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

We proudly hosted our first festival in February 2023. Our 2nd annual event was a huge success in 2024. We hope you join us for our 2025 festival.

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. Filmmakers can be any age as long as they are early in their filmmaking career.

ALL genres are welcome! We have previously screened 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 curated screening of short 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.

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

Rules & Terms

Length requirements: SHORT FILMS ONLY. No minimum length. Max approx. 30 minutes. Your film may be disqualified if runtime is substantially over 30 minutes.

Location: Priority will be given to Chicago-based and Midwest-based filmmakers as our event features a Q+A with selected filmmakers. It is deeply important to us that as many filmmakers can be in attendance as 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.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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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