Gator’s Gore Film Festival

Tampa’s first official horror film festival, strategically located in the vibrant neighborhood of Tampa Heights, is designed to celebrate the chilling and exhilarating works of independent filmmakers. This inaugural event, known as Gator’s Gore Film Festival, seeks to honor the creativity and passion that goes into producing films that elicit fear and suspense in a live audience. We invite filmmakers to showcase their scariest, most macabre, and gory stories, as well as those that push the boundaries of terror and creativity. Join us for a thrilling cinematic experience filled with unique perspectives on horror, as we explore the darkest corners of the screen together.

Screening Location

Wave&See Creative Sanctuary

This 110-year-old building, located in the heart of Tampa Heights, is filled with whispers of flickering lights, mysteriously unlocked doors, and a chilling sense of being watched that drifts through its halls. Revitalized by Wave&See’s vibrant creative spirit, the building now buzzes with new life while honoring the ghosts of its past. Join us where the haunted meets the heartfelt, and where Tampa’s most bizarre horror stories find a new screen to scream on.

2740 N Florida Ave, 33602

Rules and Terms

1. Film submissions must be related to horror. Films that do not fall into the horror or thriller genres will be disqualified without reimbursement. If you are unsure about your film, email us (gatorsgoreff@gmail.com) to clarify.


2. Film completion must have occurred no earlier than January 1, 2024. There is no specific regulation regarding premiere status.


3. Works in progress will not be accepted, and if submitted, shall be disqualified without reimbursement.


4. National and International films are accepted.


5. Films not in English must be subtitled in English unless the dialogue is minimal and not necessary for comprehension.


6. Films that are in commercial circulation (theatrical, broadcast, commercial VOD, or domestic airline entertainment system) in the USA and abroad are not eligible for the Festival.


7. Short film submissions are limited to a maximum run time of 30 minutes, credits included.


8. Official film selections do not receive compensation or a screening fee from Gator's Gore.


9. All official selections remain the property of the submitter. Submitters grant Gator's Gore the rights of their project for screenings, marketing, and publicity.


10. Student submissions must be films completed during a semester at an accredited university. School ID must be emailed to the festival, or available to view on your Filmmaker profile. If school ID is not provided, Gator's Gore reserves the right to disqualify the film without refunding the submission fees.


11. The applicant holds the sole responsibility for copyright clearance of any copyrighted material in the film. Films including unauthorized copyrighted material are ineligible.


12. All projects must be submitted through FilmFreeway. It is the applicants sole responsibility to verify that all materials are available prior to their submission.


13. If the submitted film link does not play, the password does not work, or the film is otherwise not viewable, Gator's Gore reserves the right to disqualify the film without refunding the submission fees. It is the responsibility of the person submitting the film to update any changed passwords or links. Providing a backup online preview link (Vimeo, YouTube) of the film on the submission application is preferred but not required.


14. Applicants acknowledge that Gator's Gore reserves the right to change the nature of screenings and events due to, but not limited to, circumstances related to public health and welfare or at the direction of local, state, or federal authorities. In such cases, no submission refunds shall be issued.


15. Gator's Gore is under no obligation to provide comments regarding submitted films to any applicant. The festival is not responsible for any internal comments obtained by the applicant regarding their film.

16. Florida Short's Submissions must be made by Florida-based filmmakers, shot in Florida, or created by filmmakers currently residing in Florida. If this does not apply to the film, Gator's Gore will disqualify the film with no submission fee reimbursement.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Horror Short Early Deadline:

    July 13th, 2025

    • Standard: $20

    • Student: $15

    Horror Short Regular Deadline:

    August 31st, 2025

    • Standard: $25

    • Student: $20

    Horror Short Late Deadline:

    October 1st, 2025

    • Standard: $30

    • Student: $25

    Florida Horror Short Early Deadline:

    July 13th, 2025

    • Standard: $15

    • Student: $10

    Florida Horror Short Regular Deadline:

    August 31st, 2025

    • Standard: $20

    • Student: $15

    Florida Horror Short Late Deadline:

    October 1st, 2025

    • Standard: $25

    • Student: $20

  • Gator's Gore welcomes all types of Horror Short Films, including but not limited to: Body Horror, Thrillers, Experimental works, Dark Comedy, Slasher films, Horror Related Documentaries, Paranormal stories, Science Fiction, Found Footage, True Crime, Haunting Stories, Florida based Horror, Folk Horror, and Gothic Horror. If your film has the power to evoke discomfort or pure fear in the audience, submit it!

  • Yes! Gator’s Gore Film Festival will screen films on October 24th, 2025 at Wave&See Creative Sanctuary in Tampa, Florida.

  • Gator’s Gore accepts any films whether they are violent, display nudity, or any touchy elements. If a film should be restricted due to content that does not resonate with the screener, or audience, is subject to approval by the screening committee.

  • All submissions are non-refundable and occur on FilmFreeway. Waiver codes are not granted, but student rates are offered upon documentation of a student ID.

  • The festival schedule and lineup will go live in early October after all Official Selections have been notified.