The Port of Fear is the premiere horror film event in the state of Wisconsin, and one of the fastest growing genre film festivals in the Midwest. Nestled on the picturesque lakefront of Kenosha, WI (the birth place of Orson Welles), the Port of Fear features independent films from across the planet, while highlighting Midwest filmmakers. We've crafted a festival that brings together unique screening venues, horror and fantasy-themed artists, food trucks, and more, to deliver the best possible weekend experience for attendees of all backgrounds.

We are always searching for the absolute best from the Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Thriller genres in short and feature film categories. We especially want to highlight films from LGBTQIA filmmakers, women, and people of color. There are no expiration dates on films, and we encourage filmmakers to submit, no matter how old their films may be. If you have a disturbingly creepy, spooky, mind bending, or unsettling film, you must SUBMIT to FEAR.

Wisconsin filmmakers will see their submission fee is waived if their film was made in Wisconsin, or if it was made by filmmakers currently residing in Wisconsin.

A panel consisting of genre fans, academics, and professional filmmakers will convene on awards for:

Best Horror Feature
Best Sci-Fi Feature,
Best Fantasy Feature
Best Thriller Feature
Best International Feature
Best Wisconsin Feature
Best Horror Short
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best Fantasy Short
Best Thriller Short
Best International Short
Best Wisconsin Short
Queer for Fear Award (Best LGBTQ Film)
Siren’s Award (Best Women's Film)
Leviathan Award (Best Movie Monster)
Audience Choice Award!

We want your very best genre shorts and features.

ACCEPTED FORMATS

Submission copies must be an Online Screener.

A H.264 video is the preferred Exhibition formats accepted but will also accept other data digital files.

Please do NOT send .ZIP files!

When final films are selected, filmmakers may be contacted for alternative film formats for programming purposes.

Once films are submitted, no alterations may be made unless given approval by Port of Fear Film Festival programmers.

Please read the following informations before submitting.

I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree:

I have read, understand and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements.

To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this submission are true.
This film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation and I am authorized to submit this film to the festival.

I hold Port of Fear Film Festival and its promotion team harmless from any claims of liability for anything that may occur during the course of the festival or screening of the film.

I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music, print, images and everything contained in the film and/or promotional materials of the submitted film.

I give permission for Port of Fear Film Festival to use stills, titles, clips, trailers, copy, and/or information from the film for the Port of Fear program guide, on the Port of Fear website, and for any promotional purposes which Port of Fear deems appropriate.

I give permission for Port of Fear Film Festival to screen the film at the festival for which it was submitted with no expectation of a screening fee.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Luke and Martha Van Garza

    Thanks so much for the warm reception we received for the two films we were representing, GOLDILOCKS and SOUS VIDE. The location was gorgeous (a historic building on the shore of Lake Michigan) and the organizers were friendly.

    November 2025
  • Truly one of the jewels of film fests and events in the state of Wisconsin! This is a MUST ATTEND! (Even if you don't have a film in it!)

    October 2025
  • Gordon Phillips

    Thank you to the Port of Fear for including The Itch in your stellar lineup this year - AND for choosing us as Best International Short!

    Big honor and we couldn't have been happier with the festival team and how well they managed such an incredible event!

    October 2025
  • Parker Winship

    Very fun fest with great screenings clearly programmed by people with taste and enthusiasm for horror and a cool venue right on the lake. Felt honored to have my film there and would recommend it to anyone who likes horror.

    October 2025
  • Thank you to the entire crew at the Port of Fear Film Festival for showcasing our short film GIN! Everyone was very friendly and this was one of the best film festivals I’ve attended.

    October 2025