Applications & Deadlines

Submissions are currently closed for the 2011 Festival. Check back soon for our 2012 submission dates.

It is the mission of the Chicago International Children's Film Festival to set an internationally recognized standard of excellence in film, video, and television production for children. It is further our mission to support the work of talented and dedicated filmmakers by awarding prizes, by showcasing international films of the highest quality, and by providing a professional forum through which quality children's films and videos may gain increased distribution and access to wider audiences. The Festival is also committed to engaging young viewers with positive media images and to using media as a tool to stimulate critical thinking.

Child-Produced Films:

Films that have been produced by filmmakers ages 6 to 14 are considered "child-produced." Entire film must be conceived and produced by a child or children with minimal adult input. (An adult supervisor is allowed.) There is no entry fee for child-produced films. Child-produced films are eligible for the Montgomery Award for Best Child-Produced Film, which carries a prize of $2500!

All films submitted to the Festival must match the criteria outlined below:

The action of the film should be child-driven.
The stories should be culturally authentic, timely, and of universal appeal.
Films submitted to CICFF should be made for, rather than about, children.
Film content should be creative, highly original, and demonstrate artistic and technical mastery.
Content should speak positively to children of diverse backgrounds and cultures and should provide strong role models for both boys and girls.

For more information please contact the Festival Registrar, filmreg@facets.org or by phone at 1-773-281-9075 ext. 3010.

Facets’ Children’s Programs and the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival

Applications & Deadlines