Festival Data:

• Established: 1965
• Genre: General
• Attendance: 70000
• Media Attendance: 300
• Total Number of Films Screened: 164
• Total Screenings: 450
• # of Shorts Screened: 54
• # of Features Screened: 110
• Accreditations: AMPAS, BAFTA, FIPRESCI

• Competitive
• Has Panels

Festival Website:

Festival Description:

The Chicago International Film Festival is the oldest, competitive film festival in North America. In addition to showcasing over 150+ films from over 35 countries during its two weeks in October, the Festival also features education screenings, special tribute events, panel discussions, as well as special programs such as Main Competition, First & Second Time Directors, Cinema of the Americas, Black Perspectives, Late Night Screamings, World Cinema, DocuFest and Short Films.

The Festival was started in 1964 by filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza to provide an alternative to the commercial Hollywood movies that dominated the city’s theaters. The Festival opened in 1965 at the Carnegie Theater, where King Vidor, Bette Davis, and Stanley Kramer were honored for their contributions to American cinema. Since then, the Festival has grown to become a world-renowned annual event that is dedicated to fostering better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. In 2010, the Festival showcased the work of the world’s top filmmakers and fresh talent alike, presenting more than 150 films from 50 countries. In addition, at more than half of the screenings each year, filmgoers have the chance to meet directors, actors, and actresses who introduce their films and hold discussion sessions after the screenings. In 2010, guests included Danny Boyle, Edward Norton, Forest Whitaker, Guillermo del Toro, Ed Burns, Alan Cumming, and David Schwimmer.

COMPETITIONS AND PROGRAM SECTIONS

International Feature Film Competition -Films that meet a global standard of excellence compete for the Festival's highest honor, the Gold Hugo Award. The competition is judged by an international jury of film professionals, including directors, producers, actors, and critics.

New Directors Competition -Directors who are presenting their first or second feature film are eligible to participate in this competition that recognizes and celebrates the work of fresh, creative talents. To be eligible for the competition, films may not have U.S. distribution and must be a U.S. premiere if selected for the Festival.

DOCUFEST -The Docufest competition honors nonfiction films that surprise and challenge us. The competition is comprised of feature-length documentaries that exhibit the highest level of merit.

Short Film Competition -Annually showcasing the best short films from around the globe, this competition highlights the work of both upcoming artists and established masters in the short subject form. The winner of the Short Film Competition is eligible to be considered by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for the Academy Awards®.

After Dark Competition -Gathering genre films from horror and thrillers to edgy animation and dark comedy, this section showcases films not often presented in the Festival context for the chill seekers and lovers of camp.

Gala Presentations -This non-competitive section of highly anticipated and critically acclaimed films showcases works that are believed to have a powerful impact on audiences in the U.S. and around the world.

World Cinema -This non-competitive series presents new work by internationally acclaimed filmmakers and spotlights new talent and unique voices from across the globe, representing a diverse spectrum of the world's experience and filmmaking trends.

Black Perspectives -A showcase for the varied and diverse talents of black filmmakers from all nations, this section annually spotlights new discoveries and honors such film icons as Sidney Poitier, Halle Berry, Terrence Howard, Morgan Freeman, Lee Daniels, Pam Grier, Forest Whitaker, and Spike Lee, among others.

Cinema of the Americas -This program features innovative works by Latino/a filmmakers and exciting new voices from South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The films in the program are complemented by a series of master classes, panel discussions, and a tribute to a distinguished filmmaker.

Illinois[e]makers -Highlighting the finest of Illinois and Chicago productions, this section features the Chicago Award, which is given to the best film (feature, documentary or short subject) either produced in Illinois or by an Illinois resident. The Chicago Award celebrates the creativity of local talents devoted to the art of cinema.

INTERCOM -The International Communications Film & Video Competition celebrates the enormous technical and creative energy behind corporate sponsored and industrial films, educational videos, business communications, and interactive productions. A jury of distinguished media professionals judges all aspects of each production's technical execution, including the work's professionalism, creativity, and effectiveness in achieving its goals.

OUTrageous -From the edgy to the tender, the bold gay-themed films in the OUTrageous program exhibit new artistic perspectives on sexuality. The ever-exciting program is supplemented by a tribute event.

ReelWomen -ReelWomen celebrates the depth and diversity of work by women and highlights the inspirational filmmakers behind the films. Panels, roundtables, and a tribute event augment the film series.

Film Submissions:

• Call for Entry: http:/ / www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ entries_and_requirements/