New Generation Filmmakers Forum is a showcase of emerging and cutting-edge cinema creatives located in Chicago, IL.

We proudly hosted our first festival in February 2023 and have been growing exponentially ever since then. This year, we are going bigger than ever before. We hope you join us for our 2026 festival.

This season at New Generation Filmmakers Forum, we are now accepting FEATURE film submissions in addition to SHORTS. We are so excited to watch your films this year and can’t wait to showcase our first ever feature films.

New Generation Filmmakers Forum strives to highlight both its selected films and filmmakers in order to help kickstart their careers. We encourage young filmmakers to apply, including students.

ALL genres are welcome! We have previously screened music videos, horror, documentary, rom-com, dance, experimental, thriller, drama, animation, and LGBTQ+ films. We also welcome music videos and other types of short video content.

This event will be a 3 days of screenings featuring curated films followed by a Q+A with the filmmakers. Filmmakers who submit are highly encouraged to make themselves available the day of the event.

We encourage filmmakers of all identities to apply! We are an LGBTQ+ friendly organization.

*2026 event dates are currently TBD*

Awards & Prizes

All selections will receive:
-An official Laurel from New Generation Filmmakers Forum
-Feedback about films gathered from audiences
-Promotion on our Instagram (@newgen_filmforum) leading up to the event

Some of the selected films will receive:
-Audience Award: Selected by the audience in attendance at the festival
-Jurors Award: Selected by the Programming Board of New Generation Filmmakers Forum
*Amount of awards given is TBD for 2026 festival*

Rules & Terms

Length requirements:
SHORT FILMS: No minimum length. Maximum 30 minutes.
FEATURE FILMS: 60-120 minutes in length only.

Location: It is deeply important to us that as many filmmakers can be in attendance as possible. Therefore, we strive to highlight Chicago and Midwest filmmakers when possible. Please note however that if your location is outside of the Midwest, you will not be disqualified and we still encourage you to submit.

Premiere status: No premiere requirements. Films can have been completed any time before submission date.

Rights: You MUST own all rights to the film, including any music used.

Please reach out via email (newgenerationfilmmakersforum@gmail.com) with any questions or concerns about rules and requirements for New Generation Filmmakers Forum. We will happily respond as soon as possible.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Cole Hamilton

    It was an honor to see my film played alongside some amazing creatives! I got the opportunity to network with fellow filmmakers and make some amazing connections. Forever thankful for this experience to witness my work be showcased in a legendary city! The hosts were incredibly hospitable and handled the festival with enough care to make it a memorable experience.

    March 2025
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  • Korey McElligott

    A very welcoming and well-run experience! I loved the variety in the selection of films at both showings.

    February 2024
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  • Bianca Caniglia

    So many happy memories were made at the 2nd Annual New Gen Forum! We were honored that our film was included in a selection of fantastic short films. The communication was incredibly strong and accommodating. It was truly a special experience for Chicago artists, and I would 10/10 recommend.

    February 2024
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  • Jules Martinez

    A festival created by artists for artists!

    This was such a fun experience, I loved every single film that was shown and meeting everyone that was there! It was a huge honor to be part of this. Very diverse and very welcoming! Definitely coming back next year!

    February 2024
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