SINISTER HORROR FILM FESTIVAL – THE FIRST EDITION

November 30 – December 1, 2024 │ Mexico City

Introduction

The first scream was heard in Mexico City.

On November 30 and December 1, 2024, the inaugural edition of the Sinister Horror Film Festival brought together filmmakers, writers, musicians, and visual artists from across the globe in a bold celebration of fear, imagination, and creative darkness. Held at Cinemanía, a venue known for its deep love of independent cinema, SHFF I established itself as a space where horror isn’t just screened—it’s dissected, debated, and honored.

More than just an event, the first edition became a ceremony of genre devotion. With official selections from over a dozen countries, panels and screenings that sparked raw conversation, and a growing creative community around Sinister Magazine, this was where the legacy began.

Partners & Sponsors

The first edition was made possible by our visionary partners:

Cinemanía, THE CR3W, Newtopia Studios, and Sinister Magazine.

Each of them played a key role in helping us create a unique atmosphere—cinematic, intimate, and deeply committed to the horror genre.

Submissions

The festival welcomed entries from a wide and diverse creative community. Projects were submitted from:

United States, Mexico, France, Canada, Australia, Spain, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, Italy, Indonesia, Estonia, and Costa Rica.

This global participation reflected the universal language of horror—and its many cultural expressions.

Venue

All screenings and special events took place at Cinemanía, located in the heart of Mexico City. With its eclectic architecture and focus on auteur cinema, it became the perfect vessel for launching Sinister’s dark voyage.

Official Selection

Our curation team selected works that reflected bold vision, emotional intensity, and a commitment to the genre’s evolution.

→ View the full Official Selection

Winners

The best of the first edition:

The Sinister Award – Best Feature Film

Chainsaws Were Singing / Dir. Sander Maran / Estonia

The Sinister Award – Best Short Film

Keep Coming Back / Dir. Kyle Kouri / United States

Best Director – Feature

Sincerely Saul / Dir. Ian Francis Tripp / United States

Best Director – Short

The Tunnel / Dir. Brendan Cleaves / United Kingdom

Best Screenplay

Deadroses / Felicia Ann Mead / United States

Best Music Video

12 Chains – Atomis / Dir. Douglas Cook / Canada

→ View the full List of Winners

Honorable Mentions

Exceptional works that left a lasting mark.

Projects that challenged boundaries and earned recognition for their originality and execution.

→ View the full List of Honorable Mentions

A beginning carved in darkness.

The first edition of the Sinister Horror Film Festival marked more than an event—it marked a statement. With films from across the globe, unforgettable screenings, and a community brought together by a shared love for fear, SHFF 2024 laid the foundation for something far beyond a festival. This was the spark. And what comes next will only burn brighter.