Australia’s most prestigious genre film fest is now based in the USA!

The 16th Edition of A Night of Horror International Film Festival takes place at Micon Downtown Cinema, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, from March 2 until March, 2 2023. Showcasing the latest and greatest genre films from around the world: the event will deliver an amazing line-up that will transport audiences to strange and wonderful worlds and blood-curdling nightmares.

A Night of Horror International Film Festival has remained dedicated to independent genre film and filmmakers for sixteen years.

Our selection process is committed to uncovering new filmmakers by ensuring that no less than 90% of short films and 70% of feature films are selected from our open submission process, rather than from sales agents and distributors. In the past, staying true to this aim has seen the festival screen early works from filmmakers such as Mike Flanagan (Hush, The Haunting of Hill House), Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead, The Mist), and Adrián Garcia Bogliano (Late Phases, Black Circle), to name a few of the festival alumni.

Filmmaker Testimonials from our First Decade

Kevin A. McCarthy (FURY: THE TALES OF RONAN PIERCE)

"I can't say enough great things about Sydney Australia's "A Night of Horror/Fantastic Planet International Film Festival". Set in the heart of the bohemian village area of Newtown (Sydney), this festival has it all; filmmakers and actors presenting their bad-ass genre films, a beautiful venue, awesome parties, tons of new lifelong industry connections, and a festival staff that truly cares about hospitality. Unlike many other festivals that simply source their program from other festival lineups, "A Night of Horror/Fantastic Planet International Film Festival" truly wishes to unearth new talent. They are constantly looking for undiscovered films from around the planet, and I know for sure that they watch all the bundles of submissions that come their way. In fact, they relish the idea of finding undiscovered films worthy of a world premiere. I know this to be true because they gave our crazy little film a chance when it seemed no one else would. It has opened all the right doors for our film, and I owe a major thanks to Dean Bertram and his wonderful staff for giving us the opportunity to world premiere our film at his kick-ass festival in Sydney. Seriously...can't freaking wait to go back!!"

Nicholas Costa (NEIL STRYKER AND THE TYRANT OF TIME):

"If you are looking for a great opportunity to find your sci-fi audience, look no further.  The best decision we made during our entire festival campaign was having the international premiere of our film, Neil Stryker and the Tyrant of Time, at Fantastic Planet Film Festival in Sydney, Australia. As a producer, FPFF is exactly what you're looking for in a film festival.  Not only was the festival Director Dean Bertram a wonderful, gracious, and accommodating host, but he and his team continued to push and support our film long after the festival shut its doors for the season. More to the point, Dean Bertram was instrumental in helping us lock down international distribution shortly after our Fantastic Planet screening.  As a result, we are now officially on our way to the world stage!"

Kurando Mitsutake (SAMURAI AVENGER: THE BLIND WOLF):

"Fantastic Planet: Sydney Science Fiction & Fantasy Film Festival is destined to become one of the most important genre film festivals in the world. The festival directors' vision, selections, and commitment to launch independent filmmakers' careers are immensely impressive. Their love and conviction for the genre picture is so real. This festival was the best film festival I've ever attended. Fantastic Planet rocks!"

Ursula Dabrowsky (FAMILY DEMONS / INNER DEMON):

"Back in 2009, I World Premiered my first horror film, Family Demons, at A Night of Horror before a large audience of horror fans. I was pretty nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. That night was one of the best nights of my life. I met horror fans who embraced my film and me as a horror director. There wasn’t a big fuss that I was a chick doing it. I was just making excellent horror films and I was being supported for my work, full stop. I also met like-minded people who are passionate and respectful about intelligent, thoughtful horror films. In short, I found my tribe. If that wasn’t enough, I got super lucky (right place, right time) and got my film picked up for distribution at the festival. I’ve been back to ANOH ever since as either an audience member or a Jury member, just to get my annual horror fix and so I was really thrilled to find out that my second horror film, Inner Demon, was going to World Premiere at ANOH 2014. It was another brilliant night and incredibly, an international sales agent who came along to the screening picked up the film. Without a doubt, A Night of Horror has been a massive leg up in terms of my success as an Australian horror filmmaker and as far as I’m concerned, will continue to be one of the best ways to start off a horror film’s journey into the world."

Deke Richards (TAX SHELTER TERRORS):

"A Night of Horror Film Festival gave my co-directed documentary TAX SHELTER TERRORS the exposure it needed to get it to the next level. Immediately after its premiere, it received much praise and interest within the film industry, that it never had before hand. I will never forget as well the professionalism and courtesy of the staff which gave this event that special touch. This is a great festival to get your film the right spotlight and I will always love to have any future project shown at this event!"

Devin Goodsell (BORNLESS ONES):

""Couldn't have had a better time premiering BORNLESS ONES at A Night of Horror! Big thanks to Dean, the amazing crew of the festival, and the other incredibly talented film makers! There were so many great films to see and having BORNLESS ONES be a part of it was truly an honor!"

Evan Randall Green (DARK ORIGINS):

"A Night of Horror was everything I hoped for and more. From the moment DARK ORIGINS was accepted into the festival, Dean and his support crew were extremely inviting and professional in their approach. The Australian shorts night was a hit and it was great to watch the film with a fun Australian audience, as well as check out the rising genre talent from across Australia. The selection of films the team screened throughout the event were well chosen and there was definitely something in the programme for all lovers of fantastic film. I'm planning to attend every year now. It's a very worthy trip from interstate if you have to make it. A bloody good week to mark on your calendar!"

