SUBMIT FOR 2026 Accepting Submissions for 2026

About the Open Call

The Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase is growing year after year, and you could be a part of the lineup. We are always on the lookout for exciting locally-made and Chicago-focused films to feature in our parks. We accept submissions of Chicago films every year, from October to November. Filmmakers of all ages, skill levels and professional experience are welcome and encouraged to submit. The Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase enhances the offerings of the annual summer Movies in the Parks tradition by adding local flavor and to feature locally-produced and Chicago-focused independent features, documentaries and shorts with safely-distant, free public screenings in the city that inspired them, and an online virtual film festival for safe at-home viewing. The Chicago Park District will accept submissions of films for Chicago Onscreen through December 8, 2025. All submitted works will be evaluated by a selection panel, and a final program of official selections will be featured as part of the 2026 Movies in the Parks summer season. Screening dates and locations are chosen at the discretion of the Chicago Park District.

What is Offered

A small honorarium (up to $500) will be awarded to all selected films. Filmmakers and films will be promoted in all applicable marketing efforts for Movies in the Parks and the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks.

Requirements

Films submitted must be original work of the person(s) submitting. Films must have been produced in the past 3 years (completion date no earlier than December 31, 2022). Films must have a demonstrable and significant connection to Chicago and/or any neighborhood/community therein. Films must be the equivalent of MPAA Rating PG-13 or lower. Short film submissions must be no longer than 30 minutes. Feature submissions must be no longer than 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Entrants may submit up to 1 feature and 1 short or 2 shorts. Submitters are responsible for acquiring all legal rights and authority for the use of any music, images, and content contained in their film.

How to Apply

Submissions for 2026 are accepted from November 1 to December 8, 2025. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit via online screener (Dropbox, Vimeo, YouTube links are acceptable), preferably through FilmFreeway. If selected, films must be made available via a digital file (downloadable links or file transfers are acceptable, Hi-Res files are preferred).