Dates & Deadlines
About festival
Founded in March of 2024, The Chambana Film Society, which hosts the Savoy Lumière, is the fastest-growing film organization in Central Illinois, and is already the largest film event in Illinois outside of Chicagoland. The festival, and film society has quickly gained a reputation for its well curated screenings at the Savoy 16 + IMAX, its passionate audiences, and strong support from the local film community, press, and government entities.
In just over two year, the Chambana Film Society has hosted 90 screenings to thousands of attendees, paid out thousands in screening fees and revenue splits, and established itself as a major cultural hub in the region. In 2027 edition of the Savoy Lumière will move to a full 10-day schedule, with plans for encore screenings of selected titles at an additional screening space in Urbana.
Filmmakers can expect: Engaged, enthusiastic audiences in a community that loves cinema. 2 full festival badges. Professional theatrical presentation at a first-class multiplex. Media coverage and community support that help films find wider recognition. A commitment to independence.
Throughout 2026, we have been working on additional, themed "mini-festivals", of 6-10 screenings over a long weekend. We currently are looking at holding:
CineSonic Music Film Festival Doctober Fest A 24-hour horror marathon An LGBTQ+ Film Festival
and this is on top of our weekly screening series, The Savoy Arthouse.
We’re looking for bold, personal, and original films that deserve the big screen. Submit today and join us as we celebrate the next wave of independent cinema in Champaign-Urbana.
Festival Amenities
Filmmaker pass
Savoy Lumière (Champaign-Urbana)
11 perks included
Accommodation
Hotel Discounts
Discounted hotel rates
Travel
Airport Transport
Airport pickup/dropoff
Shuttle Service
Transportation service
Amenities
Filmmaker Lounge
Dedicated lounge space
Catering
Food and beverages
Green Room
Private backstage area
Events
Q&A Sessions
Audience interaction
Access
All Access Badges
Full festival access
Complimentary Tickets
Free guest passes
Marketing
Festival Catalog
Program listing
Social Media Spotlight
Online promotion
Accepted Content
Submission Categories
Feature Narrative FilmsCloses within 7 days or closed
Narrative Feature Films over 40 minutes.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Feature Documentary FilmsCloses within 7 days or closed
Documentary Feature Films over 40 minutes.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Feature Animated FilmsCloses within 7 days or closed
Animated Films over 40 minutes.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Feature Films From Illinois / IndianaCloses within 7 days or closed
Feature Films are defined as films with a runtime exceeding 40 minutes. To qualify, films must meet at least two of the following three criteria: At least 50% of the film was shot in Illinois or Indiana The director resides in Illinois or Indiana The producer or screenwriter resides in Illinois or Indiana All submissions must be Central Illinois premieres, meaning the film must not have had a prior public screening in the region. Cast-and-crew screenings do not affect premiere status.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Short Documentary FilmsCloses within 7 days or closed
Documentary Short Films under 41 minutes in length.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Short Narrative FilmsCloses within 7 days or closed
Narrative Short Films under 41 minutes in length.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Short Animated FilmsCloses within 7 days or closed
Animated Short Films under 41 minutes in length.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Short Films From Illinois / IndianaCloses within 7 days or closed
Short Films are defined as films with a runtime less than 41 minutes. To qualify, films must meet at least two of the following three criteria: At least 50% of the film was shot in Illinois or Indiana The director resides in Illinois or Indiana The producer or screenwriter resides in Illinois or Indiana All submissions must be Central Illinois premieres, meaning the film must not have had a prior public screening in the region. Cast-and-crew screenings do not affect premiere status.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Music Videos / Music Films Under 10 MinutesCloses within 7 days or closed
These submissions will probably be considered more for CineSonic, our yearly music-film festival. Music Videos, Documentaries, or Narratives that are under 10 minutes.
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Episodic PilotCloses within 7 days or closed
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Festival Rules
Premiere Requirements:
We do not have screening premiere requirements at this time. We do greatly prefer to show films not available for free streaming, but occasionally makes exceptions, usually for short films. Please let us know via cover letter, or when accepted, if your film will be available at the time of the festival.
General Authorization:
When you submit a film, you should be authorized to submit this film for screening at the 2027 Chambana Film Festival You grant the Chambana Film Festival the nonexclusive right to use submitted materials in connection with any and all publicity and promotional materials regarding the festival. They warrant that the submitted film does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any person or entity and agree to hold harmless and fully indemnify and defend the Chambana Film Festival and its representatives against any and all claims made for such infringement or any other violations of law. They also acknowledge that the film submission fee does not guarantee acceptance and no refund will be provided if your film is not selected.
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