Our mission is to bring the best indie films from around the globe to our vibrant city of Chicago!

Our summer-time fest puts the emphasis on the filmmaker with plenty of networking events, after-parties, and a mimosa-filled awards brunch, which is quick and painless :D !

We also host a live staged reading, cast with Chicago actors, for our Top 10 Screenplay Finalists!

We are dedicated to diversity and inclusion of all voices.

Best of Fest ($200 cash prize)
Best Feature Film ($100 cash prize)
Best Episodic ($100 cash prize)
Best Chicago Film ($100 cash prize)

Best Short Film (In each category)
Best Teaser Trailer
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

OFFICIAL RULES

International and U.S. films accepted across all categories & genres. Submitter only needs to submit to ONE genre, but will be considered in all appropriate award categories.

Screener films should be submitted on digital file (Mov, Mp4).

Short films-under 40 minutes
Feature films-over 40 minutes

Films in language other than English must include English subtitles.

We do not accept previously submitted works.

In the event that award winners are not present at the awards ceremony, cash prizes will be mailed. However, award winners must be present to receive trophies.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lauren Loesberg

    Amazing, amazing festival for Chicago locals who want to screen in their hometown! Extremely humbled and honored to have been a part of it.

    November 2019
  • I had the absolute pleasure of premiering my short film at the 2019 Windy City fest! Both of the festival leads were incredibly nice, accommodating and welcoming. There was nothing but a sense of joy and community at the festival. And, they have an absolutely wonderful curative team, as pretty much all the films were of key quality! Submit and you won't be displeased!

    September 2019
  • It was such a thrill to be included in this past years Windy City Int'l Film Fest! Everyone was so amazing, the films were wonderful, and I can't wait to hopefully be back again next year!

    August 2019
  • Rebecca Gillis

    Absolutely LOVED every part of this festival. Warm welcome, perfectly organized, great venues and networking opportunities, high-quality films and it's in one of the best cities. Mindy and her team put on a fab fest, and we will definitely be there next year. :)

    August 2019
  • Geoff Wise

    Windy City was well-run, the organizers were friendly and engaging, the venue was good for showing films and between-session networking. One great opportunity for screenwriters like me is that Windy staged 4-minute excerpts of the selected screenplays by local actors - a treat! The bar for including content seemed a little low, and most attendees seemed to be people with content in the festival.

    August 2019