Chicago Underground Film Festival

Vimeo links are preferred (password-protected). YouTube private links are fine.

If your film isn’t in English, it must include English subtitles.

All submissions are considered on merit. That said, a Chicago premiere strengthens a feature’s chances—our audience values discovering new work. If your film has screened in Chicago before, please disclose where/when. Shorts have more flexibility; we understand that great shorts often benefit from multiple showings.

Exhibition format: DCP required for screening (we can connect you with an affordable vendor if needed). Backup file: ProRes 422 HQ (48 kHz audio) strongly preferred. Resolution: 2K or 4K accepted. Audio: stereo or 5.1 supported. Frame rate: 24 fps preferred; 25 fps accepted with advance notice. Aspect ratio: Any ratio supported; CUFF will letterbox/pillarbox as needed. Stills: high-quality film stills preferred over set photos.

16mm is supported. 35mm is possible only at the Gene Siskel Film Center, subject to schedule and availability. A DCP backup is strongly recommended for all prints.

We know categories can be limiting—but Hiike requires one per submission. Choose the best fit for how the work primarily operates. Boundary-crossers welcome.Narrative — from classical storytelling to loose, character-driven experiments.Experimental — avant-garde, personal, punk, found footage, video art, expanded cinema.Animation — hand-drawn, CGI, stop-motion, clay, cut-out, hybrids.Documentary — re-enactments, collage, hybrids—if it’s rooted in the real, it counts. If you straddle doc/fiction, just flag it for us.

Feature: over 40 minutes; Short: 40 minutes or less (Academy standard)

Alumni: If you’ve screened with CUFF before, you’re family—email info@cuff.org with your last CUFF title for an alumni waiver/discount. Financial hardship: Write us; we try to help—usually with a discount rather than a full waiver. Sanctions/conflict regions: CUFF considers case-by-case waivers for filmmakers facing significant barriers.

Your submission stays between you and CUFF. Only the programming team accesses your screener and info. We don’t share links or contact details with sponsors, donors, or third parties without consent.