The Buskirk-Chumley Theater celebrates and encourages Midwest filmmakers via this short film competition and screening held in conjunction with the public Academy Awards screening each year. Filmmakers based in the region surrounding Bloomington, IN, as far as and including St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Louisville are invited to submit films featuring the culture, landscape, and lifestyle of the Midwest.

Films selected as finalists are screened at this historic downtown movie palace on the afternoon of the Academy Awards. Filmmakers receive free tickets to the screening and Oscar Party, which includes a luxurious buffet and free drink. The winning film is selected by a panel of judges from around the region with involvement by the audience. All finalists may receive notes from the judges, if desired. The winning filmmaker is granted rent-free use of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in July or August for a film-based event of their choosing.

- Films must be no more than 5 minutes in length, including credits
- Films must be "G or PG rated", violence and horror are especially discouraged
- Films must have proof of music rights for all included music
-

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jeff Rudkin

    It is an honor to have our film shown at the Buskirk Chumley Theater.

    March 2017