Chicago Underground Film Festival

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.