The Tylerman International Film Festival hosted by Cantigny Park seeks to grow an environment of legacy that affords filmmakers the opportunity to be credited for their art with critique, prizes, and networking opportunity. Fun times include the McCormick Museum, Tank Park, The First Division Museum, Rose Gardens, and Q&A from reputable Producer's, Writer's, and Director's. Selections and winners of the festival will have the option of showcasing content on TYLERMAN TV.

Over $3,000 in prizes given away annually for
1. Best Feature
2. Best Short
3. The Amir Locke Saving The Youth Award
4. The Unity Partnership Social Awareness Award
5. The Tylerman Film Festival Choice Award
6. Best Documentary
7. Best Storyline

Thank you for considering The Eighth Annual Tylerman International Social Awareness Film Festival hosted by Cantigny Park.

In order to receive a cash prize in this festival you must pay the $25 entry fee. I have no problem offering the discount but if you don't think enough of your film to invest $25, winning $300 to $500 isn't fair to the other participants.

Films will be judged on: Originality, Screenplay, Direction, Acting, Cinematography, Sound, Editing, and the Judges personal score. Submissions are non-refundable. Once selected, you will be notified and your film must be submitted via MP4 Format 1920x1080 or 4K to Tylermanfilms@gmail.com. I need all films and artwork by June 1st, 2023.

The Tylerman Film Festival (TFF) is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. Payment of submission fee does not guarantee inclusion in our festival. If your film is chosen as an official selection (TFF) does not compensate for travel, accommodations, or appearance fees unless otherwise offered. Online distribution of the film prior to screening at the festival is prohibited. (TFF) reserves the right to schedule changes and may at any time revoke a film screening, festival passes, accommodations, and any other filmmaker agreements for any reason. ONLINE SCREENERS ONLY.

Once the film is accepted to The Tylerman Film Festival, DIGITAL COPIES and PRESS SCREENERS (DVD) will be requested along with a downloadable MP4 Format. The committee reserves the right to rescind any screening engagement if the film is not delivered on time. The Tylerman Film Festival holds your screeners in a secure fashion and takes the filmmakers rights very seriously. Please note that technical glitches will not be adjusted during the screening of your film. Your screener must be in final format upon acceptance and filmmakers will not be allowed to have private technical meetings with the projectionist.

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. Upon acceptance, the undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless The Tylerman Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Shaune Bordere

    Our screening festival screening is greatly appreciated.

    October 2025
  • Linda Genereux

    Thank you for accepting and awarding When Does Freedom Begin for Best Documentary! It is a great honor to be selected among many other amazing films. We really appreciate all the effort you put into the festival!

    September 2025
    Response from festival:

    Hi Linda, as a person that suffered from the "War On Drugs", I know first hand what it is to lose your freedom for next to nothing. These punishments don't fit the crime and I'm so thankful that you had a part in this film. Please keep sharing it and I pray that it makes it to a major platform for all to see.

  • Joy Shannon

    This such an important festival! I'm very proud that my short drama, Rock Island Prison 1864 was included and WON an award!!!

    August 2025
  • Tylerman is not just a film festival — it’s a space for empathy, understanding, and shared heartbeat between stories and their audience; a place where every film finds its home.

    August 2025
  • Ken Sagoes

    I believe this is one of the most important and respected film festivals on the market. The Tylerman film festival hugs and show awareness of your work as if it was their very own heartbeat - nothing but love and support.

    August 2025