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:
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: VISIT HERE.
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: VISIT HERE
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.
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