Submit Your Film Today
Submit your film to be screened at the Chicago Short Film Festival. The 2025 Chicago Short Film Festival will have space for over 50 short films, music videos and short documentaries. The festival is open to USA and international films in any genre under 50 minutes in length. The festival prioritizes low-budget films of independent spirit which showcase exciting new talent.
Submission Deadlines
The Chicago Short Film Festival 2025 accepts Submissions from January 2024 until October 2025.
Early Submissions Deadline — July 15, 2025
Regular Submissions Deadline — August 14, 2025
Late Submissions Deadline — September 16, 2025
All filmmakers will be notified before November 3, 2025.
Festival Categories
The Chicago Short Film Festival is open to international films in one of the following categories:
Short Film
Short Documentary
Animated Short
Comedy Short
Experimental Short
Horror Short
Sci-Fi Short
Music Video
Entry Fees
CSFF accepts only digital submissions
Fees for short films: $45 early, $50 regular, $55 late .
Please send any related press materials, including electronic press kit, and photos to info@chicagoshort.com.
We accept only digital submissions.
You may link us to your Vimeo or online screener.
Eligibility
The Chicago Short Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing new emerging film talent.
All film entries must be submitted digitally and be received by the arrival deadline of November 15, 2025.
All photos submitted may be used for any festival promotions.
Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
Jury Award winners will be selected by a panel of active film industry professionals. All films go through a screening process and are reviewed by at least two members of the selection committee.
CSFF Nominees agree to participate in the publicity for the Festival as well as other promotional events, including website, social media, international press coverage and festival trailers.
Selected film entries will be notified by November 3, 2025. Awards will be announced after the festival. An Awards Certificate will be awarded to the winners. Some Award categories may have co-sponsors providing prizes. One award or prize will be given to the individual designated on the official entry form as “submitter”.
Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by the Chicago Short Film Festival, without notice.
Award Categories
All film entries will be considered for the Jury and Audience Award competition.
Jury Film Award categories:
Short Film
Short Documentary
Animated Short
Experimental Short
LGBT Short
Horror Short
Sci-Fi Short
Animated Short
Music Video
Submission Tips
Points to remember regarding submissions
* CSFF accepts only digital submissions
* If you are submitting more than one entry, a separate submission is required for each film.