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ABOUT US
Ethereal Horror Fest is the ultimate indie genre film festival, celebrating visionary storytelling and spine-chilling cinema in Austin, TX. With free student submissions, extensive media exposure, and exclusive networking opportunities, we empower filmmakers to shine.
Now in its 7th year, our filmmaker-built festival understands the passion and challenges of the creative process. Official selections enjoy interviews with top media outlets, live Q&As, and connections with agents, distributors, and producers.
Beyond screenings, we offer a full convention experience with networking, entertainment, and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding talent. Ethereal Horror Fest is where creativity and community thrive—join us to celebrate the art of horror!
"Horror movies have been a profound fascination of mine since childhood. The thrill, the suspense, and the eerie excitement captivated my imagination and sparked a lifelong passion. As I transitioned from an admirer to a filmmaker, I discovered the power of horror to explore the deepest corners of the human psyche.
Starting Ethereal Horror Fest was a realization of a dream—to provide a platform for others to create and share their visions, and to evoke the same awe and wonder I felt when I first experienced the magic of horror."
- FOUNDER, ELIZABETH LLOYD
PAST SPEAKERS
Aaron B. Koontz: Acclaimed filmmaker and producer known for horror hits like The Pale Door and Scare Package.
Jennifer Hutchins: Founder of the All Entertainment Business and an expert in media and film networking.
Jessica Sloan: Acting consultant and community leader, specializing in guiding actors and filmmakers in the film industry.
Juliet Landau: Actress, director, and producer best known for her role as Drusilla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel.
Nicole Riccardo: Digital marketing strategist helping creatives grow their online presence and monetize their work.
Owen Egerton: Award-winning filmmaker, author, and storyteller known for his work in horror and dark comedy.
Stephen Belyeu: Creator of The Night Owl Podcast, exploring the paranormal through investigative storytelling.
Stormie Steen: Makeup artist recognized for her work on films like Dead Billy and Uncle Max.
William Instone: Horror filmmaker and paranormal investigator with a talent for blending genre storytelling with the supernatural.
Damien and Nicole: Founders of ParaHouse, a platform dedicated to paranormal investigations and storytelling.
Amanda Diaz & River Montgomery: Founders of the Film Rookie Diaries podcast.
Jess Hagemann: Author of the books Head Cheese and Mother Eating.
Luke Garza: Producer/Director/Writer/Script Coach
Jahné Zachary: Foley/Sound artist with JSyncAudio.
Bryan Kelley: Film composer with Control Freaks Music.
Jobeth Garza: Hair & Makeup artist. Winner of the 2025 Blood & Brushes SFX Makeup Showdown.
Budro Partida: Owner of Pennyrock Productions with multiple award winning films under his belt.
Chase Musslewhite: Co-Founder of Media for Texas.