Chicago Filmmaker Awards
The Chicago film industry was a central hub for motion picture production and exhibition before Hollywood became the undisputed capital of filmmaking. In the early 1900s, Chicago boasted the most significant number of production companies and filmmakers. This situation was partially preserved until 1920, when the Chicago film industry met decline for a combination of reasons, including the impact of the Great Depression. Not until the 1980s and early 21st century has Chicago experienced a film production revival. Movie production again entered Chicago in the 1980s, with the state of Illinois becoming a leader in money spent on film production. Blockbusters, such as Blues Brothers, Sixteen Candles, and The Dark Knight, have rejuvenated the Chicago film scene.
Our Mission
The mission of the Chicago Filmmaker Awards, aka Cifawards, is to recognize and reward independent filmmakers currently missing in mainstream Hollywood.
Whether your talent is in front of the camera or behind it, we have a category for you. We are waiting to watch your films
How to submit the film?
A stage for bold stories.
what Filmmakers say about us
We are truly honored that our film “Mandalay” received the Best Experimental Film award at the Chicago Filmmaker Awards. It has been a wonderful experience for our team. We deeply appreciate the festival’s commitment to independent cinema and its openness to experimental storytelling and filmmakers from around the world. For a young Ukrainian filmmaker Askold Oksanich, receiving this recognition in the United States means a great deal to us and gives us even more motivation to keep creating and telling our stories.
I am very happy and honored to participate in this festival dedicated to filmmakers. all the best to everyone
Amazing Festival..
Many thanks to the organizers and the jury for honor be part of the festival and certainly
for the Semi-Finalist for our film.
We are so thrilled to have our short documentary Omelettes for Yummies (2025) as a Semifinalist in the Chicago Filmmaker Awards. Thank you very much!
CATEGORIES AND AWARDS
BECOME A DONOR
Chicago Filmmaker Awards supports students filmmakers, and cinema in Chicago.
Donate to the festival to support our educational programs! Your donation will benefit the festival’s filmmaker support, educational programming like panel discussions and film workshops, and outreach to local, underserved communities. With your generous and active support, the festival can become a unique cultural asset for Chicago and its surrounding region.
It’s easy to make a donation, please get in touch with us through email.
How to submit the film?
For your convenience, we accept submissions by biggest festival platform
