CHICAGO UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
The longest-running underground film festival in the world
Since 1993, CUFF has been a home for unruly, risk-taking, and subversive films.
Or as Roger Ebert put it:

"What you get for your money is not just admission to the films but admission to a subculture."

We seek films that break rules, take risks, and confront audiences. If your work exists outside the mainstream — formally, politically, or personally — we want to see it. CUFF is here to cultivate an audience for boundary-pushing, genre-defying, and uncategorizable work. Underground isn't a label — it's a way of making and showing films on your own terms.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Beyond formulas. Beyond market trends. We seek work that demands attention.
From approximately 2,000 submissions annually, we select about 100 films that resonate deeply — work that stays with you.
Experimental, narrative, documentary, hybrid, animation — we value impact over category. If your work challenges conventions, it may find a home here.

WHO ATTENDS CUFF
Our audiences are active participants in the experience.
CUFF attracts experimental filmmakers, independent creators, art students, musicians, cinephiles, and cultural advocates from Chicago and beyond. The atmosphere is energetic, intelligent, and interactive.

SCREENINGS + SPACES
Most films screen at The Harper Theater and The Gene Siskel Film Center — proper venues with top-tier projection and sound. But we're not afraid to get weird when the work calls for it. Last year, we screened Chicago House Music docs before throwing a dance party. Whether it's a velvet curtain or a concrete floor, your film gets the setting it deserves.

THE CUFF EXPERIENCE
CUFF extends beyond screenings. It includes late-night events, music performances, and meaningful conversations. Past performers include RP Boo, Lady D, The Art Gray Noizz Quintet, Pedestrian Deposit, Brett Nauke, Fire-Toolz, and The Handsome Family.
Q&As evolve into substantive discussions. Panels generate new ideas and connections. You'll leave with fresh perspectives and potential collaborators.

SELECTED FILMMAKER BENEFITS
What do you get besides a screening?

Screening fee
Two all-access passes
Dedicated filmmaker lounge
Invitations to all events, panels, and gatherings
Professional technical checks
Travel support when possible
Meaningful networking opportunities
Press connections
Professional projection & sound
Event documentation
Festival laurels

And if you're here in person:
You'll participate in a Q&A with an engaged audience. CUFF attendees are thoughtful, informed, and interactive. Come prepared.
KEY DATES + TIMELINE
If your film is selected, you'll hear from us by July 23, 2025.
Prompt confirmation is appreciated as we finalize our schedule.
One week later, you'll receive a complete information packet containing:

Technical specifications & delivery deadlines
Screening time & venue details
Q&A information
Pass pickup instructions
Travel/accommodation recommendations
Local guide (created by Chicago insiders)
Public transportation tips

PROMOTING YOUR SCREENING
We don't just show your film — we help you bring the right people in:

Custom social media graphics
Chicago press contacts
Local tips + venue maps for your fans
Cross-promotion with fellow CUFF filmmakers — because it's a scene, not a solo show

ACCESSIBILITY
Everyone should be able to experience the underground — and we work to make sure they can:

Fully accessible venues (ramps, elevators, restrooms)
Assisted listening devices
ASL interpretation available — just ask
Other needs? Email access@cuff.org and we'll do our best to make it work

SUBMISSION DETAILS
Preferred screeners: Vimeo or YouTube (private links are fine)
If your film is in a language other than English, it must be subtitled
DCP required for final screening — but if you need help making one, we've got you
We also support 16mm, and in some cases, 35mm (just talk to us early)

SELECTION PROCESS
Every film gets watched — At least three of us view each one.
We pick what hits, what lingers, what refuses to be ignored.
If your film's selected, we'll notify you by July 23, 2025.
If not, you'll still hear from us.
We can't give individual feedback, but we value every submission. Always.

KEEP US POSTED
Once you submit, you'll get a confirmation email.
If something changes — premiere status, online release, Vimeo password swap — just drop us a line. We like to be in the loop.

FINAL WORD
CUFF has been holding it down for underground film since 1993 — still weird, still wide open, and still ready for whatever you've got.
We're here for the films that don't fit anywhere else.
Join us — and let's keep independent film weird.

