The Port of Fear is here for Part III: an event that is bigger, badder, and more horrifying than before!

The Port of Fear Film Festival is the fastest growing genre film festival in the Midwest. We are a hybrid event, featuring films from across the planet, and highlighting Midwest filmmakers. We've crafted a festival that brings together horror themed vendors, food trucks, and artists to deliver the best possible experience for attendees.

We are seeking 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.

We are excited to bring this festival into the fall of 2024 in beautiful downtown Kenosha, WI (birth place of Orson Welles), right on the shores of Lake Michigan.

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.

If sending hard copies for submissions, be it for consideration or accepted status, and would like it returned, please include a self-addressed postage paid mailer.

FORMATS ACCEPTED

Submission copies must be an Online Screener (preferred submission method), DVD, or Blu-Ray (NTSC system only) with a digital file.

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Production Team

    What an amazing job they did with this festival. The organizers went all out to make sure the screenings were well attended, with great presentation. David and Jeannette couldn't have been more welcoming. They had plenty of staff on hand, and brought in a ton of great vendors. Plus, an outdoor screening! They really bring the fun!

    We will most certainly be submitting again, and highly recommend you do as well!

    October 2023
  • Matt Long

    What an amazing festival!!! The festival staff were very cordial and attentive and the venue was top notch, right on Lake Michigan. There were a lot of great films and filmmakers in attendance. I will definitely be back!!

    October 2023
  • Sara Gorsky

    Even though they're a relatively new festival, Port of Fear is a FANTASTIC event! Kenosha is a gold mine of excellent filmmakers who welcomed us warmly, and Jeanette and David, the Festival Founders, put together a really wonderful weekend. Highly recommend this festival!!!

    October 2023
  • I can't say enough about this festival. In its 2nd year, POF was 3 times better than the 1st year. It is one of, if not, the best horror film festival and horror merch markets of the Mid-West! Already looking forward to next year!

    October 2023
  • Sam Sorenson

    LOVED this fest! A lot of cool filmmakers from around the country, we made new friends and saw some wild films. Beautiful location right on Lake Michigan, a great vibe with vendors and food trucks and horror memorabilia. Organizers are quick to respond to any questions -- David and Jeanette are great people who put on a great event. We'll be back next year!

    October 2023