Film Guide
Calendar • Movies A-Z • Directors A-Z • Countries A-Z • Categories • Download Schedule
SO MANY FILMS, SO LITTLE TIME!
Here's a guide to help you with your choices:
Main Competition
Judged by a distinguished jury of film artists and critics, these works compete for the top honor, the Gold Hugo—as well as awards for best actor, actress, director, and writer—in North America's longest-running competitive film festival.
New Directors Competition
This juried competition of first and second feature films celebrates the spirit of discovery that the Festival was founded on.
Gala Presentation
Some of the most anticipated films in the world are boosted by appearances from the artists behind them.
Special Presentation
Some of the most anticipated films in the world are boosted by appearances from the artists behind them.
World Cinema
The sights, sounds, and perspectives of diverse cultures from more than 30 countries across the globe come to audiences in Chicago.
Docufest
Real stories, real people. This selection of documentaries, which compete for the Gold Hugo, tells the true stories that surprise us, entertain us, and challenge us to open our eyes.
The Shorter Side of Things
The runtimes may be short, but the ideas are big. This competition of cutting-edge short films—encompassing narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, and student productions—proves that a few minutes can speak volumes.
After Dark
From zombies, ghosts, and psycho stalkers to subtle exercises in slow-burn suspense, this program highlights the art of the genre film.
Black Perspectives
Founded in 1997 through collaboration with director Spike Lee, this program showcases films that celebrate the richness and diversity of black cultures around the world.
Cinema of the Americas
From the Bahamas and Brazil to Chile and Argentina, this program surveys the fresh and vibrant work emerging from South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
ReelWomen
Spotlighting the contribution that female writers and directors continue to make to film around the world, this program features films as diverse as the women who made them.
OUTrageous
From the edgy to the tender, these bold gay-themed films fearlessly exhibit new artistic perspectives on sexuality.
Animation Nations
A plucky canine's misadventures, a tender friendship depicted in Claymation, a beloved Japanese cartoon character getting his big-screen U.S. debut... this program features international short and feature-length works at the vanguard of animation.
Illinois[e]makers
Illinois is a filmmaking state second to none. This program showcases the best features, documentaries, and short films with their roots right here in our home state.
![Illinois[e]makers](http://common.cinemachicago.org/resources/images/logos/sponsors/Illinois_film_office.jpg)
