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!