COMPETITIONS AND PROGRAM SECTIONS

Films are programmed for public screening in a diverse selection of competitive and non-competitive categories. Each film is presented in one or more of the following sections and is placed at the discretion of the Programming Committee.

International Feature Film Competition

Representing a wide variety of styles and genres, these works compete for the top honor, the Gold Hugo - as well as awards for best actor, actress, director, writer, and more - in North America's longest-running competitive film festival.

New Directors Competition

This selection of first and second feature films, receiving their U.S. premiere in Chicago, celebrates the spirit of discovery and innovation upon which the Festival was founded. To be eligible for the competition, films may not have U.S. distribution and must be a U.S. premiere if selected for the Festival.

Documentary 

Global in scope and representing a wide range of approaches to documentary form, this program offers a diverse cross-section of contemporary non-fiction filmmaking in both competitive and non-competitive sections. To be eligible for the International Documentary Competition, films must be a U.S. premiere if selected for the Festival.

Short Film Competition

Annually showcasing the best short films from around the globe, this competition highlights the work of both upcoming artists and masters of the short subject form. Programmed films are eligible for awards in the following categories: Animated, Documentary, and Live Action. The winners of the Best Live Action and Best Documentary Short awards are eligible to be considered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the Academy Awards®.

Out-Look Competition

From the edgy to the tender, these bold LGBTQ-themed films exhibit new artistic perspectives on sexuality and identity, and compete for the Q Hugo Award.

City & State

This program celebrates Illinois’ rich filmmaking tradition, showcasing the best features, documentaries, and short films with (made/constructed/filmed in the state of Illinois.)their roots right here in Illinois. Films in this section compete for the Chicago Award, given to the year’s best statewide film.

After Dark

Gathering genre films from horror and thrillers to edgy animation and dark comedies, this showcase of future cult classics and midnight favorites offers an exciting mix of late-night fare.

Black Perspectives

Now in its 19th year, this program showcases films that celebrate the richness of African American filmmaking and the diversity of black cultures around the world and the filmmakers behind them.

Cinema of the Americas

With films from Cuba and Colombia to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, this program spotlights the fresh and vibrant work of emerging and veteran filmmakers from South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

World Cinema

A mix of classic narratives and cutting edge forms, this program offers a snapshot of the contemporary cinematic landscape. Serving up the sights, sounds and stories from cultures around the globe, this section presents the latest from established masters, festival award winners, box-office hits, and hidden gems.

Founder’s Award

All films in the Festival are eligible for the Founder’s Award, presented to one film or performance that captures the spirit of the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival for its unique and innovative approach to the art of the moving image.