PrideArts celebrates the best in independent film! This year we expanded our program to be a year-round film fest, with short film festivals on a quarterly basis, and feature length films throughout the year.

We are always looking for fresh stories that reflect on all the many complexities of the queer communities.

If you are looking for information on our Summer Film Fest which runs July 18 to August 8, find it here: www.pridearts.org. Find tickets for that fest here: https://www.goelevent.com/pridearts/e/Search

The fest is virtual, and will be seen in weekly programs scheduled November 8 through December 5.

PrideArts seeks quality submissions: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Documentary, Animated, Sci Fi, Music Video, Student or Short film. We generally prefer films that have not screened in Chicago before, and can't be seen online in places like YouTube.

Our next events are being schedule for the fall and winter seasons, and you will find that information here.

Our event is a virtual event, and those selected to be showcased are available to be seen for 7 consecutive days through our website, which is hosted by Elevent. There is generally no geo-fencing. If that is necessary for your film, please email us at pridefilm@gmail.com at the time you apply.

All works must have characters or themes reflecting the queer communities.

Awards & Prizes

Entries are eligible to receive their official Chicago-premieres.

The Jury Prize will be selected by the screening committee which is comprised of professional filmmakers and members of the artistic ensemble of Pride Films and Plays.

The Audience Award will be selected by members of the audience by an anonymous poll taken after the screening of the films.

Rules & Terms

All films entered are subject to an entry fee. Early Bird Entry Fee is $10. Regular Entry Fee is $20 Last Chance Fee is $30.

All submitted films without previous screenings in Chicago are eligible for consideration for the Pride Film Festival. Films should not exceed 25 minutes.

Applicants submitting Films that contain significant non-English spoken dialogue must provide on-screen English subtitles.

Submitter bear the sole responsibility to clear all content of work submitted from any and all potential legal claims including, without limitation, claims based on libel, defamation, copyright, or trademark infringement. PrideArts disavows liability for any such actual or potential legal claims and submitter indemnify the PrideArts from any and all fees and expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, that each of any of them may incur in connection such claims.

By submitting a film, you grant PrideArts permission to use film stills, descriptions, biographies and other submitted materials for the purpose of festival promotion and publicity.

The screening committee (comprised of professional filmmakers, PrideArts artists, and filmmakers who were recently featured in the festival.

PrideArts only accepts submissions via FilmFreeway.com.
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  • Miguel Miller

    We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to screen at this wonderful festival. They were very professional.

    August 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks... so happy to have your work recognized!

  • David Simpatico

    What a wonderful festival to be part of, and to partake of! Program A presents a solid and varied mix of short very personal films from around the world. My favorites in Program A are the German film MALL, which calls up my own memories of playing with dolls in secret; and GOD'S DAUGHTER DANCES, from the Republic of Korea, which follows an extraordinary character and follows her in the must mundane of places: a military recruitment testing site. The acting is first rate, personal; with a button that put a smile on my face.

    July 2021
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  • Each Other

    I wasn't able to personally make it but one of our producers went and said they had a wonderful time!

    April 2018
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  • shelley thompson

    I couldn't attend, but was delighted with the communication and the apparent response to my film.

    January 2018
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  • Scott Simonsen

    I wasn't able to attend but Dan the programmer kept us in the loop with marketing and announcements. Great mission. :)

    June 2017
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