Nathan Christoffel and Adrian Kristofferson (ERASER CHILDREN):

"We're so stoked with the entire experience at Fantastic Planet - you guys put in so much work and it all payed off with a fantastic festival. Having Eraser Children for the opening night film was a big deal for us - it reassured us that there's a audience that will get behind our film in this country. We are extremely impressed with how much time and energy your team gave to us and other filmmakers, everything ran so smoothly from start to finish - Dean and Lisa are the perfect festival directors! We're both really looking forward to seeing you again, next year's festival will no doubt be something to behold!"

James Naylor (A DARK MATTER):

"Fantastic Planet Film Festival along with Dr. Dean Bertram and his crew soared beyond my expectations. The Dendy is a fantastic venue with a fantastic staff. Sydney is a city full of life that craves fantastic film. The screenings were well attended and the Q&A was professional and well thought out. I have nothing but applause for this growing festival I was so lucky to be part of. A DARK MATTER will be remembered because of Fantastic Planet!"

Steven Christopher Wallace (VENGEANCE DE LOS MUERTOS):

"Out of towners being treated well on the festival circuit is generally the norm, however Fantastic Planet really sets the gold standard when it comes to hospitality. From the moment I set foot in Sydney I felt like one of the family. Dean introduced me to all the staff and I felt right at home. Not only that, they had a killer programme and the after parties were really great too. Finally, I’ve made numerous relationships I expect to collaborate with in the near future. Fantastic Planet has been a wonderful experience and I cannot begin to express my gratitude. They get my highest recommendation."

Nay Htat (THE DRAWING):

"Fantastic Planet Film Festival is a marvel! I had an amazing experience at the festival, and I was very honoured to be part of it. It is so huge and very well organized with excellent programming. And very welcoming and supportive to the filmmakers. So I personally think that it is one of the best filmmaker friendly festivals. I definitely look forward to entering my next film."

Lucas Till (ALL SUPERHEROES MUST DIE):

"A festival rife with talent, paralleled only by its hosts' hospitality."

Jason Trost (WET AND RECKLESS):

"A two week long vacation into the insanity of film with the world's best host as your tour guide."

John Michael Elfers (FINALE):

"Saying that we had a tremendous experience at A Night of Horror would be an understatement. It was our world premiere and exceeded our expectations. The festival staff was on call to answer questions, pass out programs and promote, not to mention their proud sponsors offering wine and energy drinks to power through long nights networking and celebrating. The screenings were packed, projection was gorgeous and the Dendy theater is beautiful. We had a blast with the Q&A after our screening. A Night of Horror is committed to helping independent horror filmmakers find their audience and get noticed. They put our film in the hands of distributors, reviewers, and got us on the radio. The personal attention was unlike anything I've experienced at other festivals."

Mike Masters (REEL ZOMBIES):

“I’ve attended all types of festivals across the world with “Reel Zombies” and my experience at A Night of Horror ranks amongst the best of them all. Festival Directors Dean Bertram and Lisa Mitchell do a great job and the festival is extremely well organized with a great selection of films making inclusion in the festival an honour. I look forward to seeing this festival continue to grow and expand and it will be at the top of the list for festivals to submit to with my next genre picture”

Steven Kastrissios (THE HORSEMAN):

"A Night of Horror is fast becoming a major player on the Australian festival circuit. With so little support for local genre films, Dean Bertram and Lisa Mitchell's festival is a shining beacon of light. There's a genuine warmth and celebration of the films they support and it infects everyone who comes along."

Seve Schelenz (SKEW):

"I am very honored to have been accepted and showcased at A Night of Horror. I can't think of a better place then this outstanding festival to kick off the world premiere of SKEW... I had an unforgettable experience here and look forward to submitting my future films in a hope to have my world premieres at A Night of Horror Film Festival."

Damien Slevin (A BREAK IN THE MONOTONY):

"I was very honoured to be a part of A Night of Horror International Film Festival. As a lover of the genre it is one festival that I would want to attend, let alone be included in. It is the only festival flying the horror flag in Australia, which in some respects is unfortunate; but on the other hand horror could not have better representation than this gem of a festival. Aside from the great line up of quality international and domestic films it would have to be about the friendliest and most welcoming fest I have attended. I look forward to next year’s line up."

Wade K. Savage (THE DEAD WASTES):

"A Night of Horror is one of the most incredible horror festivals you will go to. Put together by people who love horror, it's an utter blast. Dean Bertram and the team are championing horror content in Australia, and what's more importantly, they are supporting true upcoming talent. If there is any horror festival you need to be apart of A Night of Horror is it. "

Daniel Giambruno (THE NEW LIFE):

“At last! A film festival in Sydney which is not about having cocktails with public servants!… unless they have been dead for three weeks and still willing to tear the Scream Queen’s dress into shreds… to start with! Horror and fantasy are without doubt the genres that give film directors the most creative freedom. And if A Night Of Horror is the only festival in Australia that celebrates these genres, that also means that is the only festival in the country that cares about the true essence of filmmaking.”

David Curzon (OVERBOARD):

“A welcoming and well organised festival with a great atmosphere.”

Lee After (THE LONE WOLF):

"Going to A Night of Horror was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. From seeing awesome films to meeting the great people running the show, everything about the fest was fantastic! If you're thinking about going, don't think, just go!"