Chicago Bengali Film Festival (CBFF), organized and hosted by Chhobighar Film Society, takes place annually in September. Since the inaugural CBFF in 2019, the fest has built a reputation on its impactful movies, and the connection audiences make with the contemporary Bengali cinema that develops a better understanding of the role of movies in today's world, while nurturing the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and legacy of Bengali cinema.

Chhobighar Film Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, a Bengali film society initiative in Chicago to engage the local community in Chicagoland area in creative and cultural discovery through moving images that advocate and encourage the appreciation of Bengali cinema both as a medium of education and as an art.

Inspired by visions of integration, harmony, and celebration of life, Chhobighar Film Society hosts CBFF to
- Showcase Bengali movies in a festive milieu
- Emphasize cultural integration in Chicagoland area through Bengali films
- Ensure the next generation has access to the riches of global cinema

Chhobighar Film Society proudly presents this year's Chicago Bengali Film Festival, CBFF2023 on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26.

Awards & Prizes

CBFF2023 Awards
Best Film: $1000
Best Direction: $500
Best Actor: $500
Best Actress: $500
Audience Choice Best Film: $500

Rules & Terms

Submissions:
(a) All films must be available to screen during CBFF2023, August 25-26, 2023.
(b) All films must not have been shown on any television/satellite/digital/OTT platform prior to CBFF2023.
(c) All films must be in Bengali language with English subtitles.
(d) Entries must be received by July 9, 2023
(e) Entry fees are not refundable.
(f) Chhobighar Film Society accepts secure screeners through Vimeo.
(g) Films submitted without the proper submission media may be deemed ineligible.
(h) Chhobighar Film Society requires a password protected HD quality Vimeo link or Blu-ray for every film that will be screened at the festival.
(i) Chhobighar Film Society reserves the right to withdraw any film from the lineup, before or during the festival.
(j) Marketing materials including digital posters, trailers, and video bites from directors, actors and actresses of the selected films are required to be provided for immediate and effective promotion.