The Overlook Film Festival wrapped up its 2025 edition, delighting horror and genre film enthusiasts with an array of awards celebrating both new talents and seasoned filmmakers. The festival, known for its eclectic mix of horror, thriller, and supernatural films, held its closing ceremony recently, heralding the end of a week filled with screenings, discussions, and special events.
This year, “The Ugly Stepsister,” directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, captured the Audience Award. This twisted take on the Cinderella tale enthralled the festival-goers with its dark narrative, leading Blichfeldt to express her gratitude for the audience’s reception, noting her enjoyment in witnessing their reactions firsthand.
The Grand Jury Prize for a feature film was awarded to “Touch Me,” directed by Addison Heimann. Described by the jury as “smart, hilarious, unpredictable, gory, and emotionally authentic,” the film stands out as a prime example of the genre-bending innovation that The Overlook Film Festival celebrates. Heimann shared his elation about the recognition, emphasizing the joy of filmmaking with friends.
Yûta Shimotsu’s film “Best Wishes to All” was deemed the Scariest Feature. This J-horror creation impressed the jury with its ability to evoke dread through its daylight horror and social themes, reminiscent of works by George Romero and Jordan Peele. Shimotsu expressed his honor in receiving the award and pledged to continue exploring the multifaceted nature of fear in his future works.
Among the myriad of festival activities, notable events included a 10th Anniversary Party for Shudder, hosted by the Boulet Brothers, and special screenings such as William Castle’s “13 Ghosts” in ILLUSION-O. The festival also featured an engaging conversation with horror author Joe Hill and celebrated Ernest Dickerson with the Master of Horror Award on the 30th anniversary of his film “Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight.”
While the festival celebrated international entries, it also highlighted promising short films. Among them, “Los Muchachos” by Alejandro Artiles received the Grand Jury Prize for a short film, captivating the jury with its intense narrative conveyed via a mobile phone within the confines of the La Palma observatory.
This year’s festival not only showcased premiering films but also celebrated innovative filmmaking techniques, as evidenced by awards in categories like creature design and production design. These awards were respectively given to “The Traveler & The Troll” and “Easybake,” recognizing exceptional creativity in visual storytelling.
As the Overlook Film Festival continues to grow each year, it remains a significant platform for filmmakers who push the boundaries of genre to experiment and showcase their work. Attendees and enthusiasts are already looking forward to what next year’s festival will bring.
For further details about the winners and festival highlights, information is available for those interested in the breadth of talent showcased at this year’s event. As we report on the Overlook Film Festival, please note that while every effort has been made to report accurately, errors can occur, and corrections or retractions can be requested via email at [email protected].