New Wave International Film Festival in Chicago

Hello filmmakers, storytellers and movie lovers!

Welcome to the Chicago New Wave International Film Festival. We are thrilled to open our doors to creative people from around the world who are pushing boundaries and redefining what cinema can be.

Here in Chicago, we know a thing or two about breaking the mold. This city has a rich cinematic history, from the Blues Brothers who turned our streets into high-octane chases to the indie films that have made Chicago their home over the years.

But this festival is as much about looking back as it is about looking forward. “New Wave is about fresh ideas, bold visions and voices that challenge the status quo. We want to spotlight those who are not afraid to take risks and tell the stories that need to be told.

As jury members, we're not here to corral anyone or fit your work into neat categories. We're here to celebrate originality, spark conversations, and amplify a vision that makes us see the world differently.

So whether your movie is a heartfelt drama, a mind-blowing experimental work, or a hilarious comedy, we can't wait to see it. Chicago is ready to welcome your creativity with open arms and share it with audiences hungry for something new.

Our next Live Event will be held at 15th of March 2025 at Red Room Comedy Club.

Let's make this a celebration of cinema like no other.

See you at the festival,
Jury
Chicago New Wave International Film Festival.

New Wave Jury Grand Prize
Breakthrough Award
Best Feature Film Award
Best Short Film Award
Chicago New Wave Innovator Award
Best Documentary Award
Outstanding Cinematic Vision Award
Best Screenplay Award
Best Performance Award
Audience Award
Additional Categories:
Best Experimental Film
Genre Category: Drama, Thriller, Sci-Fi and etc
Best Music Video
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Cinematography
Best Scenography
Best VFX
Best Composer
Best Make-Up

Rules and guidelines for the Chicago New Wave International Film Festival
We're excited that you're interested in submitting your work to the Chicago New Wave International Film Festival! To make the process easy for everyone, here's everything you need to know before submitting:

Accepting Submissions
Original Works Only: All submissions must be original works by the filmmaker(s). Unauthorized use of copyrighted material is not permitted.

Date the work was created
Films must be filmed in 2019 or later.

Language
Non-English language films must include English subtitles.

Submission Format
Digital submissions only: Upload your film via a secure link to an online screener (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) or through our partner platform.
High quality formats: Films must be submitted in HD (1920x1080) resolution or higher.

Entry Fee
Submission fees vary depending on the deadline and category. Please see the submission platform for details.

Selection Process
Films are reviewed by a diverse jury of filmmakers, critics and industry professionals.
Submissions are judged on originality, story, technical excellence and relevance to the spirit of the New Wave Festival.
If a film is selected, you will be notified by email and asked to submit promotional materials (posters, trailers, etc.).

Rights and permissions
By submitting an application, you grant the festival the right to screen your film during the event.
You retain all rights to your work.
You authorize us to use photos, clips and promotional materials for marketing purposes.

Other important details
Scripts: Scripts must be in English, formatted to industry standards and submitted in PDF format.
Withdrawal: If you need to withdraw your entry, please let us know immediately. Participation fees are non-refundable.

Contact us
Have a question? Need help? We're always here to help. Email us at ......

We look forward to seeing your work and celebrating the stories that only you can tell. Let's make this festival unforgettable!