CineYouth 2025 Festival Programming
See the next generation of filmmakers take the spotlight! CineYouth 2025 presents 79 short films from 21 countries across 10 dynamic programming blocks—featuring everything from inventive animation and poignant documentaries to gripping dramas and standout stories from the Chicago region. Plus, enjoy live filmmaker Q&As, two engaging workshops on crafting compelling main titles and the journey from idea to feature film, and more! All screenings and events are free and open to the public.
In-Person Screenings & Events: April 25-27
All in-person screenings, workshops, and events take place at FACETS, a Chicago-based nonprofit that connects people to independent ideas through transformative cinema.
FACETS
1517 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL, 60614
Get directions >
Streaming globally: April 28 – May 4
CineYouth selections will be available to stream globally on the Chicago International Film Festival streaming platform from Monday, April 28 at 12:00pm CT until Sunday, May 4 at 11:59pm CT.
In-Person Screening & Event Schedule
Friday, April 25
Screening
In the Loop: Chicago Voices
A love letter to the many identities and cultures that make up Chicago.*
Screening
Scream Screen
Creepy kids, killer fits, and failed experiments – what more could you ask for?*
Saturday, April 26
Workshop
Cue the Credits: The Making of a Main Title
An in-depth look at the craft and specifics of main title design. Creatives from Sarofsky will explore how creative experimentation can help brand your work and make your films stand out.
Screening
Key Frames: Animation
A wide range of animation forms and topics swirl together in this jam-packed program of 12 inventive works.*
Screening
Espressivo: Music and Dance
A shuffled mix of music videos, documentaries, and dramas that get you into the groove!*
Screening
Born This Way: Queer Stories
Understanding identity, love, and euphoria are the core of these vibrant shorts.*
Screening
Pulling Focus: Documentary
A bevy of documentary styles express themes of memory, belonging, and belief.*
Screening
Genre Breakers: Experimental
An exploration of films that break the mold to then redefine it.*
Sunday, April 27
Workshop
From Future Idea to Feature
How does a creative idea turn into a completed project? Learn tactics that will help support your creative process as a young independent artist developing your next works.
Screening
Worlds of Whimsy: Family Friendly
Adventure, action, and animation for the whole family!
Screening
Between Me and You
An exploration of the relationships that shape us for better or for worse.
Screening
Far From Home
This program is a tribute to our roots and ideas of culture, identity, and belonging.
Screening
Closing Night: In the Loop: Chicago Voices (encore)
A love letter to the many identities and cultures that make up Chicago.*
*Films in this program contain themes or language that may not be suitable for all ages.
CineYouth Awards Ceremony
Celebrate the winners from this year’s CineYouth Festival at the Awards Ceremony. Categories include Animation, Chicago, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, International, Rising Star, and Social Impact awards.
Virtual Screening
CineYouth Selections: Captions Available
As part of our ongoing accessibility initiative, we are proud to present this selection of CineYouth films with captions available.
Screening
Closing Night: Chicagoland (encore)
The exhilarating work of Chicago’s next generation of filmmakers is showcased in this eclectic collection that celebrates the vast array of creative expressions emerging from our city.* With open captioned films and a live captioner.
Now Streaming
Short Film Program
Chicago Lens
10 shorts | 68 minutes 
Watch the city breathe life into the stories of ten local young filmmakers. From documentaries to music videos, this program represents the city’s long-term love affair with art and culture.*
Short Film Program
Friday Night Frights
An array of frights await in this assortment of horror films. These shorts from around the world tap into our most primal fears and darkest secrets in unique, uncanny, and inventive ways. *
Short Film Program
Imagination Adventure: Family Friendly
The journey of growing up is an adventure filled with boundless possibilities and endless imagination. Eight young filmmakers from diverse backgrounds showcase their incredible talent and creativity in this all-ages program, transforming the screen into a vibrant cinematic playground.
Special Event
CineYouth Mixer
Meet and mingle with the CineYouth community. Everyone is welcome to socialize, snack, and learn more about Adobe Premiere Pro’s latest features. Refreshments will be served.
Past Events
Workshop
Access Granted: Creativity and Tools for Inclusive Filmmaking
Learn how to incorporate accessibility tools into your workflow from pre-production to post, allowing for broader engagement with your work. Discover different methods to create audio descriptions and get an early look at a new AI-powered tool for creating captions in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Workshop
Creative Leadership: Taking Care of Collaborators
From preparing for physical contact between actors, to establishing good vibes on set, to communicating clearly about roles and compensation, this discussion will start you thinking about how to be a creative leader people are always excited to work with.
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
