HÕFF - Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival

Overview

PÖFF - BLACK NIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL SIDE FESTIVAL 21st HÕFF – April 30 - May 2nd 2026 Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival (HÕFF), taking place annually on the final weekend of April, is the “one and only stop” for the genre hungry in the Baltics. Held in the unique setting of the city of Haapsalu - once a renown summer retreat of the Russian Czars, now a picturesque town, and the home of an infamous Baltic ghost - the White Lady, haunting the medieval castle on the the western coast of Estonia. Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival is organised by the team of Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Film categories Feature Films International genre cinema feature films (45 minutes or over) for main programme consideration. Short Films International genre cinema short films (45 minutes or under) for out of competition short film programme consideration. Méliès d’Argent Competition for European Short Films European genre cinema short films (25 minutes or under). HÕFF, as a member of the European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation, holds a competition for European Short Films where an international jury gives out a Silver Méliès (Méliès d’Argent) to the best film. The Méliès d’Or is presented annually at the Festival Internacional de Cinema de Catalunya in Sitges (Spain).

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

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FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  Great Festival, team and vibes!

• Filmmaker

  Many thanks for including "Vampire Zombies...from Space!" as part of this year's festival! Amazing to have a premiere in Estonia!

• Filmmaker

  We were truly fortunate to be nominated for a Méliès d'argent and have the world premiere of our 16mm horror short, 'Hunger Beneath the Moonlight', at the Haapsalu Horror & Fantasy Film Festival. It was, without a doubt, one of the best festivals we've ever attended. The organizers and team were incredibly welcoming, friendly, and supportive throughout. The event was impeccably run, with great communication and a real sense of care for the filmmakers. Both of our short film screenings sold out, and the audience response was fantastic. An unforgettable experience for a premiere. We couldn’t have asked for a better festival to launch our film. Highly recommended!

• Filmmaker

  A wonderful and special experience. Thank you!

• Filmmaker

  We had an awesome time at the festival!!! So much fun being around so many Horror fans - the screenings were all packed! Such a cool atmosphere watching films together with cast and crew, all supported by a caring team of organizers. I miss Haapsalu already!!!

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