DISCOVERY STARTS HERE

For 48 years, we've been committed to discovering some of the most exciting film the world has to offer…yours!

Across countries, languages and cultures, film opens a window onto new worlds, demonstrates the promise of new possibilities, and gives expression to different ways of thinking, all the while confirming our shared stories and common humanity. In 2012, we presented 127 feature films, including 21 feature-length documentaries, and 50 short subject films from more than 55 countries. Many of these films participated in competitive sections, where the highest honor is the Gold Hugo - a standard of excellence in the world of film and a true symbol of discovery.

When we started the Chicago International Film Festival 49 years ago, we had one simple goal: to introduce Chicago and the world to new filmmakers, new stories and new points of view. We've shown first feature films by world-renowned directors like Martin Scorsese (USA), Peter Weir (Australia), Mike Leigh (UK), Gregory Nava (USA), Bertrand Tavernier (France), Jan Troell (Sweden), Joe Swanberg (USA), Tsai Ming-Liang (Taiwan), and Wim Wenders (Germany). Last year we’re proud to say we held fast to that mission as strongly as ever by showcasing over 40 films by first-time filmmakers. It's important to us that we're always learning, always exploring, always seeing the world in new ways.

For our 49th year, we want to discover something new, and that all starts with you, the filmmaker.

Show us your work and your world!

Michael Kutza
Founder & Artistic Director

Mimi Plauché
Programming Director

Alex Kopecky
Competitions Coordinator