Welcome to the Chicago Southland International Film Festival, enhancing the rich tradition of the vibrant arts and cultural community at Governors State University with a showcase of global cinematic excellence.
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
GovState Student Film Showcase
October 29, 2024
5:30 p.m. in the F1622 Amphitheater at Governors State University
This free program will feature selected short films produced by Governors State University students and alumni. Support these aspiring young filmmakers and hear about their filmmaking process during a live, post-film Q&A. The full lineup will be announced later. Ticket reservations will open on October 7 on our ticketing website.
Now Accepting Submissions for the GovState Student Film Showcase
Guidelines for submissions to Chicago Southland International Film Festival’s GovState Student Film Showcase are as follows:
1. Submitters must be current students or alumni of Governors State University.
2. Films can be no longer than 20 minutes in length.
3. Films must be submitted with a brief press kit including the following information: film credits, a logline, a synopsis, and a director biography/headshot. This can be a simple Word document.
4. Films must be submitted with an 8.5” x 11” poster for the film. The poster can be as simple as a screenshot from the movie with the title and director’s name on it or as elaborate as desired.
5. The film's press kit, poster, and digital file (a rough cut is acceptable) must be uploaded to Dropbox by 11:59 pm on October 14.
6. Submitters will be notified of selection by October 18.
7. Final cuts of selected films must be uploaded to the same Dropbox folder no later than October 22 at 11:59 pm.
8. Submitters must use the following nomenclature when uploading their files:
Rough Cut Film- Filmtitle_studentname_FilmRC
Final Cut Film- Filmtitle_studentname_FilmFC
Press Kit- Filmtitle_studentname_PK
Poster- Filmtitle_studentname_Poster
2025 Chicago Southland International Film Festival
Save the Date:
April 3-5, 2025
Mark your calendars and save the date for the next Chicago Southland International Film Festival, taking place on April 3-5th, 2025! Join us for an exhilarating cinematic experience featuring international shorts, local feature films, and captivating storytelling. Don't miss out on this unforgettable event - secure your spot today!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest festival news and announcements.
Submit Your Film for CSIFF 2025!
Be a part of the Chicago Southland International Film Festival (CSIFF) 2025! We're seeking submissions for our Feature Film Showcase and Short Film Competition, open to students and professionals worldwide. Past showcases have featured award-winning films, and most screenings include live Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent on our international stage. Submit your film today on FilmFreeway!
PAST SCREENINGS
BingeFest 2024
August 29, 2024
5:30 p.m. in the F1622 Amphitheater at Governors State University
BingeFest 2024 has officially wrapped, and we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out! It was an incredible evening filled with red carpet moments, engaging film discussions, and, of course, binge-watching some of the best short films from the Chicago Southland International Film Festival. We’re grateful for the support from GSU students and the community, and we hope you enjoyed the pizza, drinks, and exclusive CSIFF swag. Stay tuned for more exciting events, and we can’t wait to see you at the next one!
Summer Showcase: Star Wars Episode I- The Phantom Menace
July 11, 2024
E Lounge in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University
Our Summer Showcase featuring "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" on July 11, 2024, was a fantastic event! Attendees enjoyed self-guided tours of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, participated in Star Wars trivia, and showed off their best costumes in a spirited contest. The evening concluded with an outdoor screening of the iconic film under the stars.
If you missed it or want to relive the memories, watch the highlight video below!
SPECIAL SHOWCASE: 1948: Creation & Catastrophe
Directed By: Andy Trimlett & Ahlam Muhtaseb
April 25, 2024
4:30 P.M. IN SHERMAN HALL AT GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Join us for a powerful partnership between the Chicago Southland International Film Festival and the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Governors State University. Together, we're bringing the gripping documentary '1948: Creation & Catastrophe' to campus for an unmissable event commemorating World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
Experience the profound impact of this documentary, featuring personal accounts from Palestinians and Israelis, as we shed light on the global humanitarian crisis in Palestine. This event is your opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation, gain cultural knowledge, and amplify diverse and marginalized voices.
After the screening, join us for a dynamic cross-cultural dialogue and panel discussion with experts and fellow attendees. This is more than just a film screening—it's a chance to make a difference and be part of a movement toward understanding and change.
View the trailer here.
2024 Chicago Southland International Film Festival
Our 2024 festival was a spectacular celebration of local filmmaking talent, showcasing thought-provoking feature films We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event such a phenomenal experience. Featuring a diverse selection of international and local films, insightful panel discussions, and engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers, the festival celebrated the art of cinema and fostered a sense of community among film enthusiasts. From the red carpet premieres to the closing night celebrations, it was a showcase of talent, creativity, and passion for storytelling. Relive the magic of the festival by viewing our highlight video below!
2024 Chicago Southland International Film Festival Highlight Reel
SPECIAL SHOWCASE: Who Will Write Our History?
Directed By: Roberta Grossman
January 25, 2024
6:00 p.m. in F1622 Amphitheater at Governors State University
Join the Chicago Southland International Film Festival in a powerful partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Governors State University as we bring the gripping documentary, 'Who Will Write Our History,' back to campus for an unmissable event commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day. Transport yourself to the heart of history as we unveil the untold story of a courageous group of journalists, scholars, and community leaders who defied the Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto. This free, public program promises an evening of inspiration, resilience, and the triumph of the written word over tyranny. Immerse yourself in the profound narrative of Emanuel Ringelblum and the Oyneg Shabes, a clandestine group armed with pen and paper against the forces of hate.
View the trailer here.
2023 GovState Student Film Showcase
A celebration of Governors State University film students featuring selected short films produced in GovState’s film program.
2023 Summer Showcase Screening Series
Our Summer Showcase was a fantastic celebration of local filmmaking talent, featuring thought-provoking feature films from June to August. Open to the public, the event, supported by GovState and The School of Extended Learning, sparked engaging conversations through Q&A sessions. Rooted in inclusiveness, diversity, and quality of life, the festival continues to provide a platform for independent filmmakers. Grateful for the support, we look forward to seeing you at future showcases!
2023 Summer Showcase Highlight Reel
2023 Summer Showcase Featured Films
Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter.
Directed By: Rebecca Halpern
View the trailer here.
Art and Pep
Directed By: Mercedes Kane
View the trailer here.
Good Guy with a Gun
Directed By: John Mossman
View the trailer here.
2022 Chicago Southland International Film Festival Highlight Reel
2022 Summer Showcase Highlight Reel
The Chicago Southland International Film Festival
is proudly produced by
the Digital Learning and Media Design Department
at Governors State University.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to these University Departments
for your invaluable support.
School of
Extended Learning
Center for Performing Arts
Disclaimer: Governors State University is an inclusive environment that promotes and encourages critical thinking, fact finding, and development of diverse thinking and conclusions. The thoughts, views, and expressions of rental events and, or those who do not expressly speak on behalf of the university are that of their own, and do not represent the University in any manner.
