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Chicago Indie Film Awards is a monthly and annual festival which celebrates Independent U.S. and international films of all genres.

The festival is an IMDb qualifying international platform dedicated to supporting indie filmmakers from all over the world.

We select, promote, feature and award films every month. The festival is also a partner of Chicago Movie Magazine which features our official selections every month.

Chicago Indie Film Awards is committed to supporting indie filmmakers from all over the world.

Awards & Prizes

Best U.S Narrative Feature
Best U.S. Narrative Short
Best U.S. Documentary Feature
Best U.S. Documentary short
Best U.S Actor/Feature and Short
Best U.S. Actress/Feature and Short
Best U.S. Cinematography/Feature and Short
Best U.S. Editing/Feature and Short
Best U.S Student Film
Best U.S. Script
Best U.S Directing/Feature and Short

Best International Narrative Feature
Best International Narrative Short
Best International Documentary Feature
Best International Documentary short
Best International Actor/Feature and Short
Best International Actress/Feature and Short
Best International Cinematography/Feature and Short
Best International Editing/Feature and Short
Best International Script
Best International Directing/Feature and Short
Best International Student Film

Rules & Terms

Once a film is selected for our annual event, it can not be withdrawn.
Films can be available online and still enter the competition for our monthly festival.
Multiple submissions and multiple category submissions are accepted.
Films must have been produced within the past 36 months.
Shorts must be less than 40 minutes.
Chicago Indie Film Awards can use stills and trailers to promote films.

17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Johnny DePalma

    A beautifully run festival that we feel so lucky to have been a part of! Thank you so much! <3

    October 2020
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  • Kaitlin Morris

    It's great to be recognized by the city I grew up next to. Chicago Indie Film Awards made me feel welcome and appreciated throughout throughout the decision making process. I'm so glad I entered and will be sure to tell my filmmaking friends to enter their projects as well!

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Daron Hagen

    I have had a superb interaction with the Chicago Indie Film Awards and appreciate the care they have taken with my project.

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Kaya Ensor

    We were thrilled for our film to have won an award. Thanks!

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Angie Castro

    Thank you for this amazing opportunity of having my short in your festival. Great communication and awesome films!

    October 2020
    Helpful