CineSonic is a new music-focused film festival presented by The Chambana Film Society — the team behind the Savoy Lumiére, the Savoy Arthouse Screening Series, and the Lake County Film Festival.

Dedicated exclusively to music-related films, CineSonic brings documentaries, concert films, music-related narratives, and other music-centered cinema to the Champaign–Urbana region of Central Illinois.

The flagship event, the CineSonic Music Film Festival, takes place each September alongside the Pygmalion Music Festival, creating a vibrant celebration of music both on screen and on stage. In addition to the annual festival, CineSonic also presents occasional music-film screenings throughout the year as part of the Savoy Arthouse series.

By combining film and music culture, CineSonic offers Central Illinois audiences a unique cinematic experience that spotlights the stories, sounds, and artists that shape the music world.

Awards & Prizes

Because our second festival is only intended to be seven screenings, and we are not charging a submission fee, we don't think we will be able to hand out any prizes, but may decide to honor some films with Audience Awards.

Rules & Terms

By submitting a film to the 2026 Chambana Film Festival, you represent and warrant that you are authorized to submit the film for screening.

You grant the Chambana Film Festival a nonexclusive right to use excerpts, stills, titles, descriptions, and other submitted materials in connection with any and all publicity, promotional materials, and marketing related to the festival.

You further represent and warrant that the submitted film does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights or other rights of any person or entity. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Chambana Film Society and its representatives from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to any such infringement or other violations of law.