Access:Horror was created as a space to explore and celebrate the history, impact, and future of disability in the horror genre, through conversations, connections, and various artistic forms, including film.
We acknowledge the interwoven nature of identity and media representation, and celebrate the many intersectional identities that have been at the heart of horror cinema since the beginning.
We believe in horror as an agent of change, and seek to elevate discourse that uplifts marginalized creators and gives them space to create new work that imagines new worlds.

The lack of authentic disability representation in horror impacts filmmakers, audiences, and the genre itself by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and limiting storytelling diversity. When disabled characters are reduced to tropes or, worse, excluded altogether, it perpetuates the misconception that disability is inherently horrific or villainous. This not only alienates disabled audiences, who rarely see their realities depicted with accuracy or respect, but also stifles the genre’s potential for innovative narratives. Proper representation can challenge these outdated perceptions, fostering empathy and enhancing horror’s depth—transforming it into a more inclusive and resonant cultural force. Access:Horror is answering the call!!

This groundbreaking film festival and industry summit celebrates the powerful legacy, influence, and future of disability in genre cinema. Recognized among the world’s top 5 most accessible film festivals by the 2023 Accessibility Scorecard Impact Report, its debut featured conversations with genre icons like Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead, and Brea Grant, alongside curated short films from Fantastic Fest and Superfest Disability Film Festival.

Get Ready for Access 2025!
Returning in July 2025, Access:Horror expands with live events in NYC, San Francisco, Washington DC, and online. Committed to inclusivity, every event includes open captions, audio descriptions, live captioning, ASL interpretation, and visual descriptions—making this a festival truly for everyone.

Partnered with the non-profit Ride the Omnibus, Access:Horror champions marginalized voices in horror, creating space for authentic, intersectional storytelling that imagines bold new worlds. Join us to celebrate horror as a transformative force for change!

**Want to submit your film to Access:Horror’s 2025 Fest? Here’s some submission details from the team at Access:Horror –

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

-We accept Feature films (over 40 min), shorts (up to 40 min), music videos, and experimental films, both narrative and documentary.
-We accept submissions from all countries, completed after July 2022 and that haven’t had an official theatrical release outside of festivals.
-Films must be related to genre (horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and the fantastic) and disability.
-We prioritize films by disabled creators and/or featuring actors and characters with disabilities.
-Films that have been (or plan to be) widely/commercially released theatrically or on VOD/stream prior to July 2025 are not eligible for submission. You may contact us for out-of-festival screening / collaboration.
-Films that are advertisements commissioned by a commercial company or a promotional video for an organization (PSAs) are not eligible for submission.
-Films must be submitted with open English captions to be eligible. Filmmakers who can provide audio description files before the festival will qualify for a screening fee. Any other assets that contribute to screenings’ accessibility are highly encouraged. If you need support in creating these assets, please see our website or contact us for helpful resources.
-Non-English language works must include English captions.
-By submitting to Access:Horror, filmmakers are confirming that they own the screening rights of their films, and are granting permission to show their film at the festival (virtual and in-person) and to portions of their film as promotional assets leading up to the festival.

A NOTE ABOUT SCREENING FEES
Each film accepted as an Access:Horror official selection that complies with the FULL eligibility requirements will receive screening fees of $75/short and $150/feature (USD).

Submit here via Film Freeway!