THE CHICAGO CINEMA COLLECTIVE
  • About
  • RESOURCES
  • Interactive Map
  • Articles
  • Initiatives
    • The Work
    • CHICAGO FILM CLUB
    • Horror Workshop
  • Contact
FILM FESTIVALS
Striking the right balance between community and quality programming is definitely something that could be improved in Chicago. This is a list of some of the most prominent film festivals in Chicago that are worth watching, even if they may not always suit your needs.
Picture

Chicago International

Chicago International is the city's oldest and most prestigious festival, drawing significant crowds and special guests. One of the highlights is INDUSTRY DAYS, which is devoted to panels, networking events, and IFP Chicago's The Pitch. CIFF does a great job programming international films but is somewhat lacking in its support for local and state filmmakers, which is limited to only one or two blocks.
​
Submit via FilmFreeway

Picture

Chicago Underground

Chicago Underground is a well-known and well-respected festival that takes place at the Logan Theatre. Supported by IFP Chicago, CUFF focuses on challenging experimental films. Though submission prices are low and the appeal of being a part of the festival is high, it is worth researching what the festival typically programs, which is very niche in style.
​
​Submit via FilmFreeway

Picture

Windy City

Windy City International is one of the smaller festivals in the city but boasts a fairly strong program and treats their filmmakers well with strong communication and various awards.
​
​Submit via FilmFreeway

Additional Film Festival Resources

  • Chicago On Screen
  • Chicago Comedy Film Festival
  • Chicago Critics Film Festival​​
  • Chicago Latino Film Festival
  • Chicago International Children's Film Festival
  • Midwest Independent Film Festival​
  • Chicago Horror Film Festival
  • Fashion Film Festival Chicago
  • Reeling Film Festival​
  • Asian Pop-up Cinema
  • Social Change Film Fest
  • Southside Film Fest
  • Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema
  • Mostra Brazilian Film Series
  • Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival
  • Chicago REEL Shorts Film Fest
  • Adventure Film Festival
  • Chicago Irish Film Festival​​
  • Middle Coast
  • ​Collected Voices Film Fest
  • Black Harvest Film Festival​
  • CineYouth Film Festival
  • Onion City Film Festival​
  • One Earth Film Festival
  • JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival
  • Chicago Feminist Film Festival
  • Peace on Earth Film Festival
  • Injustice For All Film Festival​
  • ReelAbilities Film Festival​

A curated and candid interpretation of the resources and opportunities within the Chicago film community.
A subsidiary of Unfurnished Films, LLC.​
  • About
  • RESOURCES
  • Interactive Map
  • Articles
  • Initiatives
    • The Work
    • CHICAGO FILM CLUB
    • Horror Workshop
  • Contact