Big Shoulders Film Festival at DePaul University is dedicated to presenting the work of innovative student filmmakers from around the world. Admissions are open to all students at the post-secondary level.

Big Shoulders is a front seat to the world’s stories. It is our mission to promote diversity and inclusion by showcasing the work of emerging young voices and unique ways of storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

* Best of Fest
* Best in Category (four):
• Animation
• Documentary
• Experimental
• Fiction

* The Vincentian Prize for Social Impact (one)

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY
Films completed after March 1, 2023 are eligible for the Big Shoulders Film Festival 2025.

Filmmakers should be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at the post-secondary level, OR have been enrolled in a degree-seeking program when the film was completed.

Films should be less than 15 minutes.

Films should be in English or have English subtitles.

Works in progress or incomplete work will not be considered.

Rights must be attained and documented for copyrighted music. If rights cannot be proven, the movie will not be considered.

PRESS KIT (required):

- One production photo in jpeg format.
- A short (40 word) synopsis.
- Director and Producer’s short (40 word) bio and headshot.

QUICKTIME FILE SPECIFICATIONS:

• Frame rate: 23.976 (23.98), 25, or 29.97. 
• Frame size: HD: 1920x1080 or 1280x720 
• Compression: Apple ProRes 422 (not HQ) 

17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marko Plejić

    It was really a privilege for my team and I to have our film "The Bread of Mother Tradition" screened, let alone recieve the award for Best Documentary Film.
    A great festival with much importance for student and young filmmakers, we’re glad and deeply thankful to have been a part of it.

    March 2025
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  • Shane Chung

    A fantastic selection of films hosted in a great venue - felt very welcomed and taken care of, and the opportunity to meet everyone attending was invaluable. Would attend again!

    March 2025
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  • Konstantin Kunze

    We had an absolutely fantastic time. Incredibly great festival and super organized. It was great to meet so many other student filmmakers. The organization team was just great and it was a pleasure to be part of the festival.

    March 2025
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  • Quinn Funk

    This festival was a fantastic time! A very positive and inspiring environment filled with great people and a well curated selection of films!

    March 2025
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  • Lucian Austin

    Best festival I've attended as a student filmmaker. The organizers, programmers, and volunteers are all extremely friendly and want to make you feel welcome. The program of so many amazing films from all over the world was inspiring. I came from Canada and got to become friends with many film students from all over at the screenings and after parties. They put you up in a very nice hotel as well, so huge perks. I love this festival!!

    March 2025
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