Anatomy Crime-Horror International Film Festival (11)

Inicio Festival: 31 octubre 2027      Fin Festival: 31 octubre 2027

The Anatomy Crime – Horror International Film Festival (A.C.H.I.F.F.) is an annual international showcase dedicated to independent filmmakers. Founded in 2017 by THE BASEMENT, a nonprofit Cultural and Educational Organization (B.C.E.O.), the festival was created by creators, for creators — offering a platform where powerful stories can thrive regardless of budget.

In an industry dominated by studios and large‑scale productions, independent voices often struggle to be heard. A.C.H.I.F.F. exists to change that. We champion filmmakers with limited resources but strong artistic vision, giving them international visibility and meaningful recognition.

At A.C.H.I.F.F., every participant is acknowledged. Gold and Silver winners receive official certificates, while all filmmakers — regardless of category or distinction — receive personalized poster‑awards. With a wide range of award categories spanning narrative, performance, technical craft, and visual identity, the festival ensures that every creator leaves with something significant. Winners, nominees, and finalists may also acquire handcrafted bust‑awards made from resin and hand‑painted, offering a unique physical keepsake of their achievement.

A New Monthly Format

Beginning this year, A.C.H.I.F.F. adopts a monthly structure. Filmmakers submit their short films to the category of their choice (Horror, Crime, General/Sci‑Fi/Thriller, or Micro Short). Each month, the jury evaluates submissions and announces monthly winners, nominees, and finalists.

Annual Audience Award Selection: From the year's total submissions, the festival jury selects a total of 13 representative short films which compete and are screened for the annual Audience Award.

Annual Categories & Screenings (Directing, Cinematography, Editing, etc.): Annual awards are rarely presented and films are screened only in exceptional cases, exclusively when their form, structure, or originality is such that we ensure the audience must not miss them.

Recognition & Prestige

A.C.H.I.F.F. is an IMDb‑verified festival, ensuring that every official selection and award is formally recognized. Over the years, the festival has attracted filmmakers whose works have been screened at major international festivals and awards, including the Academy Awards (U.S.), Sitges, Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, Cannes, Sundance, and Tribeca.

This growing network highlights A.C.H.I.F.F. as a trusted platform for independent voices in horror, crime, and beyond.

✨ Submit your film and join a festival that celebrates bold storytelling, supports independent talent, and brings unforgettable visions to the screen.

Monthly Awards

Each month, the jury reviews all submitted short films (in the categories chosen by the filmmakers) and selects one title as:

Best Short Film of the Month

Additionally, per category:

Gold Winner – Gold distinction

Silver Nominees – Silver distinction

Bronze Finalists – Bronze distinction

Annual Awards & Screenings

Audience Award Short Films: From the year's total submissions, the festival jury selects a total of 13 representative short films which compete and are screened at the annual October 31st event for the Audience Award. Voting is conducted through the printed program, which serves as the ballot.

Other Categories (Feature Films, Screenplays, Directing, Technical/Visual Craft, Acting, Posters, Photos, Music Videos, etc.): Annual awards in these categories are rarely presented and films are screened only in exceptional cases, exclusively when their form, structure, or originality is such that we ensure the audience must not miss them. Due to the one-day event format, standard screenings do not apply to these categories unless an exceptional selection is made.

Audience Award

Awarded to the short films screened in cinema (the selected annual short films).

Voting is conducted through the printed program, which serves as the ballot.

Certificates

Gold and Silver recipients receive an official festival certificate delivered via email in high-resolution format for printing.

Bust Awards & Ceremony Policy

Handcrafted from resin and hand-painted.

Ceremony Policy: Annual Bust Awards are provided only if an award is officially presented in those rare categories. Meanwhile, the Audience Award features a distinct, heavy relief trophy showcasing gothic grotesques, which is presented exclusively in person at the ceremony.

Non-attending winners of applicable categories may acquire their trophy for €135 (including shipping). This policy encourages in-person attendance while maintaining the prestige and value of the award.

Narrative Films (Awarded rarely, except for the main Audience Award selection)

Best Feature Film

Best Short Film

Best Feature Film (Horror)

Best Feature Film (Crime)

Best Short Film (Horror)

Best Short Film (Crime)

Best Micro Short (under 5 minutes)

Best Experimental Film

Best Documentary

Best Animation

Best Music Video

Best Trailer

Screenplays (Awarded rarely under the new policy)

Best Screenplay (Feature)

Best Screenplay (Short)

Best Unproduced Screenplay (Feature)

Best Unproduced Screenplay (Short)

Performance & Direction (Awarded rarely under the new policy)

Best Director

Best Actor / Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor / Best Supporting Actress

Best Scene / Kill

Technical & Visual Craft (Awarded rarely under the new policy)

Best Cinematography

Best Editing

Best Sound Design

Best Original Score / Soundtrack

Best VFX / Special Effects

Best Costume Design (and/or Makeup)

Best Production Design

Visual Identity (Awarded rarely under the new policy)

Best Poster

Best Photo (Crime or Horror)

Regional Distinction

Best Greek Entry

Rules & Terms

**Eligibility**

* Films produced in 2022 or later are eligible for submission.
* International submissions from all countries are welcome.

**Subtitles**

* All non‑English and non‑Greek films must include English subtitles.
* English subtitles are recommended even for English‑language films to ensure smooth jury evaluation.

**Monthly & Annual Structure**

* Each month, the jury evaluates submissions and announces monthly winners, nominees, and finalists.
* The 13 selected short films compete and are screened at the annual theatrical screening event on October 31st in Athens, Greece, for the Audience Award.
* The audience votes during the annual screening to determine the Audience Award winner using the printed program as a ballot.
* Annual awards and public screenings for other categories (feature films, screenplays, directing, technical craft, acting, etc.) are presented rarely and screened only in exceptional cases when their form, structure, or originality demands public attention.

**Promotional Use**

* Awarded films may have a few seconds of footage included in the festival’s monthly promotional trailer.
* By submitting, filmmakers grant A.C.H.I.F.F. the non‑exclusive right to use stills, posters, or excerpts up to 30 seconds for festival‑related promotion.

**Screening Policy**

* Public screenings are primarily dedicated to the 13 annual short films competing for the Audience Award, while other categories are screened only in rare, exceptional cases due to the one-day event format.
* The festival does not provide screening fees.

**Awards & Trophies**

* All winners, nominees, and finalists receive an official digital certificate.
* Resin, hand-painted bust trophies are available upon order for all monthly winners, nominees, and finalists.
* Annual Bust Awards are provided only if an award is officially presented in those rare categories.
* The Audience Award features a distinct, heavy relief trophy showcasing gothic grotesques, presented exclusively in person at the ceremony.

* Annual trophies are complimentary for winners attending the ceremony in person.
* Non‑attending winners may acquire their trophy for **€135** (including shipping).

**Submission Policy**

* Submission does not guarantee selection, nomination, or screening.
* Submission fees are non‑refundable.
* A.C.H.I.F.F. may modify programming, schedule, or format without prior notice.

**Liability**

* A.C.H.I.F.F. and its affiliates are not responsible for costs, damages, or losses related to submitting or attending.
* This includes travel, accommodation, shipping, or changes in venue, dates, or programming.

**Legal Compliance**

* Filmmakers must hold all rights to their submitted work, including music and copyrighted material.
* Submissions must not infringe on third‑party rights.
* The festival assumes no responsibility for legal disputes arising from submitted content.