The IMDb qualifying Chicago Women Film Fest, in partnership with the Chicago Women Film Institute, is an international festival celebrating female talent worldwide. The festival hosts both seasonal and annual competitions and screenings, celebrating the diverse perspectives and creative visions of women directors, producers, and writers across all film genres. It emphasizes the power of storytelling and the vital role women play in shaping the cinematic landscape. Our mission is to provide ongoing support and screening opportunities for female directors and women in film through our seasonal and annual events. By nurturing and showcasing women's work in film, we strive to inspire the next generation of storytellers and continue to push boundaries in the world of cinema. In each edition, we promote our winners through the Chicago Women Film Institute, various platforms, and social media. We are committed to independent cinema and supporting women in film.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Actress
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Composer
Best Experimental
Best Animation
Best Student Film
Best Music Video
Best Environmental
Best Human Rights
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

Rules & Terms

Film and script projects must have been completed in the past three years.
The applicant holds all the rights for submission.
We only communicate with the submitter of project.
Projects must have been directed, produced or written by a female talent.
World premiere or a North American premiere is required for our annual screening in February.
We do not offer any waivers or refunds for submissions.

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Evelyn Xu

    Thank you Chicago Women Film Festival for honoring with Best Narrative Feature!!!

    November 2025
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  • Coco Marshall

    The Chicago Women International Film Festival was warm, communicative, and genuinely supportive throughout. It’s deeply meaningful to be part of a festival that that values stories that balance humor, humanity, and resilience. In a world that sometimes feels short on valiant behavior, filmmakers have the chance to create characters who lift our spirits and remind us what courage looks like. Receiving the honor of Best Narrative Short in Chicago felt especially poignant — my master teachers first met at the University of Chicago, and this film became a soft thank-you for their devotion to craft and to their students.

    — Coco Marshall, Producer / Writer / Co-Director / Actor, SIBLINGS

    October 2025
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  • Bolormaa Luvsandorj

    It is a GREAT honor to be awarded “Best Animation” for “Departure”, our first debut short animation. Thank you so much to the jury, organizers and the entire team of Chicago Women Film Festival! We are forever humbled and honored to receive your award! ❤️💐🇲🇳

    August 2025
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  • Patricia Montoya

    Thank you Chicago Women Film Festival for awarding us the Best Independent Short. This is a great honor for us and an opportunity very much appreciated.

    April 2025
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  • Yeon Choi

    I am truly honored and grateful to have been part of the Chicago Women Film Fest. My heartfelt thanks go to the festival for recognizing my film, Memories of the Little Pond, as the Best Animation. Beyond this incredible accolade, I deeply appreciate your commitment to providing a platform for women filmmakers, celebrating our unique stories, and showcasing our creative talents.

    January 2025
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