The Patrick Lives On Film Showcase & Fundraiser is a Chicago networking event sponsored by Resolution Studios supporting the non-profit Patrick Lives On. Our founder, Patricia Frontain, lost her son Patrick to a senseless act of gun violence, then took her grief and turned it into a powerful non-profit to help at-risk teens. Patrick Lives On is a group of loving and determined citizens taking a stand in support of the safety of Junior High and High School age children in the Chicagoland area with funding for after-school programs. Patricia was the Script Supervisor for NBC’s Chicago PD. She is now a Director/Producer of various film projects throughout the United States.

This year's film showcase will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Resolution Studios!

Sponsors include: Resolution Studios, Cinespace Studios, Panavision, Keslow Camera, AICP, Harbor Picture Company, Camera Ambassador, Paskal Rudnicke Casting, and more.

Event and raffle tickets can be purchased by visiting:
givebutter.com/PLO26

Awards & Prizes

Jury Prize
$250 will be awarded to the highest rated film selected by our panelist of judges.

Every film submission also automatically enters you into our event raffle!

Submit your project for a chance to win incredible industry prizes, including:
- Panavision – $15,000 Camera Rental Package
- Keslow Camera – $10,000 Camera Rental Package
- Harbor Picture Company – Professional color grading session (8 hours with an expert colorist - valued at $15,000)
- Harbor Picture Company – Professional audio mix session (8 hours with an experienced sound engineer - valued at $10,000)
- Wines for Humanity – (2) Private in-home wine tastings for up to 20 guests with a personal wine advisor
- Chicago Fire – Official show merchandise
- Chicago Med – Official show merchandise
- Chicago P.D. – Official show merchandise
...and more!

One submission = one raffle entry. Support a great cause and give your next project a shot at industry-level rewards!

Additional raffle tickets can be purchased by visiting:
givebutter.com/PLO26

Presence at the event is not required to win.
Raffle winners will be selected at random and notified via the contact information provided at entry.

Rules & Terms

Film Guidelines
- Run Time: 20 minutes or less including all credits
- Year of Completion: Must have been completed within the last 5 years
- Genre: All genres welcome (short, student, documentary, animation, music video, feature trailers, experimental, etc.)
- Philosophy: Enlightening, inspirational and uplifting storylines preferred
- Violence: Minimum accepted; no glorifying violence - especially guns

Submission Criteria
- You must apply via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/PatrickLivesOn
- Anyone from the Midwest film community who has worked on a film in any capacity is eligible to apply. We follow The Census Bureau's definition of Midwest consisting of 12 states in the north central United States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
- A $35 non-refundable donation fee per film ($25 for students) is required with each submission. Note that all submission fees directly support the work of Patrick Lives On.
- Selected filmmakers will receive 1 complimentary ticket.
- Contact showcasesubmissions@patrickliveson.org with any questions.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • ANITA CHANDWANEY

    This was so full of purpose, passion and professional! I'm so proud to have been a part of this. The communication was precise and timely, the venue (and screen size!) at Resolution Studios exceeded my expectations. The cocktail reception / networking hour was enjoyable as well. And the other films were inspiring.

    April 2026
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  • Mishu Hilmy

    I've attended the Patrick Lives On film showcase over the years, and have loved it as a supporter of their mission and fan of short films. This showcase is one of the best Chicago short film events, and is one of the most delightful evenings to connect with so many working filmmakers from both above the line and below the line. If you live in/near Chicago you really don't want to miss this annual tradition!

    10/10 recommend attending and submitting your work.

    I was also especially grateful to screen a short film this year! The shorts were displayed on a massive 80’x14’ curved LED volume screen at Resolution Studios: which apparently the highest resolution LED tile in the midwest.

    March 2026
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  • JD Collins

    By far a flagship film showcase in Chicago! Amazing films and filmmakers, amazing cause, and the food was amazing as well!

    March 2026
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  • Anah Ambuchi

    I had a great time at the Patrick Lives On Film Showcase! This festival has been showing me so much love since I started making films at 11yrs old! It's an absolute joy for any filmmaker to have their film premiere here, but the real highlight was connecting with all the talented and passionate artists and filmmakers - it made for a truly unforgettable event! I love Ms. Patricia!

    March 2024
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  • Ashley Bower

    It was such an honor to have my short film selected to be a part of the 7th Annual Patrick Lives On Film Showcase. I met so many wonderful fellow midwest filmmakers and viewed some truly incredible films. It was such a great time. 10000/10 would recommend. It's the best event I've attended for my short film to date.

    March 2024
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