Selected International Film Festivals

International Competition

Sections International Feature Film Competition, New Directors Competition (1st and 2nd feature films, no US-distribution, US-premiere required), Short Film Competition, Documentary Film Competition, After Dark, World Cinema, Black Perspectives, City & State, Out-look Competition, Spotlight, Industry Days

Terms of Entry Films must be completed on or after 1 October 2019; Chicago premiere required, US-premiere is given priority; no previous broadcast on TV or Internet; no work in progress; Feature-length films: over 40 min.; short films: under 40 min.

Subtitles English subtitles necessary

Format 35 mm, DCP

Registration Deadline Early: 8 April 2019
Regular: 17 June 2019
Late: 8 July 2019

Fees Feature Film Competition: US$ 90/100/200 (incl. New Directors)Feature Length Documentary Competition: US$ 70/80/150 Short Film Competition: US$ 40/50/80 Student Film Competition (under 40min.): US$ 20/30/50; Student Film feature (over 40min.): US$ 40/50/8

Attendance Figures 50,000

Participants of the Film Industry about 50 buyers/distributors, cinema owners, talent scouts/agents, festival programmers

Prizes/Awards Golden Hugo, Silver Hugo, Gold and Silver Plaques (Best Feature Film, Best First and Second Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Subjects), Special Mentions, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress, Special Jury Prize, Audience Award, FIPRESCI Prize, Founders Award

Number of Films Shown approx. 120 films from 50 countries

Media Coverage approx. 100 journalists, international specialist publications; aside from many Chicago and Illinois media outlets, reporters from Variety, indieWire, Trouw, Clarin, Varity, Hollywood Reporter, Postexpress and Positif

Evaluation The oldest competitive festival of North America. Sets great store by a large percentage of European films. Strong annual presence of contemporary German cinema.

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