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Filmmakers Invited to Submit Entries for Inaugural Little Fort Film Festival in 2026

Festival aims to spark conversation and action on behalf of the environment

WAUKEGAN, IL — The Little Fort Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its inaugural event, a celebration of environmental storytelling meant to galvanize the power of environmental filmmaking to educate, entertain and motivate action. 

It will take place June 20-21, 2026, in Waukegan, Illinois, situated north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. The film festival will be set against the backdrop of the Great Lakes, the largest body of freshwater on Earth. This vital resource, holding 6 quadrillion gallons of water -- or one-fifth of the globe's fresh water supply -- is larger than the United Kingdom.

“Film has the unique ability to connect us emotionally and intellectually to the issues that matter most,” said festival co-director MaryIlene Blondell, an internationally recognized filmmaker. “Through the Little Fort Film Festival we aim to bring together filmmakers, environmental advocates and communities for creative storytelling and to speak about and explore innovative solutions for safeguarding our world,” she said.

Blondell’s partner and co-director Susan L. Kelsey of Lake Forest, who entered the filmmaking world with her documentary, “The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell.” The film recounted the story of Caldwell, a man of Irish and Mohawk parentage who became known as Chief Sauganash and negotiated historic Chicago treaties that resulted in Native American tribes leaving the state of Illinois and moving west. The film, which Kelsey produced with members of the Potawatomi community, had its world premiere in 2024 and continues to win recognition from several film festivals.

Kelsey said she was inspired to launch an environmental film festival because she loves to swim, especially in chilly Lake Michigan. “I was looking at the beautiful lakefront in Waukegan and wondered what I could do to inspire other people to appreciate and protect this tremendous asset.” 

The festival invites filmmakers to submit productions from feature films and documentaries to short films and animated works. Kelsey and Blondell also encourage high school and college students to create films for entry into the festival.

“I know from my own children that there is a concern about the environment,” Kelsey said. “This festival is one of hope. We want people to know we can each make a difference.”

The festival has already been booked into three venues, garnered support from several sponsors, and has the endorsement of Ann B. Taylor, mayor of Waukegan.

"The Little Fort Film Festival represents exactly the kind of cultural renaissance we're building in Waukegan," Taylor said. "As we prepare to welcome filmmakers and audiences to our lakefront city in June 2026, we're not just hosting a festival -- we're showcasing Waukegan's commitment to becoming a vibrant arts destination on the shores of Lake Michigan.

“This bilingual, inclusive event across three venues perfectly embodies our city's spirit of innovation and resiliency."

The festival is named for Waukegan’s original name, Little Fort. “It was an important harbor,” Kelsey said, “a ‘little fort’ that protected the north end of Chicago as fur traders were coming along the Great Lakes.” Founded in 1849 as Waukegan (taken from the Potawatomi word for “fortress”), it grew into a satellite city of Chicago and major manufacturing hub, with a current population of 90,000 residents.

Films will be selected for the festival based on their ability to ignite positive dialogue, inspire thought and drive awareness about protecting our planet, Kelsey said. 

Submissions are open through April 30, 2026. Filmmakers can visit the festival’s website, LittleFortFilmFestival.org for submission guidelines and instructions. The two-day event will include screenings, panel discussions and special events designed to engage audiences and foster connections between creators and viewers, as well as special musical guests who are aligned with environmental causes

Sponsorships and memberships are also available in the festival, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Current sponsors include the City of Waukegan, Genesee Theater, Three Brothers Theatre, Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie and Marriott Towneplace Suites Waukegan/Gurnee.

For more information, visit LittleFortFilmFestival.org.