Windy City International Film Festival will host its third annual run from July 18 to July 20 at the historic Victory Gardens Biograph Theater in Lincoln Park.
The 2019 program includes 84 short films, four TV pilots, three feature films, and staged screenplay readings, with local Chicago filmmakers spearheading many of the films.
Additionally, more than 150 filmmakers will represent their films and participate in post-screening Q&As with audience members.
Festival passes are on sale now.
FRIDAY JULY 19, 8 PM | BIOGRAPH THEATRE
THIS WORLD ALONE | TRAILER
“This year’s festival is really going to pack a punch,” exclaims Festival Director, Mindy Fay Parks. “We are screening so many strong, thought provoking, and entertaining films. I really think Independent filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of entertainment in all the right ways, and they are so eager to share their work in our great city!”
The event kicks off on Thursday July 18 with the popular Red Carpet Party and opening night premier of 11 Chicago-made short films, followed by a charming lineup of space- themed short films from around the world.
SATURDAY JULY 20, 1 PM | BIOGRAPH THEATRE
GINGER | OFFICIAL TRAILER
ALSO READ: Costello’s ‘Dreamwisher’ to make Chicago debut
Festivities continue Friday at 10:30 a.m. with a breakfast social and screenplay reading. Attendees will enjoy free coffee and donuts while Chicago actors perform a staged reading of new screenplays.
Friday’s screenings include a Drama Shorts Block, TV Pilots, a mixed-genre block of Chicago-made short films, a female-driven post-apocalyptic feature film (This World Alone), and our popular late-night showing of WTF Shorts (films that make you ask, WTF?).
The festival will also host a Friday afternoon educational happy hour seminar featuring insight on securing insurance needs for short-term film production.

Saturday, July 20, boasts two locally-made Chicago Feature films (Ginger and Banana Season), and a full day of diverse short films from Chicago and around the world. From laugh out loud comedy shorts, to stunning animated films, and stories told from unique perspectives, movie lovers are sure to find something they enjoy!

SATURDAY JULY 20, 7 PM | BIOGRAPH THEATRE
BANANA SEASON | TRAILER
The festivities will close with a celebration on Sunday, July 21 at Navigator Taproom in Logan Square. It will begin with a boozy brunch and our awards ceremony, followed by an encore screening of Chicago short films.

All festival activities on July 18 – July 20, 2019 will take place at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre (2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago 60614).

For the full schedule, click here. For additional information, click here. To purchase fFestival passes, click here.
WINDY CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
FILM & EVENT SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Thursday, July 18th @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre
5:00pm Red Carpet Kick-Off Party
6:30pm Chicago Shorts, Vol. 1
8:45pm “Spaced Out” Shorts
Friday, July 19th @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre
10:30am Breakfast Social & Screenplay Reading
1:00pm Drama Shorts
3:00pm TV Pilots
4:30pm Happy Hour & Seminar with Beyer Insurance Agency
6:00pm Chicago Shorts, Vol. 2
8:00pm Feature: This World Alone
9:45pm WTF Shorts
Saturday, July 20th @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre
11:00am “Growing Up” Shorts
1:00pm Feature: Ginger
3:00pm Comedy Shorts
4:45pm “Wanderlust” Shorts
7:00pm Feature: Banana Season
9:10pm Chicago Shorts, Vol. 3

Sunday, July 21st @ Navigator Taproom
1:00pm Chicago Encore Screening
3:00pm Closing Party