AWARDS
CUFF isn't about competition, but we do like to recognize work that stands out. Every year, a rotating jury of filmmakers, artists, and conspirators selects award winners — the categories shift depending on what shows up, and that's how we like it.
In addition to jury awards, we also present:

The Chicago Award for standout hometown work
The Audience Choice Award — our audiences always have something to say

2024 AWARD WINNERS
Last year's jury went with a fairly traditional breakdown:

Narrative Feature: Head Over Heels by Nelly Danssen
Documentary Feature: Just Above The Surface Of The Earth by Marianna Milhorat
Documentary Short: These Fucking Kids by Lucky Marvel
Narrative Short: Make Me A Pizza by Talia Shea Levin
Experimental Award: Desert Cruising by Todd Verow & Charles Lum
Chicago Award: Sing Our Song When The World Ends by Tanner D Masseth & Andrea Florens
Audience Award: No One Asked You by Ruth Leitman

The jury also gave honorable mentions to:
The Rainbow Bridge, Another Fuckin' War, Welcome Space Brothers, Musical Television, and The Demoniacs.
Next year? Different jury, different films, different categories — that's part of what keeps CUFF alive.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

We prefer Vimeo links (password-protected)
YouTube private links work too
If you're using FilmFreeway's video player, we won't hold it against you — but Vimeo's better

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS
If your film isn't in English, it needs English subtitles.

PREMIERES
We consider all submissions based on merit. That said, a Chicago premiere improves a feature's chances. Our audience values discovering new work.
Previous Chicago screenings? Please disclose where and when. Short films have more flexibility — we recognize quality work often benefits from multiple showings.

TECHNICAL SPECS

DCP for screening (Need assistance creating one? We can help for a small fee)
Any aspect ratio supported
5.1 surround sound supported
2K or 4K resolution accepted
Backup ProRes file (ProRes 422 HQ preferred)
Closed captions required (we can assist with this)
High-quality stills for promotion — film frames preferred over production photos
16mm prints supported, and in select cases 35mm (DCP backup recommended. The Gene Siskel Film Center supports 35mm, the Harper Theater does not)

CATEGORIES & FEES
We know categories are limiting — check all that apply, and don't sweat it if your film doesn't fit neatly. We like boundary-crossers.

Narrative? That could mean anything from traditional storytelling to loose, character-driven experiments. If your film has a story — even if it barely holds together — you're probably in this zone.

Experimental? We take a wide view. Avant-garde, personal, punk, found footage, video art, expanded cinema — call it what you want. If you're more concerned with form than plot, this is probably your home.

Animation? If you're creating motion frame-by-frame (hand-drawn, CGI, stop-motion, claymation, cut-out), it goes here. If you're mixing techniques, just tell us.

Documentary? Get weird with it. Reenactments, collage, hybrids — if it's rooted in something real, it counts. If it's straddling the line between doc and fiction, you're probably in the right place. Just give us a heads-up.

For length, we follow the Academy's basic guideline:

Over 40 minutes = Feature
40 minutes or less = Short

WAIVERS
If you've screened with us before, you're family — no fee required. Just email info@cuff.org with the name of your last film and we'll hook you up.
If you're dealing with financial hardship, reach out. We'll try to help — usually with a discount rather than a full waiver. These fees help keep CUFF afloat, but we don't want that to stop you from submitting.
We also offer waivers for filmmakers from countries under significant economic sanctions or active conflict, especially if your work aligns with CUFF's underground and experimental spirit. Just reach out.

MATERIAL SECURITY
Your submission stays between you and us. Only the programming team will see your film and info. We never share your links or contact details with sponsors, donors, or anyone else without your consent.

SCHEDULE CHANGES & UPDATES
If something changes — schedule, venue, or a rare tech hiccup — you'll hear from us right away, no surprises.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sabine Gruffat

    Long live the Underground!!! CUFF rocks.

    October 2024
  • Danièle Wilmouth

    We had a wonderful experience this year at CUFF! Everything was well organized, with beautiful projection & sound system! The staff was plentiful, with a knowledgeable DCP master as well as great questions during the Q&A. Thank you CUFF!

    October 2024
  • Jason Summers

    This festival has a dedicated bunch of great folks who make it happen and have a lot of fun while doing it. They have a wide selection of wild films on the fringes, and Bryan has been doing this a long time, so it's an institution worthy of being a superlative fest.

    September 2024
  • Scott Clifford Evans

    CUFF was fantastic in every way imaginable. Honored to have the US premiere of my feature film at the longest-running underground film festival in the world. Incredible, friendly, and helpful staff and organizers who show a true love for Underground cinema. The venue, Harper Theater, was superb. All communication and handling of my film was flawless. All events were filled with fun and enthusiasm. I attended the festival and met so many great people, I want to return as often as possible.

    September 2024
  • A really extraordinary festival, there's nothing else like it. Fosters amazing community among filmmakers with great events and excellent programming - you'll see things here you won't see anywhere else! We felt so supported by the CUFF team and the Chicago film community.

    September 2024