Upcoming festivals

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• FACETS: Anime Club

  • Start
    Thu, January 09, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Thu, December 11, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  

  Every second Thursday, FACETS Film Club Members are invited to explore the exciting world of anime with a mystery selection of OVAs, complete series, features, and short films, hand-picked with the help of our regular attendees.

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  Anime Club screenings are a Film Club Member ($15 /month or $150 /year) exclusive perk and include two free tickets, so that members can invite a plus one. This film series encourages community building and discussion around all things anime, featuring built in intermissions every month where members are invited to hang out in the FACETS Studio or Lounge to chat about the films, grab a drink, rent rare DVDs or VHS, and and let us know what other anime they’d like to see on the big screen by voting in our suggestion box. 

  Every month, we offer exclusive drink specials like Sapporo and hold a raffle where members can enter to win unique event posters and curated anime prizes. To enter the raffle, members must purchase a concession for $4 or more. Become a member today to join a community of cinephiles with exclusive access to rare, hard-to-find films and be the first to know about to all FACETS anime-related programming.

  Anime Club is programmed by Emma Greenleaf, FACETS‘ Marketing Manager & Nick Edelberg, FACETS‘ Program Operations Manager. 

  Discover More about FACETS

  Official Website 

  facets.org

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• FACETS: Cold Sweat

  • Start
    Fri, January 17, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Fri, December 19, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  
  

  

  FACETS’ new monthly COLD SWEAT series dives deep into the unnerving world of horror and cult cinema with unexpected, visceral double features designed to raise the hair on the back of your neck and make your lip quiver.

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  Each month, we’ll present a meticulously curated pair of films that push the boundaries of fear, blending classic chills with fresh, innovative scares. But this series isn’t just about the fright—it’s a journey into the psychology and physiology of horror. Why do we willingly subject ourselves to fear-inducing experiences? What is it about the adrenaline rush and the shivers that keeps us coming back for more? COLD SWEAT delves into these questions, exploring the complex relationship between our physical reactions and emotional responses when watching terrifying films. 

  
  

  Upcoming Double Features:

  eXistenZ + St. John's Wort (Fri. January 17 @ 7pm & 9pm)

  Possession + Tokyo Fist (Fri. February 21 @ 7pm & 9:30pm)

  The Skin I Live In + May (Fri. March 21 @ 7pm & 9:30pm)

  
  

  COLD SWEAT is programmed by Nick Edelberg, FACETS’ Program Operations Manager and Emma Greenleaf, FACETS’ Marketing Manager. 

  Discover More about FACETS

  Official Website 

  facets.org

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• Reel Film Club

  • Start
    Tue, January 28, 2025
  • End
    Tue, November 25, 2025
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  
  

  

  Held on the last Tuesday of each month (except March, April and December), the Reel Film Club celebrates a themed night with a reception and screening showcasing films and filmmakers from around Latin America, Spain and Portugal followed by a post-screening discussion.

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  Learn More about Chicago Latino Cultural Center

  Official Website 

  latinoculturalcenter.org

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• FACETS: Film Trivia

  • Start
    Thu, January 30, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Thu, December 25, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  

  Every last Thursday, it’s trivia at 24 frames per second!

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  Test your knowledge against your friends and fellow cinephiles for bragging rights and take-home prizes. Questions from the arthouse to the multiplex, from current cinema news to the nitrate nights of yesteryear. We’re here to push you until the celluloid snaps.

  Join us at 7:00 pm for Film Trivia, a free team-based game with winning teams taking home special prizes, including film memorabilia. Then stick around until 9:00 pm for a one-night-only screening curated by our trivia host.

  
  

  Upcoming Screenings:

  The Doom Generation (Thu. January 30th @ 9pm)

  Natural Born Killers (Thu. February 27th @ 9pm)

  Falling Down (Thu. March 27th @ 9pm)

  
  

  Film Trivia takes place in the FACETS Lounge and is programmed by CineRomero Productions.

  Discover More about FACETS

  Official Website 

  facets.org

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• Chicago Japan Film Collective

  • Start
    Fri, September 05, 2025
  • End
    Sun, September 14, 2025
  • Location
    Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.) and online

    
  

  
  

  The Chicago Japan Film Collective proudly presents a brand new program: The Backstreet Cinema Series

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  The Backstreet Cinema Series is a new program from the Chicago Japan Film Collective (CJFC), created to showcase hidden gems of Japanese cinema. Free from the usual limits of year or genre, the series highlights films that capture the soul, humor, and quiet beauty of Japan—like unexpected discoveries down a backstreet.

  Vol. 1 launches this September with in-theater screenings at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre: The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes on September 6 and Laugh, Everyone! on September 13. In addition, Laugh, Everyone! will be available as a virtual screening September 5–14, giving audiences near and far the chance to experience these rare cinematic treasures. With this series, CJFC expands its mission beyond the annual festival, offering audiences more opportunities to discover Japanese stories that connect across cultures and generations.

  Discover More about CJFC

  Official Website 

  cjfc.us

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• Oak Park, Illinois Film Festival

  • Start
    Thu, September 11, 2025
  • End
    Sun, September 14, 2025
  • Location
    The Lake Theatre - 1022 Lake St Oak Park, IL; Madison Street Theater - 1010 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302

    

  Join the Oak Park, Illinois Film Festival for a weekend of inspiration, discovery, and celebration; all with a Oak Park flair.

