20th CineYouth Film Festival Announces 2025 Program

Highlighting Filmmakers 22 Years Old and Younger, Festival Presents Nearly 80 International Short Films

CHICAGO, Illinois (April 2, 2025) – Cinema/Chicago today announced the full schedule of the 20th CineYouth Festival, running April 25 - 27, 2025 at FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.) and streaming worldwide April 28 - May 4, 2025. Featuring 79 international short films written and directed by filmmakers aged 22 years and younger, this year’s CineYouth slate includes films from 21 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Mexico, Poland, Tajikistan, and more. 19 titles will be holding their World Premieres at CineYouth, and another 15 will be celebrating their U.S. Premieres. All events and screenings are free and open to the public, with tickets available now at www.chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth. 

“The films selected for CineYouth this year represent an exhilarating mix of stories, styles, and genres,” said CineYouth Director Christy LeMaster. “Recurring themes include belonging, care for our planet, and transition into adulthood. It is joyful to see a persistent sense of optimism in many of the films, expressed in multiple ways: from bright and zany production design, to stories that envision a better future, to characters full of empathy. In this 20th edition of the Festival, it is easy to see that young people are already busy generating important and inspiring ideas to benefit us all.”

“For 20 years, CineYouth has been a beacon shining a light on the storytellers of tomorrow,” said Mimi Plauché, Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation Artistic Director. “Film speaks in the language of emotion and insight – and now more than ever, young creators need to be celebrated for the ways in which they illuminate, connect, inspire, and unite us across cultures to create a sense of shared community and a vision for a future together.”

This year’s slate features 10 short film programs, with highlights including Espressivo: Music & Dance, a shuffled mix of music videos, documentaries, and dramas that get you into the groove; Worlds of Whimsy: Family Friendly, boasting adventure, action, and animation for the whole family; and Scream Screen, unconventional and chilling shorts that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The CineYouth Closing Celebration, presented by Adobe, will be held April 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. at FACETS, at which awards in eight categories will be announced, including the Rising Star Award presented by Adobe; the Chicago Award, Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, and International Film awards. A selection of these award-winning CineYouth films will be screened at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, running October 15 - 26, 2025.

In addition to screenings, CineYouth features live events including workshops and filmmaker Q&As. On Saturday April 26, explore the artistry of film credit design with Sarofsky, creator of main titles for both film and television including Netflix’s BEEF, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, and SUICIDE SQUAD in Cue the Credits: The Making of a Main Title. Festival alum, writer/director McKenzie Chinn joins CineYouth on Sunday April 27 to lead From Future Idea to Feature, discussing the tactics that can help support the creative process as a young independent artist developing new work.

For more information and a full schedule of presentations, and to reserve complimentary tickets, visit the CineYouth website at https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth/.

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Festival Information

CineYouth Festival, founded in 2005 and presented by Cinema/Chicago, is a free international film festival for filmmakers 22-years-old and younger. Held annually in the spring, the festival showcases films created by youth, providing a public platform to highlight the next generation of filmmakers. In addition to short film screenings, CineYouth presents free panels, discussions, and other development opportunities to inspire creativity in youth. CineYouth will celebrate its 20th edition at FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.) April 25 - 27, 2025. For more information, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Accessibility

FACETS is a physically accessible theater, with a no-step entrance, accessible bathrooms, and limited wheelchair and companion seating. To make an accommodation request or for any general questions or comments about accessibility at CineYouth, please fill out our request form, email us at access@chicagofilmfestival.com, or call us at 312.683.0121, x108

2025 CineYouth Sponsors and Partners

Led by major sponsor Adobe, and sponsors MUBI and Interlochen Arts Academy, CineYouth is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; Official Publicity Agency: Acacia Consulting Group; Additional Supporters: Sarofsky, Dark Matter Coffee, and Maison Perrier; Partner Venue: FACETS.

About Cinema/Chicago

Cinema/Chicago, the non-profit 501(c)(3) presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, enriches the community through year-round programming devoted to international and independent cinema. We strengthen communication and inspire empathy among people of diverse cultures through artistic, educational, and creative development programs that promote discovery and discussion and inspire new visions of our shared future.Cinema/Chicago's programs include the Chicago International Film Festival, Industry Days, Summer Screenings, CineYouth Festival, Community Cinema, and year-round Chicago Industry Exchange Lab (CIX: Lab). Celebrating its 61st edition October 15 - 26, 2025, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America's longest-running competitive film festival. For more information, please visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.