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Portland Under the Stars Film Festival (1)

Deadlines

23 Jul 2025
Call for entries

18 Dec 2025
Early deadline

19 Feb 2026
Standard deadline

30 Apr 2026
Late deadline

11 Jul 2026
Extended deadline

8
mths

17 Jul 2026
Notification date

15 Aug 2026
15 Aug 2026

Address

Address: 1624 NW Glisan St, 97209, Portland, Not a province, United States

Festival description

Short film festival 40'<

Feature film festival >40'

Script / Pitch projects

Festival requirements

Film festival

Fiction

Documentary

Animation

Fantastic

Terror

Experimental

Music Video

Other

Genres

Any Theme

Has submission fees

International Festival

Physical Location

January 2024

Production countries: Any

Shooting countries: Any

Director nationalities: Any

Debut Films

School projects

Short Films 40'<

Feature Films >40'

AI Tools

Any language

Subtitles
English

Share on Social Networks

Facebook
Tweet

English

Festival description (Edition: 1)

Festival start: 15 August 2026 Festival end: 15 August 2026

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.

Prizes and qualifications

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)

Rules

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!

Narrative Short

Short Films 30'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 40$ 36.8$ 32.8$ 19 Feb 26

Late 50$ 46$ 41$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 55$ 50.6$ 45.1$ 11 Jul 26

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Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

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6.3$

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From heartfelt dramas to bold character studies, these films capture the essence of storytelling in under 30 minutes. Each short offers a glimpse into a world built through powerful performances, strong direction, and emotional depth. Whether it’s a story about love, loss, or life’s absurdity, our Narrative Shorts celebrate filmmakers who can move, challenge, and inspire in the span of a single reel.

Documentary Short

Short Films 30'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 40$ 36.8$ 32.8$ 19 Feb 26

Late 50$ 46$ 41$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 55$ 50.6$ 45.1$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
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Real-world stories that illuminate, inspire, and challenge. From intimate portraits to global issues, bring us your compelling short documentaries.

Narrative Feature

Short and Feature Films >40'

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 55$ 50.6$ 45.1$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 65$ 59.8$ 53.3$ 19 Feb 26

Late 70$ 64.4$ 57.4$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 75$ 69$ 61.5$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

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Fictional films over 40 minutes in length, including drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, romance, and other narrative genres. Must be completed after January 1, 2023. Selected filmmakers receive a complimentary VIP badge and are invited to participate in a live Q&A session after their screening at Portland Under the Stars.

Documentary Feature

Short and Feature Films >40'

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 55$ 50.6$ 45.1$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 65$ 59.8$ 53.3$ 19 Feb 26

Late 70$ 64.4$ 57.4$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 75$ 69$ 61.5$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
9.9$

Submit

Non-fiction films over 40 minutes in length. This category includes biographies, social issues, environmental topics, historical subjects, and experimental documentaries. Must be completed after January 1, 2023. All selected filmmakers receive a complimentary VIP badge and are invited to participate in a live Q&A session after their screening.

Student Short

Short Films 40'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
5.4$

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Showcasing the next generation of filmmakers. Open to current students, this category highlights fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Music Video

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
5.4$

Submit

Visual storytelling that enhances and explores the power of music. Whether indie or mainstream, bring your creative interpretations to life.

Comedy Short

Short Films 40'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
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Films that deliver humor in all its forms. From satire to slapstick, bring stories that spark joy and laughter.

Web Series & Pilot Episodes

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

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5.4$

Submit

Serialized storytelling designed for online platforms or traditional television.

Animation Short

Short Films 40'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

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Submit

Arthouse Short

Short Films 40'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

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5.4$

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Experimental, evocative, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Short films that focus on artistic expression, visual aesthetics, and unconventional storytelling techniques. From abstract narratives to philosophical themes, arthouse shorts aim to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and challenge cinematic norms.

Micro & Smartphone Short

Short Films 5'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

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5.4$

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Ultra-short films (under 5 minutes) made with traditional cameras or smartphones. Creativity and efficiency are key!

Screenplay Narrative Feature

Script / Pitch >40p

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 40$ 36.8$ 32.8$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 50$ 46$ 41$ 19 Feb 26

Late 60$ 55.2$ 49.2$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 65$ 59.8$ 53.3$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
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Feature-length screenplays (40+ pages) exploring complex plots and characters.

Screenplay Genre Feature (comedy, horror, sci-fi)

Script / Pitch >60p

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 40$ 36.8$ 32.8$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 50$ 46$ 41$ 19 Feb 26

Late 60$ 55.2$ 49.2$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 65$ 59.8$ 53.3$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
7.2$

Submit

Feature-length screenplays (60+ pages) in the genres of Comedy, Horror, and Science Fiction. We’re looking for bold, imaginative stories that captivate audiences with their unique take on these popular genres.

Screenplay Narrative Short

Script / Pitch 40p<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
5.4$

Submit

Short-form screenplays (under 40 pages) that tell concise, impactful stories.

Screenplay Genre Short (comedy, horror, sci-fi)

Script / Pitch 30p<

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 30$ 27.6$ 24.6$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 35$ 32.2$ 28.7$ 19 Feb 26

Late 45$ 41.4$ 36.9$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 50$ 46$ 41$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
5.4$

Submit

Short-form screenplays (under 30 pages) in Comedy, Horror, and Science Fiction. These scripts should tell impactful, genre-specific stories within a limited timeframe, demonstrating the power of brevity and creativity.

Screenplay TV Pilot

Script / Pitch

Fee

-8%

PRO 18%

Early 40$ 36.8$ 32.8$ 18 Dec 25

Standard 50$ 46$ 41$ 19 Feb 26

Late 55$ 50.6$ 45.1$ 30 Apr 26

Extended 60$ 55.2$ 49.2$ 11 Jul 26

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
11 Jul 26

Save up
7.2$

Submit

Introduce compelling characters, captivating worlds, and engaging plots. Whether for traditional TV or streaming, your pilot should lay a strong foundation and leave us eager for more.

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