INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF) is the first collaborative program of recognizing and acknowledging talents all over the world. It is an annual and a quarterly qualifying festival open to all aspiring filmmakers across the globe. All the award winning artists of the quarterly editions are further nominated for the annual awards and the red carpet ceremony which will be covered by media at the annual function. INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF)not only aims at giving out trophies and certificates but recognizing talents and supporting the career of artists working in the film industry as writers, directors, producers, actors, cinematographers, editors, composers etc. As we are in the process of expanding our footprints, the festival would truly be an international platform for all filmmakers beyond language barriers across the globe. We truly care about the language of cinema, independent filmmaking, filmmakers, arts and all the artists involved in each film project. We have dedicated board members who are professionals with great experience in the film industry. Every month we invite a new board of well renowned juries for the selection process from various crafts.

Awards & Prizes

All entries are promoted through our social media and website with a featured page with a synopsis, film stills and trailer. For this purpose, we recommend that projects must be fully entered on FilmFreeway, including film stills, production pictures, downloadable poster, and trailer or teaser. All projects officially selected in each season receive INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF) laurel and a custom digital certificate. Some of the award-winning films are screened at the Mentioned Venue, and their crews are invited to attend and participate in a public Q&A of INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF).
Finally, the most competitive films are invited to join our Annual Live Screening Events.

ANNUAL AWARDS
Based on the highest rates, the pools of quarterly INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF) given during the annual cycle are eligible for nominations for the annual awards. Our judges’ committee can decide to nominate other award-winning or finalists projects. All annual nominees are screened also at the Rotary Sadan (Venue can be changed by our authority), during the annual event, which follows the traditional format of annual festivals. At the annual events, award winners will also receive INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF) official trophy. These trophies can be ordered by any award winner from the quarterly rounds.
Judges give scores based on the quality and creativity of entries on a performance scale and winning entries are recognized and awarded quarterly at four levels.It can be also given by Honorable Mentions and Outstanding Achievement Awards (special jury mentions).
Some categories or levels of awards can have no winners if there are submissions not meeting the requirements.

Rules & Terms

All films must have English language subtitles.
Multiple entries from the same submitter are accepted, but a separate submission and a separate entry fee must accompany each entry.
No fee waiver.
All entry fees are non-refundable.
The decision of the jury committee will be final.
INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF) reserves the right to change or re-schedule the dates, venue, awards & categories without consent or information to contestants.
The organizers reserve the right not to award any or all of the prizes.
By submitting, you agree that you own all copyrights and intellectual properties to your work.
We reserve the right to use any part of your submission for promotional purposes on our website and social media accounts.

India or Chicago are our quarterly event screening places.
Annual event will be held in India.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT:
1. Amateur videos.
2. Extremist or propaganda content from religious or political organizations.
3. Projects involving politics/films promoting political agenda.
4. Pornography.
5. Films with a poor production standard (bad sound, lack of subtitles for non-English films, poor resolution).

DISCLAIMER:

(i) INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (ICIFF) any resemblance to other events is purely coincidental. We do not represent or can be represented by any other organization.
(ii) Also, we do not disclose any kind of information with third parties.
(iii) Finally, please be aware that we do not ask for or accept any kind of donations.

INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2025 © All Rights Reserved.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mimi Garrard

    We are honored to be a part of your festival.

    thank you,

    Mimi Garrard

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Algis Kemezys

    Thank you to the INDIA CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALI for selecting Medusa & Hermes The Reincarnation Musical 2026 for the May 2026 season and including the film in competition for the awards.

    I’m grateful for the recognition and appreciate the professionalism and support from the festival team throughout the process.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Hisako Kobayashi

    My short film, "Under the Banyan Tree," won first place at this wonderful film festival. I consider this a great honor. Thank you so much!
    Film Director Hisako Kobayashi

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Joh Kobayashi

    I received an Honorable Mention for my film “RAGE,” which I directed. I am very happy and grateful to this film festival. I sent a video message and asked if they could send me some photos from the festival, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive a reply and couldn’t connect with the other filmmakers. However, this was the first time I have ever received an award for my film, so I already feel very grateful and satisfied.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Unnati Media Production None

    It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this prestigious film festival and we are thankful to the jury members for appreciating our short film - "Kuch Rishtey, Kuuch Yaadein" and honouring us with the Best Indian Short Film Award.

    January 2026
    Helpful