Door Kinetic Arts Festival inspires collaborations and provides audiences access to artists and their new creative ventures.

Led by Oscar winning filmmaker and writer Eric Simonson, special guests like Rainn Wilson, Lydia Diamond, Campbell Scott, David Maraniss, Liesl Tommy, Stephen Belber, Rick Cleveland, Harry J Lennix, Holiday Reinhorn, Dominic Fumusa and Dan Lauria mix with Hollywood and Broadway writers, directors and actors, as well as innovative dance, theatre and performance artists such as Deaf West Theatre, Harold Green and Lucky Plush Productions, and the insights of cocktail expert Robert Simonson.

Collaboration and inspiration on the beautiful lakeshore grounds make for a thrilling week.
The Door Kinetic Arts Festival premieres other completed and in-process works in film, theatre and dance, and offers cocktail talks with spirits and cocktail experts. The festival encourages collaboration among resident artists and provides opportunities to socialize and collaborate with a range of artists, enhancing the experience for all participants.

Awards & Prizes

-Best of the Fest
-Best Dance Short Film
-Best Narrative Short Film
-Best Documentary Short Film
-Best Wisconsin Short Film
-Best Animation Short Film

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES:

- Competition is open to U.S. and International entries.

- Short films are under 30 minutes in length.

- Films not in English must be subtitled or dubbed in English.

- Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. Films must be available for screening during the Door Kinetic Arts Festival in September 2026.

- Once an entry payment has been processed, we cannot provide a refund.

- Please include in your cover letter if your film was SHOT IN WISCONSIN (include locations) or made by WISCONSIN FILMMAKERS.

LIABILITY
With entries in our possession, we take the utmost care. However, we cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or additional charges incurred en route, or due to normal wear and tear, or due to equipment failure. PLEASE don't send original prints or master copies of any project. Additionally, Door Kinetic Arts is held harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity or screening of any film.

RETURNS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Materials will not be returned without a prepaid mailer.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mikheil Gabaidze

    t was a great honor for me and my team to have our film screened at your wonderful festival. We truly hope that the jury members, the organizers, and cinema lovers enjoyed watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

    We sincerely hope that your festival will become a bridge between us and lead to future collaborations and meetings at upcoming festivals.

    Wishing you continued success and inspiration in all your future editions.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Alexandre MANUEL

    We are very glad to be included in the festoval this year! Alan the director was very hepful and the comunication, and the networking was very precious to encourage to follow the festival and our videodance

    September 2024
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  • Jennifer La Curan

    I had two films included. This is unique festival with week long events both in person and online. Great communication from director.

    October 2023
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  • Ben Fritz

    Honored to be a part of the festival, well done!

    September 2023
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  • Andy Wolk

    While I was not able to attend this year, I was so pleased to have my film ROUGH MAGIC: EXIT SHAKESPEARE selected and then honored with an Award. The communication with the Festival -- especially Alan -- was excellent and to be included with such an interesting and eclectic group was quite an honor. I only wish I could have made it out there as it sounds like it was just a terrific event!

    December 2022
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