The AfterImage Film Festival is an annual event serving the Fox Valley towns of St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia and strives to be one of the premier film festivals in Illinois. The 4th annual AfterImage Film Festival will be held April 10 – 13, 2025.

AfterImage screens new narrative, documentary, student and animated films of all lengths from established and emerging filmmakers around the world.

Since 2019, AfterImage has screened over 100 films and played host to dozens of filmmakers, including Oscar Winner Steve James ('Hoop Dreams'). Past selections include:

- 'Wildcat' - Illinois Premiere, directed by Ethan Hawke
- 'Ghostlight' - Illinois Premiere
- 'Saint Frances' - SXSW Audience Award Winner
- 'Fire of Love' - Oscar Nominee
- 'Petite Maman'
- 'Bergman Island'
- 'Joyland'
- 'Murina'
- 'Other People's Children'

Awards & Prizes

The AfterImage Film Festival will present the Hollis Family Audience to the best short film of the festival.

Rules & Terms

The AfterImage Film Festival is pleased to offer submission waivers to local filmmakers (i.e. filmmakers residing within a 40 mile radius of St. Charles, IL).

For questions regarding festival submissions, please email afterimagefilmfestival@gmail.com!
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  • Rob Rook

    Participating in the AfterImage Film Festival was a dream come true. The festival staff/volunteers were very kind and really made the experience feel special. Both of my screenings were pristine from a technical perspective (in a cinema!), and both screenings were well attended by an enthusiastic audience. As a filmmaker, it was really rewarding and an incredible honor to participate in this awesome festival.

    November 2021
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