Submissions
Features must have a running time of 70 minutes or more and shorts must be less than 20 minutes. Films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the United States are considered, as well as works from other countries if the director is of Ibero- or Latin American descent, or the subject matter is directly related to Latino culture. FILMS THAT DO NOT MEET THESE CRITERIA WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM CONSIDERATION UPON SUBMISSION. The Festival encourages the submission of works for young audiences as they are screened for students during the daytime. Festival only accepts completed films.
The Festival’s Film Selection Committee selects all features and shorts. A secure online screener with a password (Vimeo) is the accepted format for pre-selection. If your work is in a language other than English, your submission MUST INCLUDE English subtitles.
Acceptance Notification
All participants will be notified through email by late January 2027 whether or not the work submitted was selected for the 43rd Chicago Latino Film Festival.
Acceptance Terms
Selected films must be AT LEAST a Chicago premiere. Films that have screened publicly, theatrically, or are currently streaming in the Chicago area, have aired on US television, or are available for public viewing (DVD or online) prior to the Festival dates are NOT eligible.
Upon acceptance to the Film Festival, you must provide the Festival with the following materials:
- Synopsis in English and Spanish (Portuguese for films from Portugal or Brazil)
- High-resolution still photos of the film (300dpi) in .png or .jpg
- Downloadable MP4 trailer or teaser with English subtitles. YouTube links will NOT be accepted.
- Downloadable Vimeo trailers with English subtitles can be allowed.
- A document featuring the film’s, director’s and actors’ Facebook and Instagram social media handles as well as if the film is a World, North American, US or Chicago premiere at the Festival in .doc or .docx
- Press kit, social media links & website (if available)
- Poster in either .jpg or .png format. PDF or TIFF files will NOT be accepted
- Principal cast and crew information
- Once the film is accepted, a 2-3 minute video statement from the filmmaker introducing his film to be used for social media marketing on MP4.
All materials must be delivered within two weeks of notification.
Scheduling
The Festival reserves the right to schedule all films at the date, time and location of its choice.
Screening Copy Requirements
Films are screened in DCP (Digital Cinema Package) in theaters, and in digital .mp4 files virtually. The Festival will provide you with server information, if applicable. Costs of generating KDMs will be the responsibility of the film’s representative. Blu-ray will not be accepted as a screening format except for short films and only when you have notified the Festival in advance. The Festival won’t screen a film that is technically unsuitable for a successful exhibition. Films are presented in their original language. All films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English. Clearly label the film with its original and English title and running time.
Shipping
Any shipping costs of all submission materials to the Festival will be paid by the participant, including customs fees and taxes. Mark packages clearly with the title of film, the Festival’s address, and sender’s return address. For international shipping, the customs declaration must read: “Cultural material of no commercial value”. Send the Festival the airway bill number by email: film@latinoculturalcenter.org. For films selected, the Festival will only cover one-way shipping costs for the return of the exhibition copy.
Guest Participation
The Festival holds discussions following in-person film screenings with visiting representatives or filmmakers. Everyone is encouraged to attend, but the festival can only cover certain hotel expenses for a limited number of feature film guests. Guests are expected to attend the public screenings of the film they represent as well as any other events that may be organized around their visit. Invited filmmakers will be notified by email.
