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Early Deadline May 1 Final Deadline May 15
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Please read all submission guidelines before entering, thank you.

The Chicago Underground Film Festival exists 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″ (standard VHS) videocassette in either NTSC or PAL format. Foreign language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English.

Entry fees
$30 per entry postmarked by May 1 2002. $35 for entries postmarked after May 1 and received by May 15. Submissions received after May 15 will be considered for the following year’s festival. 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.

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. PLEASE DO NOT USE FIBER ENVELOPES. FIBER ENVELOPES SUCK AND CAN DAMAGE TAPES AND EQUIPMENT!

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

Chicago, IL 60618

Selection and Notification
Programming decisions are made by the festival directors and our selection committee. If your film is chosen, you will be notified prior to August 1, 2002. If accepted, the print of your film, or presentation video, will need to be in our office by Augut 16, 2002. The festival does not pay rental fees for submitted work that is programmed.

Awards
Although the art of filmmaking is not competitive, The Chicago Underground Film Festival does give awards. A festival jury will present awards to films and videos selected as best in these categories: Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary, Experimental, Animation, and “Made in Chicago”. An Audience Choice award will also be presented.

Return of Submission Tapes
Due to the large number of entries received submission videos will not be returned.

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, experimental and adventurous spirit. Recipients are awarded grants of $500- $2,000 in cash and services. Film Fund deadline is February 5, 2002. Contact the festival offices for grant application forms and more information.

How To Contact Us
For more information email us at info@cuff.org

Access Entry Form:
Printable Web Page HERE -or-

PDF Format HERE