THE 8TH ANNUAL CHICAGO UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
THE ALTERNATIVE FOR UNDERGROUND, INDEPENDENT AND EXPERIMENTAL FILM AND VIDEO

August 17-23 2001

PLEASE READ ALL FESTIVAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE ENTRY FORM

The Chicago Underground Film Festival is designed to showcase the defiantly independent filmmaker. Our mission is to promote films and videos that dissent radically in form, technique, or content from the “indie” mainstream presenting works that challenge and transcend commercial expectations…if you suspect your film is “underground,” it probably is.

Submission Guidelines
Each film or video must be accompanied by a completed entry form (photocopies are acceptable) and an entry fee. Entries must be submitted on 1/2″ videocassette (standard VHS). Cassettes must be NTSC format only. Foreign language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English. We strongly encourage you to include at least one black and white photo with your submission.

Entry fees
$20 for all formats if received by April 7, 2001; $35 if received by May 15, 2001. Entry fees must be in U.S. funds only. Checks or money orders should be made out to Chicago Underground Film Festival. Entry Fees are not required from filmmakers who have screened at CUFF in the past.

You can also pay for your entry fee by credit card through Insound.com See the entry form for details. Credit card payments can only be accepted through insound.com.

Shipping
Cost of shipping to festival is the responsibility of the entrant. Exhibition copies must be sent to the festival prepaid. All film reels, cans, videotapes and cases must be labeled with the title of the entry. The festival will cover return shipping. The festival cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss of materials while in transit. Please use only plastic or bubble pack cases when shipping entries. DO NOT USE FIBER ENVELOPES. FIBER ENVELOPES SUCK AND CAN DAMAGE TAPES AND EQUIPMENT!

All entries must be mailed to: Programming Director Chicago Underground Film Festival 3109 N. Western Ave.

Chicago, IL 60618

Selection and Notification
The Festival Screening Committee makes the selection of films. The Festival will make no cuts or changes. If your film is chosen, you will be notified prior to July 1, 2001. If accepted, the print of your film, or a Beta SP video, will need to be in our office by July 15, 2001. The festival does not pay rental fees for submitted work that is programmed.

Awards
The Chicago Underground Film Festival is competitive. The festival will present awards to films and videos selected by our jury as best in these categories: Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary, Experimental, Animation, Audience Choice and “Made in Chicago”.

Return of Submission Tapes
Submission videos will not be returned unless you request otherwise. If you would like your submission tape returned, please include an additional $5 postage and packaging within the US, or an additional $10 if outside the US. Please DO NOT SEND S.A.S.E.s! If you send a S.A.S.E., it will NOT be used.

Chicago Underground Film Fund
The Chicago Underground Film Fund has been established to provide completion funds for films that are in keeping with the festival’s defiantly independent and deliberately scandalous spirit. Recipients are awarded grants of $500- $2,000 in cash and services. Film Fund deadline is February 5, 2000. Contact the festival offices for more information.

How to Contact Us
For more information, call 773-327-3456 or email us at info@cuff.org

* click here after reading the festival entry guidelines to print a festival entry form *

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