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  OPILFF 2025 begins with a bang Thursday evening with a gala at the historic Lake Theatre. The gala will feature Hollywood cinema with connections to Oak Park itself. Then from Saturday and Sunday the festival will continue at Madison Street Theater with a variety of films that including features, documentaries, and shorts, along with an array of networking opportunities, food, and other festival activities.... All with an Oak Park connection.​

  Discover More about OPILFF

  Official Website 

  www.opilff.org

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• Big Teeth 60-Second Film Festival

  • Start
    Sat, September 13, 2025
  • End
    Sun, September 14, 2025
  • Location
    Big Teeth Productions, 4001 N Ravenswood Avenue #301, Chicago IL 60613

  
  

    

  The Big Teeth 60-Second Film Festival is back!

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  The "Big Teeth 60-Second Film Festival" is a FREE annual event that screens 13 original one-minute films created by local filmmakers for the Big Teeth Productions studio as part of the Ravenswood Art Walk. These films are inspired by famous works of art chosen at random by each director, and are new every year.

  Experience all the fun of a film festival in under 15 minutes, and join us for free local beer, popcorn and the most unique and fun event at the Art Walk.

  Discover More about Big Teeth 60-Second Film Festival

  Official Website 

  www.bigteeth.tv/filmfest

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• Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival

  • Start
    Fri, September 19, 2025
  • End
    Sun, September 28, 2025
  • Location
    Chicago Filmmakers - 1326 W Hollywood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660; Landmark Century Cinema - 2828 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

    
  

  Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is back for its 43rd year of championing Queer cinema from around the globe.

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  Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind in the world, and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced. Not only has Reeling become one of the most important cultural events for Chicagoans, it also attracts LGBTQ+ people from throughout the Midwest who consider the festival to be the highlight of their cinematic year.

  Discover More about Reeling2025

  Official Website 

  reelingfilmfest.org

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• The Midwest Film Festival: EVENT TBD

  • When
    Mon, September 29, 2025
  • Location
    Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.)

    

  More details to come soon!

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  Discover More about MFF

  Official Website 

  midwestfilm.com

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• UNSPOKEN: Presented by Queer Expression Film Fest

  • When
    Mon, September 29, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.)

    
  

  Join QEFF at FACETS on Monday, September 29th for UNSPOKEN.

  Get Tickets Now!
  

  UNSPOKEN follows Noam, a closeted teenager in a deeply religious community who stumbles upon a hidden love letter written to his grandfather—by another man, before the Holocaust. Driven by curiosity and longing, Noam sets out to uncover the truth about his grandfather’s past and, ultimately, his own identity.

  In an era marked by rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial, Unspoken resonates deeply. This moving coming-of-age story features strong performances, thoughtful writing, and emotional twists that make it both timely and timeless.

  Watch the Trailer for UNSPOKEN
  

  Discover More about QEFF

  Official Website 

  openspacearts.org

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• 61st Chicago International Film Festival

  • Start
    Wed, October 15, 2025
  • End
    Mon, May 25, 2026
  • Location
    AMC NEWCITY (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.), Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St.), Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.), Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.), Reva and David Logan for the Arts (915 E. 60th St.), National Museum of Mexican Art (1

    

  Celebrating its 61st edition October 15 - 26, 2025, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America's longest-running competitive international film festival.

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  Showcasing acclaimed and exciting new films from around the world, the 61st edition will be held in person in theaters and venues around the city, featuring a select program of films with open and closed captions. From dramas and thrillers to documentaries and comedies, the Festival’s lineup spans a wide range of genres. Signature competitive sections and curated programs include Black Perspectives; International Comedy; Women in Cinema; OutLook; After Dark; and the City & State program, showcasing films made in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

  Full schedule announced in mid-September.

  Discover More about CIFF

  Official Website 

  chicagofilmfestival.com

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• The Midwest Film Festival: The Best of the Midwest Awards

  • When
    Sat, November 01, 2025
  • Location
    CineCity Studios Chicago (2429 W. 14th St.)

    

  More details (including final date) to come soon!

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  Discover More about MFF

  Official Website 

  midwestfilm.com

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• Chicago Film Frenzy

  • Start
    Fri, March 27, 2026
  • End
    Sun, March 29, 2026
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.)

    

  Time for a whirlwind of cinema with the second ever Chicago Film Frenzy!

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  Chicago FiIm Frenzy is all about energy, diversity, and the power of film to ignite conversation and inspiration. Our lineup will feature a dynamic range of films, from gripping narratives and groundbreaking documentaries to daring experimental shorts and everything in between. Each selection has been chosen for its ability to captivate, challenge, and/or entertain audiences, offering fresh perspectives.

  Beyond film screenings, the festival will include lively panel discussions, filmmaker Q&A's, intriguing workshops, & a special networking party. Join us in celebrating another exciting year of the Chicago Film Frenzy!

  Discover More about Chicago Film Frenzy

  Official Website 

  https://www.chicagofilmfrenzy.com/

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• Little Fort Environmental Film Festival

  • Start
    Sat, June 20, 2026
  • End
    Sun, June 21, 2026
  • Location
    Waukegan, Illinois

  
  

  
  

  A 2-Day International Film Festival on the Shores of Lake Michigan, Little Fort Film Festival Premieres June 20-21, 2026 in Waukegan, Illinois!

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  The June 20-21, 2026 festival will be at three venues in the City of Waukegan, promoted in both English and Spanish and is an inclusive event for all. If you are interested in climate change, environmental protection, plastic pollution, invasive species, drinking water, access to health, environmental justice or agricultural pollution, submit your film to Little Fort Film Festival

  Este festival se realizará en tres sedes en la ciudad de Waukegan, se promocionará tanto en inglés como en español y es un evento inclusivo para todos. Si está interesado en el cambio climático, la protección ambiental, la contaminación plástica, las especies invasoras, el agua potable, el acceso a la salud, la justicia ambiental o la contaminación agrícola, envíe su película al Little Fort Film & Music Festival

  Discover More about LFFF

  Official Website 

  wwwwww.littlefortfilmfestival.org

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