Portland Under the Stars Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 30 August 2025      Festival end: 31 August 2025

Portland Under the Stars is the city’s newest celebration of cinematic creativity and storytelling, bringing the magic of film to the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Hosted at the historic McMenamins Mission Theater, this festival offers an unforgettable experience where Portland’s artistic spirit meets the glamour of the red carpet.

Picture yourself walking into one of Portland’s most iconic venues, surrounded by its vintage charm and intimate atmosphere. Start the evening with a red carpet welcome, complete with professional photos to capture your moment in the spotlight. Then, immerse yourself in a handpicked selection of films spanning diverse genres—thought-provoking narratives, laugh-out-loud comedies, gripping horrors, inspiring documentaries, and more.

But this is more than just a screening. Engage in live Q&A sessions with attending filmmakers and screenwriters, sharing your creative journey and connecting with an engaged audience. Be part of the action by voting for the Audience Choice Award, where every voice matters.

Wrap up the night with a lively award ceremony, honoring exceptional talent with custom-crafted trophies that celebrate Portland’s innovative and unique character. And for those seeking connections and collaboration, our outdoor networking mixer at Sonder provides the perfect setting to meet fellow filmmakers and creatives.

Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, an established creator, or simply a lover of great cinema, Portland Under the Stars promises a night filled with inspiration, celebration, and community. This is your opportunity to be part of something new and extraordinary in one of the most creative cities in the world.

At Portland Under the Stars, we’re thrilled to honor amazing films and screenplays with these exciting trophies:

Superstar Award: Judges' Choice for the best-reviewed film of the festival.
Wonder Woman Award: Recognizing exceptional female filmmakers.
Keep Portland Weird Award: Celebrating films that embody Portland’s unique spirit.
Audience Choice Award: Selected by festival attendees.
Best Short Screenplay: Recognizing exceptional storytelling in short form.
Best Feature Screenplay: Honoring outstanding feature-length screenwriting.

Additional Awards
Best Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Best Micro-Short
Best Student Short
Most Original Concept
Best Oregon Film
M. Night Shyamalan Award (Best Twist)
Screenplay Awards
Best Overall Screenplay (Short & Feature)
Best Narrative Screenplay (Short & Feature)
Best Comedy Screenplay (Short & Feature)
Best Horror Screenplay (Short & Feature)

Portland Under the Stars is committed to maintaining high ethical and professional standards. Participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

Submission Requirements: Films must be in English or include English subtitles.

Only original works are eligible for submission.

Ethical Conduct: Any unethical behavior, including plagiarism or dishonesty, is strictly prohibited.

Communication: Entrants must maintain open and timely communication with festival organizers. Failure to respond to inquiries or provide required information may result in disqualification.

Legal Indemnity: By submitting, entrants agree to indemnify the festival and its staff from any liability, claims, or damages associated with their submissions.

Disqualification: Failure to meet submission criteria, deadlines, or professional conduct requirements will result in disqualification without a refund.

Your participation contributes to creating a vibrant and respectful festival environment. Join us at Portland Under the Stars, where storytelling and creativity shine brighter than ever!