Awards

Films qualifying as OFFICIAL SELECTIONS will be screened at our annual festival 30 October - 1 November 2026.

Among these films, FINALISTS and WINNERS will be announced in each of the following categories:
 

ANIMATION / COMEDY-HORROR / DOCUMENTARY / DRAMA / EXPERIMENTAL FILM / FANTASY / FEATURE FILM / HORROR / LITTLE HORRORS (for filmmakers <12 years) / LGBTQIA+ / MADE IN HASTINGS / MICRO-BUDGET FILM / PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR / QUEER HORROR / SCIENCE FICTION / STUDENT FILM / VOICES IN THE DARK (for filmmakers 13-18 years)

Official Selections are also considered for the following technical awards:

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY / DIRECTOR / EDITING / ORIGINAL SCORE / PERFORMANCE (4 awards) / SCREENPLAY / SET DESIGN / SOUND DESIGN / YOUNG PERORMANCE (up to 2 awards) / VISUAL EFFECTS

The SPIRIT OF HASTINGS AWARD is presented to filmmakers whose work most embodies our ideals & ethos.

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Films designated as HONOURABLE MENTIONS are invited to showcase in our online festival edition.

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