Windy City Horrorama is returning once again to the landmark Davis Theater in Chicago this upcoming Spring 2020, showcasing the best the genre has to offer.

The third year WINDY CITY HORRORAMA is once again dedicated to celebrating the DIY spirit of independent genre films, from the hard working hands that make them to the enthusiastic audiences that come out in droves to see them. Chicago has such a robust film and genre fan community, those involved with this event can’t wait to be a part of its rich tradition while presenting some kickass horror!

The festival will take place from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, day and night at the Davis Theater, a recently refurbished theater with adjoining bar in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Square neighborhood. This will be a weekend of skin-crawling movies, filmmaker interaction, drinking, and celebrations of all things horror.

HorrorSociety.com is teaming up with dailygrindhouse.com, two sites hell bent on sharing the voices of independent genre filmmaking, for this year's fest. So let your voice be heard! If you have a horror, sci-fi, fantasy, or otherwise genre-based short or feature film, WINDY CITY HORRORAMA is now accepting your entries.

This film festival is not a competition festival, rather a showcase of the indie film world's spookiest horrors.

Thank you for your interest in submitting your film to Windy City Horrorama! Horrorama is looking for genre films ONLY (horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and dark thrillers).

Films must have been completed between 2018 and 2020 for consideration. Works in progress are accepted. There is no length requirement. Films 59 minutes and shorter are considered shorts, and films 60 minutes are longer are considered feature films. Films that have been submitted in past year cannot be re-submitted for the current year.

Please make sure if the film you are submitting isn't in English, that there are English subtitles for the film. There are no premiere requirements for this festival. No films that have already been distributed in the US prior to the event date will be accepted. All submissions must be received by February 29, 2020.

You can submit a DVD, Blu-Ray, or online screener through FilmFreeway. If your film is an official selection of Windy City Horrorama, the submitter is responsible for providing either a DCP or Blu-Ray for screening purposes. Windy City Horrorama reserves the right to use stills or clips of accepted films for promotional purposes.

We keep our entry fees low so the independent filmmaker can submit. So, unfortunately, we cannot give out any fee waivers.

Payment and the FilmFreeway entry form are due at the time of submission. Please clearly label all submitted disc materials with your name, the film title, and your email address. Entry fees are non-refundable, and screeners will not be returned. Windy City Horrorama will retain a copy of the film, along with all promotional materials, for its archives.

Make sure that all necessary consents, licensing, and approvals have been obtained for your film. Your submission is in no way a guarantee of acceptance into Windy City Horrorama.

Submitters shall indemnify and hold harmless Windy City Horrorama from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Windy City Horrorama does not pay screening fees for submitted films.

PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS:
windycityhorrorama@gmail.com

Overall Rating
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  • James Cadden

    I submitted my horror short “Five Course Meal” to the 2019 Windy City Horrorama Film Festival, and I’m very pleased that I did. Although I wasn’t able to attend, I felt like I was there! The organizers, Matt and Alex, did an exceptional job promoting their festival through many social media posts. It looked like a wonderful and fun time that brought together many passionate genre film fans. I would love to attend this festival in person.

    May 2019
  • Jeremy Herbert

    While I couldn't make it, I felt so welcome that it didn't even matter. The organizers are friendly, prompt, and very supportive. There wasn't a movie on the schedule that I didn't want to see. I heard only great things about the venue and the community and the crowd's response to our showing. I'm definitely sending our next short and, hopefully, actually seeing it next time.

    May 2019
  • Jason Zink

    Screening our feature at Windy City Horrorama was easily the best experience that we've had on the festival circuit. The Davis Theater was the perfect location and we were blown away by both the packed house and the projection. Our flick has never looked or sounded better. We had so much fun, met so many other filmmakers and we'll definitely be back. Can't wait to see what this festival becomes in the coming years.

    May 2019
  • Tim Troemner

    Absolutely wonderful fest. Everyone worked very hard to ensure they put together the best possible experience for filmmakers and attendees alike.

    May 2019
  • Tommy Sigmon

    It was great! Can't wait for next year.

    May 2019