# CineYouth Festival

The Chicago International Film Festival's annual showcase of short films by directors 22 and younger: selected films screen in Chicago and stream worldwide, and all events are free. Submissions open each November.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Cinema/Chicago |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Hybrid (in person + online) |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Apply | https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth/ |

## About this program

# CineYouth Festival

CineYouth is Cinema/Chicago's annual film festival celebrating filmmakers 22 and younger from around the world, produced by the organization behind the Chicago International Film Festival. Now past its 21st edition, the festival screens selected shorts in Chicago each spring - the 2026 festival ran April 24-26 at FACETS with worldwide streaming April 27-May 3 - alongside hands-on workshops and live Q&As with young directors.

## What You'll Do

- Submit a short film you directed at age 22 or younger, in any genre, via the festival's FilmFreeway page
- Compete for awards judged within age categories, with middle school, high school, and college-age filmmakers all eligible
- See your selected film screened for a Chicago audience and streamed worldwide
- Join free workshops and Q&As that connect young filmmakers with peers and professionals

## Who Should Apply

Any filmmaker 22 or younger, including middle and high school students; the 2026 submission window ran November 1, 2025 through February 16, 2026, and the next window is expected to open in November 2026. Fee discounts have been offered for BIPOC filmmakers and filmmakers with disabilities. All CineYouth events are free and open to the public.

## Outcomes

Selection puts a student film in an internationally programmed festival run by a major film institution - a meaningful screen credit for college applications and film school portfolios. Award winners join the alumni ranks of one of the longest-running youth showcases attached to a top-tier American film festival.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for CineYouth Festival?

CineYouth Festival is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is CineYouth Festival online or in person?

CineYouth Festival is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in Chicago, IL).

### How do I apply to CineYouth Festival?

Apply directly through Cinema/Chicago's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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