Chicago International Film Festival Sets Dates for 61st Edition

North America’s Longest-Running Competitive Film Festival Runs October 15 - 26, 2025; Year-Round Programs Announced

CHICAGO, Illinois (March 27, 2025) - Today, Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, announced its slate of programs, festivals, and series leading up to the 61st edition of North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, set to unspool October 15 - 26, 2025 on screens across Chicago.

Cinema/Chicago is a year-round organization dedicated to fostering communication through the art of film and the moving image. Highlights of 2025 programs include:

20th CineYouth Film Festival

April 25 - 27, 2025

This free showcase of films made by filmmakers age 22 and younger unspools for its 20th season at FACETS, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. CineYouth’s screenings and workshops are free and open to the public; advance registration is recommended. For more information, schedules, and tickets, to be announced April 2, 2025: https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth/

21st Summer Screenings Program

June 2 - August 20, 2025

A long-time favorite event of Chicago’s film and culture-loving community, Cinema/Chicago presents short and feature films from 21 countries around the world at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.; except June 30, July 21, July 28) and Wednesday at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.). Screenings are free and open to the public; advance registration is recommended. For registration and programming information and schedules, set for release May 1:  https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/summer-screenings/

Community Cinema 

July - November 2025

A series of free screenings featuring past Festival titles and 61st Chicago International Film Festival premieres will be presented with filmmaker Q&As at select neighborhood locations in Englewood and Pilsen.

61st Chicago International Film Festival

October 15 - 26, 2025

More than 100 feature films from around the world will be presented at venues throughout the city including the AMC Newcity 14, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Music Box Theatre, the Chicago History Museum, and more. Join filmmakers, actors, artists, and journalists as they convene in the Windy City for the 61st edition of North America’s longest-running competitive film festival. 

Industry Days

October 16 - 19, 2025

Celebrating its 11th year, Industry Days is the Chicago International Film Festival’s hub for filmmakers and professionals to connect, share ideas, and find inspiration. Past Industry Days panelists and presenters include writer-director Minhal Baig, composers Kris Bowers and Terence Blanchard; screenwriters Tarrell Alvin McCraney and John Logan; producers Charles D. King, Gigi Pritzker, and James D. Stern; directors Steve McQueen, Darren Aronofsky, and actor-director Michael Shannon; among others.

For more information, visit Cinema/Chicago’s website at https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/.

# # #

Cinema/Chicago Media Center at this link 

Facebook: facebook.com/chicagofilmfestival/

Instagram: @ChiFilmFest

Hashtag: #ChiFilmFest

Festival Information

Celebrating its 61st edition October 15 - 26, 2025, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America's longest-running competitive international film festival. Showcasing acclaimed and exciting new films from around the world, the 60th edition will be held in person in theaters and venues around the city and virtually, featuring a select program of films with closed captions. From dramas and thrillers to documentaries and comedies, the Festival presents a vast diversity of offerings, featuring competitive categories and programs including Black Perspectives; International Comedy; Women in Cinema; OutLook; After Dark; and the City & State program, showcasing films made in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

2025 Festival Sponsors and Partners

The 61st Chicago International Film Festival's sponsors include Festival Sponsors: Adobe, Baker Tilly, SAGindie, Wintrust. Official Agency: Ogilvy; Publicity Agency: Acacia Consulting Group; Festival Supporters: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. With Major Support from Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation. This program is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. 

About Cinema/Chicago

Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is a year-round nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image. Cinema/Chicago's programs include the Chicago International Film Festival, Summer Screenings Program, CineYouth Festival, and year-round Education Program. 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.