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Awards Presented


Adult Jury
The Adult Jury is comprised of over 50 media professionals, educators, journalists, philanthropists and parents. Adult Juries meet in July and August and award 1st place, 2nd place and Certificates of Merit in all categories.

Children's Jury
The 70 member Children's Jury, comprised of children ages 7-14, meets for 2 weeks in August and screens over 100 films to be shown as part of the upcoming Chicago International Children's Film Festival. The Children's Jury is led by an adult Children's Jury Chair, who guides the children in extensive discussion after each film. Children vote using ballots which ask them to review several different aspects of a film including: plot, character, setting, acting, sound and cinematography. The Children's Jury awards 1st place, 2nd place and Certificates of Merit in all categories.


Special Prize Descriptions


Best of the Fest Prize ( Selected by Audience Vote )
Every child in the Festival votes for this film. No jury recommendation is needed.

The Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Emerging Director Prize( Special Jury Vote, $2,500)
This prize is for the best film by an emerging director( a film professional who has completed fewer than three films). The age of the director is not important, but the film itself should be distinguished by special qualities of technical innovation, a high degree of imagination (in story, character, setting, etc.) and/or an inspired treatment of a theme to which children can easily relate. No jury recommendation is needed.

The Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Award Child-produced Prize ( Special Jury Vote, $2,500)
This prize has been established by Mrs. Harle Montgomery to recognize and encourage the achievements of a gifted young director. The Award will be given to a filmmaker between the ages of 6-14, whose work combines technical merit, a high degree of imagination, innovative story development and a contemplative theme. No jury recommendation is needed.

The Rights of the Child Prize ( Special Committee Vote, $500)
This award goes to the film that best represents the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
Films that would qualify to compete for this prize should focus on the "empowerment," nurturance and proper treatment of children, and present these topics in unique and engaging ways. Ideally, these films should have strong adult and children's characters, and show a positive resolution to a problem or issue surrounding the topic of "children's rights." Films that win this prize often help give both adults and children a clearer idea of children's own creative potential, their development of positive values and their natural wisdom." As well, the film may address the responsibilities of adults in providing a positive environment in which children can grow and develop. Adult Juries are welcome to nominate 2 films from each category for this prize.

Liv Ullmann Peace Prize ( Special Committee Vote, $500)
For this prize, we select films which positively address (for children) difficult topics such as racism and prejudice; abuse and conservation of the planet; alternative dispute resolution (of individuals, organizations, and/or countries) or the exploration of any topic which brings children into closer with an understanding of the global culture in which they function. Adult Juries are welcome to nominate 2 films from each category for this prize.