Submit to CICFF38
ABOUT CICFF38 SUBMISSIONS
As the first Academy® qualifying children's film festival in the world, our festival presents the best, most innovative international films for kids and teens. We seek out films that both entertain audiences and challenge them to widen their perspectives. But more importantly, we invite film submissions that are for kids, not simply about them.
For almost 40 years CICFF has set the standard of excellence, celebrating films from around the world that break new ground in their approach to storytelling, offer unique or seldom heard points of view and demonstrate artistic and technical mastery. Our goal is to raise the bar of what films for children and teens can achieve.
CICFF is an advocate for children, prioritizing their human rights and protecting their health and well-being. Films selected for the festival are child or teen driven. The stories are culturally authentic, timely, and of universal appeal. The content speaks positively to people of different backgrounds, cultures and orientations.
We strongly believe that audiences should be engaged, entertained, and enlightened. Films should stimulate discussion and insight into new concepts and motivate active responses from children and teens. Festival films reach unique audiences diverse in age, socioeconomic background, and ethnic heritage. The festival reaches a range of children and teens, educators, parents, and peers unduplicated in the youth film festival audience landscape, worldwide.
We seek and provide opportunities to connect filmmakers with our festival audiences. In addition to the festival, CICFF provides year-round thematic programming that promotes media education in the community and the classroom. Through virtual Q&A's, available to a worldwide audience, filmmakers have an incomparable opportunity to discuss their work with the widest possible array of viewers.
NOTE for 2021: Per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, the CICFF may, in addition to virtual, offer limited in-person screenings.
Deadlines and Entry Fees
Save by submitting by May 1, 2021.
Early Deadline: May 1, 2021
- Short film (under 40 minutes): $40.00 USD SAVE 33%
- Feature film (40 minutes or longer): $80.00 USD SAVE 20%
Regular Deadline: May 31, 2021
- Short film (under 40 minutes): $60.00 USD
- Feature film (40 minutes or longer): $100.00 USD
Participation Agreement
All submissions must comply with our Participation Agreement, read before submitting.
FAQ
How do I submit a film?
We accept submissions to FACETS Chicago International Children's Film Festival (CICFF) on FilmFreeway from March-May 31. Submit before the Regular Deadline on May 1 to save up to 33%. Submit today: CICFF on FilmFreeway
What are the submission deadlines and entry fees?
Submit your film by May 1, 2021 to save with our Early Deadline. Each short film (under 40 minutes) is $40 to submit and each feature film (over 40 minutes) is $80.
For our Regular Deadline, be sure to submit by May 31, 2021 to be considered for CICFF38. Each short film submitted by May 31 is $60 and each feature is $100.
Does CICFF provide fee waivers?
We provide fee waivers for FACETS Chicago International Children's Film Festival (CICFF) on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about fee waivers, please contact our FACETS Youth Programs Coordinator at filmreg@facets.org.
Can I submit multiple films?
Of course, you can. One submitter can submit multiple films to FACETS Chicago International Children's Film Festival (CICFF). But keep in mind, each submission must be submitted separately, and separate entry fees apply for each submission.
What is the submission format?
All submissions are processed through FilmFreeway—to make an account, sign up here. FilmFreeway supports multiple submission formats, including digital video files, Vimeo links, DVDs, and Blu-rays.
How will I know if my film has been accepted?
Filmmakers will receive an official submission status notice from FACETS Youth Programs Coordinator (filmreg@facets.org) by August 31. If you do not receive a notification by August 31, try checking your spam folder first before contacting us.
My film was accepted, how do I attend CICFF as an accredited filmmaker?
Congratulations! Once you hear from FACETS Youth Programs Coordinator (filmreg@facets.org) with details about your acceptance, you can partake in the fun and safe ways CICFF filmmakers get to interact with the fest.
We provide special virtual attendance opportunities for accepted filmmakers to be involved in post-screening discussions, Q&As, and special festival events. Stay tuned for details as CICFF38 approaches.
How do I receive Official Selection laurels?
All CICFF filmmakers should receive Official Selection laurels in their acceptance notification. If you have not received yours, please reach out to FACETS Youth Programs Coordinator at filmreg@facets.org.