from December 3 to 7, 2025
The Cinestars Chicago Film Festival
This esteemed event provides a unique opportunity for both seasoned and up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work to an audience.
About
The goals of the Festival:
The jury of the festival includes well-known international cinematographers,
directors, actors, producers and critics who represent a wide variety of points of
view on cinematic art.
The event features screenings of competing films and meeting with filmmakers
1. Promote a deeper understanding of cinema as an art form and celebrate the diversity of opinions in the film industry.
2. Provide a platform for aspiring and established filmmakers to showcase their work, gain fame, and communicate with audiences and industry professionals.
3. Promote discussion of the topics and issues presented in the films by encouraging critical thinking and engagement of the participants.
4. Popularization of international cinema and promotion of cultural exchange through the screening of films from different countries and cultures.in-depth discussions on various aspects of filmmaking; interactive sessions with industry experts
AWARD WINNERS
Best Short Film (10 to 40 min)
Best Feature Film (from 60 min)
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Best Documentary
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Best Director
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Best Music Editing
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Best Feature Documentary(60+ min)
Best Short Documentary(10 to 40 min)
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Best Super Short Film(0-10min)
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Best First Time Director (Short)
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Best First Time Director (Feature)
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Best Short Script
Best Feature Script
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Best TV Pilot Script
Best First Time Screenwriter (Short)
Best Music Video
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Best Animation
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Best Experimental
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Best Indie Short Film
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Best Indie Feature Film
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Best Indie Medium Length Film
. Best Web/TV Series
Best Genre
Best Poster
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Best Trailer
Best Actress
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Best Original Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Visual Effects
Best Cinematography
Best Production
Rules
Rules
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1) No premiere restriction of a film at the Cinestars Chicago Film Festival.
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2) If there is dialogue in films, English subtitles are required.
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3) Multiple entries from the same submitter are accepted.
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4) The festival is open to submissions for people from anywhere in the world.
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5) The decision of the festival selection committee will be final.
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6) No fee waiver. All entry fees are non-refundable.
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7) The final selection will be announced on the notification date.
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8) Films that are submitted must be the entrant’s original work and shall not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of any third Parties. Contestants agree that they have obtained all required copyright permissions regarding music, sound & images. etc presented in their work.
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9) All participants warrant that their films do not violate applicable laws.
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10) Each official selection comes with two free tickets to the festival.
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11) Cinestars Chicago Film Festival is open to amateur or professional directors who are 18 years of age or older, or minors who have parental consent to enter.
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12) Submissions are collected on FilmFreeway exclusively
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Short Film
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Feature Film
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Documentary
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Best Director
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Best Actor
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Best Music
About