ICONIC
Season 2026 is Open
CHICAGO
INDEPENDENT
FILM FESTIVAL
Where stone and water engage in eternal dialogue, where wind turns streets into music, where independent cinema becomes revelation
ABOUT THE
FESTIVAL
Independent cinema is born here as a revelation, like a sudden wind from Lake Michigan that changes the direction of the sails. It does not obey the laws of the industry.
Independent cinema is like a mirror broken into pieces, each of which reflects its own truth. It is a voice that sounds even when they try to silence it.
NEW PERSPECTIVES
A gaze that sees what others ignore. New ways to talk about important things.
PURE EMOTION
Where film becomes not a product, but a revelation, not a commodity, but a cry.
ELECTRIC TRUTH
An act of resistance, a declaration of love, a challenge to the familiar.
CHICAGO CINEMA STORIES
Every frame captures Chicago's soul. Every story becomes cinema. This is where independent films are born.
FESTIVAL WINNERS
Best Film
Small Potatoes
Rich Allen
Best Short Film
Bored
Jack Smith
Best Documentary
The 3100
Mark Fisher
Best Experimental
Redline Prophecies
JD Collins
Best Debut
The Silence We Keep
Yidan Sun
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Hey, You!
NickyJoe Perez
I Do Remember
Ron Osgood
UberFriends
Liz Johnson
Innocent Captive
Jeremiah Job Johnson
Freakin Weekend
David L Bradburn
Sunday
Eva Weitzman-Stangel
Motel Matinee
Aidan B Hilmersen
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
MAIN FESTIVAL AWARDS
Best Film
The absolute heart of the festival
Best Short Film
Special magic in short form
Best Documentary
Honest exploration of reality
Best Debut
Courage of first steps
Best Experimental
Breaking convention, creating new language
SUBMIT YOUR
REBELLION
Ready to join the independent film manifesto?
Your story becomes part of Chicago's rhythm.
🎬 All genres welcome
âš¡ No experience barriers
🔥 Only meaningful cinema
SUBMIT YOUR WORK
SUBMIT VIA
FILMFREEWAY
VENUE &
LOCATION
LOCATION
New Acropolis
4001 N Ravenswood Ave, 204B
Chicago, IL 60613
DATE
December 5, 2026
SCHEDULE
Starts at 6 pm
RULES & GUIDELINES
Freedom begins where fear ends. Submit your work and be heard.
BY THE NUMBERS
500+
SUBMISSIONS
50+
FILMMAKERS
25+
CATEGORIES
1
DAY
CONTACT US
Got questions? We're here.
CONTACT INFO
info@iconic-chicago.com
Film submissions & inquiries
Chicago, IL
Festival headquarters
FOLLOW THE REBELLION
SEND MESSAGE
READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD WITH CINEMA?
ICONIC CHICAGO INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL © 2026