Chicago Underground Film Festival

CHICAGO UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL

The longest-running underground film festival in the world (est. 1993)
Since 1993, CUFF has been home to unruly, risk-taking cinema. 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 champion work that breaks rules, takes risks, and confronts audiences—formally, politically, or personally. If your film refuses the safe option, we want to see it. Underground isn’t a genre; it’s making and showing films on your own terms.

What we’re looking for
Beyond formulas. Beyond market trends. From ~2,000 submissions, we select ~100 films that stay 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 participate. CUFF draws experimental filmmakers, independent creators, art students, musicians, cinephiles, and cultural instigators from Chicago and beyond. The atmosphere is energetic, smart, and interactive.

Screenings + spaces
Most screenings are at The Harper Theater and The Gene Siskel Film Center—proper venues with top-tier projection and sound. When the work calls for it, we get weird: recently we paired Chicago House documentaries with a dance party. Velvet curtain or concrete floor—your film gets the setting it deserves.

The CUFF experience
CUFF extends beyond the screen: late-night events, music performances, and conversations that matter. Past performers include RP Boo, Lady D, Art Gray Noizz Quintet, Pedestrian Deposit, Brett Naucke, Fire-Toolz, and The Handsome Family. Q&As turn into real discussion. Panels spark ideas and connections. You’ll leave with new collaborators and a sharper sense of purpose.

Selected filmmaker benefits
Screening fee
Two all-access passes
Filmmaker hospitality space
Invitations to all events, panels, and gatherings
Professional technical checks & exhibition on calibrated projection/sound
Very limited, need-based travel support when possible
Meaningful networking & press outreach/listings (coverage not guaranteed)
Select events are documented; highlights shared when available
Festival laurels

If you attend in person, we aim to host a Q&A (block/program permitting) with an engaged audience.

Key dates (2026)
Selections announced: July 22, 2026
Info packet sent: one week later (tech specs & delivery deadlines, screening time/venue, Q&A details, pass pickup, travel tips, Chicago insider guide)
Festival dates (tentative): September 23–27, 2026
Submission deadlines & fees appear in the “Dates & Fees” section; all deadlines are 11:59 PM Central Time. Dates subject to change; final confirmation by July.

Promoting your screening
We don’t just show your film—we help bring the right people in: social media assets for selected films (templates plus show-specific graphics when feasible), Chicago press contacts, local tips/venue maps, and cross-promotion with fellow CUFF filmmakers. It’s a scene, not a solo show.

Accessibility
Our primary venues are fully accessible (ramps, elevators, restrooms). Assisted listening devices are available. ASL interpretation is available with advance notice, subject to scheduling. For other/pop-up spaces, we publish access notes or provide alternatives. Other needs? Email access@cuff.org and we’ll do our best.
Submission details
Preferred screeners: Vimeo or YouTube (private links welcome)
Non-English films must be subtitled in English
DCP required for exhibition (we can connect you with an affordable partner)
We also support 16mm and, in some cases, 35mm—talk to us early (by arrangement)
Frame rate: 24 fps preferred; 25 fps accepted with advance notice

Selection process
Every film is watched—multiple programmers view submissions before final decisions. We pick what hits, what lingers, what refuses to be ignored. If selected, you’ll be notified by July 22, 2026. If not, you’ll still hear from us. We can’t offer individual feedback, but we value every submission.

Keep us posted
You’ll get a confirmation email after submitting. If anything changes—premiere status, online release, passwords—drop us a note.

Final word
Holding it down for underground film since 1993: still weird, still wide open, still ready for whatever you’ve got. We’re here for films that don’t fit anywhere else. Join us—and let’s keep independent film weird.