Chicago International Film Festival

Chicago International Film Festival

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The Chicago International Film Festival presents international and independent features, documentaries and shorts in Chicago. Its competitions include first and second features, LGBTQ+ cinema and Illinois filmmaking, alongside the International Feature and Documentary competitions. Black Perspectives highlights African American filmmaking and Black cultures around the world, while After Dark focuses on genre cinema. Industry Days offers filmmakers workshops, roundtables and networking opportunities.

Presented by the nonprofit Cinema/Chicago, the festival traces its first edition to 1965 at the Carnegie Theater. Screenings include conversations with filmmakers and cast members. The 62nd edition dates are October 14–25, 2026, with screenings at venues across Chicago.

Country

United States (USA)

Focus

Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Horror, LGBTQIA+

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Feature, Short, Student

Awards and prizes

The International Feature Competition awards the Gold Hugo and honors for directing, writing and performances. Separate juried competitions recognize New Directors and documentary films. The OutLook Competition presents the QHugo for LGBTQ+ cinema. Short Film Competitions recognize animation, documentary and live action. City & State films compete for the Chicago Award for an Illinois film. Competition eligibility and the awards offered are set out in each edition’s official regulations.

Festival rules

2026 edition: submissions are closed. Films must be completed on or after August 1, 2025, and have their first premiere after October 26, 2025. A Chicago premiere is required, with priority given to U.S. premieres. New Directors and International Documentary competition entries must be U.S. premieres. New Directors is for first and second features. Shorts are under 40 minutes. Prior public Chicago screenings, a U.S. theatrical run or U.S. television broadcast, and public purchase availability can make a film ineligible. Features previously shown online are ineligible; shorts may be online. Previously submitted films cannot be resubmitted. Entries must be in English or have English subtitles, and entrants must hold all necessary rights. Submit a secure online screener and the applicable nonrefundable fee. Unfinished films are accepted, but replacement versions are considered only on request. Selected theatrical films screen on DCP unless another format is agreed. The 2026 deadlines are April 7, June 8 and June 30; notification is by September 14. See the official regulations for complete conditions or contact entries@chicagofilmfestival.com.

Contacts

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