CMFF provides a vehicle for nationwide exposure of quality, thought provoking and envelope pushing films. It's a celebration that focuses on stories, people, and passions that are too often unexplored or honored in mainstream filmmaking.

Categories at CMFF range from documentaries, dramas, comedies, music videos, sci-fi / horror, inspirational films, animation and LGBTQ stories.

CMFF is the place to mix and mingle with other like-minded filmmakers while enjoying red carpet premieres and an exciting awards event that honors an film industry personality and recognizes community pacesetters.

Awards & Prizes

Awards and film laurels are given to the best in various categories such as: Peer Jury Best Feature, Peer Jury Best Short, Peer Jury Best Actor, Peer Jury Best Actress, Peer Jury Honorable Mention and Peer Jury Overall Choice.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
Films/videos entered into competition must have been completed after January 1, 2022.

Entries must not have been exhibited previously at a film festival in the Chicago-land area.

Each project entered into competition must pay an entry fee. There is no limit to the number of qualifying entries by any entrant so long as an entry form and fee accompanies each entry. Foreign language entries must be subtitled with English subtitles. Films/videos cannot be re-entered into competition or the festival in general if previously rejected from Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival.

-Films are not eligible for any of the Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival categories if released before November 1, 2024 via the following: *have been or will be exhibited publicly at one or more non-festival screenings *broadcast *streamed *televised *the Internet *home video *other public distribution platform (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, VOD, etc...)

-Filmmakers submitting their film for consideration of the 2024 Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival must be a minimum of 18 years old or if under 18 years of age, you must have parental/or a guardian's permission.

-Filmmakers submitting in the English language or have English language subtitles.

-Films can be shot in any format and must be completed (credits, etc.)

-Shorts, animations and music videos must be no longer than 2-40 minutes running time.

-For Documentaries, it must be non-fiction, and no minimum running time required.

-Feature Films-films must have a minimum running time of seventy-two (60) minutes.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for awarding "Enter the Room" for an Honorable Mention at your festival. The communication was clear and concise and the online screening was a nice addition. I had a very good experience overall and will definitely consider submitting future projects to this festival.

    November 2023
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    Cmff logo hi res new
    Response from festival:

    The order for your award will be placed this Monday, December 11th.

  • Gloria J Browne-Marshall

    "Dreams of Emmett Till" found a home at Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival. Our own Jayne Taini won best actress and our film was awarded an Honorable Mention. I met Hart, another filmmaker, on an interview with Chi-Town Festival founder, Dion.

    November 2021
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  • Job Ethan Christenson

    Thank you so much for everything. I am so honored to be a part of your festival. We had a marvelous time.

    November 2021
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  • Jade Chase

    Dion and the crew at the festival were excellent! Very professional and punctual. Wish we could have been there in person to experience Chicago but hopefully next time! Thanks again!

    November 2020
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  • Robert Menefee

    Thank you for selecting my documentary, “The College FKA Calhoun.” I enjoyed seeing all the other films in your virtual festival. Hopefully the pandemic will pass and you won’t need to go virtual next year. Thanks again.

    November 2020
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