atmosphere
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High production value relative to budget
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Audience engagement
We're interested in films that take risks and leave a lasting impression.
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Live theatrical screening
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Official JCIFF selection laurels
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Filmmaker Q&A opportunity
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Networking with filmmakers and industry professionals
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Audience Choice Award eligibility
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Promotional spotlight across JCIFF platforms
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Professional event photography
Important Dates
Submissions Open Now Accepting Entries
Submission Deadline
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 11:59 PM EST
Official Selections Announced
October 1st, 2026
Event - Saturday October 31st, 2026
How to Submit
Complete the online submission form and upload:
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Film screener
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Poster (optional)
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Trailer (optional)
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Director biography
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Synopsis
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Production stills
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Social media links
Submission Fee
Submission is free for all filmmakers and vsual artists.
Questions
For all inquiries please reach out to us at info@hudsonartscollective.com.