CineYouth Schedule

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CineYouth banner: See the next generation of filmmakers

CineYouth 2023 Festival Programming

See the next generation of filmmakers. CineYouth 2023 presents 65 short films across 10 programming blocks featuring everything from uproarious comedies to depictions of activism in action to highlights from the Chicagoland area. Plus, CineYouth features two workshops focused on activism in film and creative collaboration through editing, live filmmaker Q&As, and more! Tickets and all events are free and open to the public.

Download the CineYouth Program Book

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Streaming globally: April 24 – 30

CineYouth 2023 film programs will be available to stream globally on the Chicago International Film Festival streaming platform from Monday, April 24 at 12:00pm CT until Sunday, April 30 at 11:59pm CT unless otherwise noted on the film program’s webpage. Once you press play, you’ll have 72 hours to finish watching the program.

To watch, please visit the program details pages available below. Learn how to stream…

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In-Person Screenings & Events: April 21-23

All in-person screenings, workshops, and events took place at Facets, a Chicago-based nonprofit that connects people to independent ideas through transformative cinema.

FACETS
1517 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL, 60614
Get directions >

Virtual Screenings

Virtual Screening

Chicagoland

7 shorts | 63 minutes

The exhilarating work of Chicago’s next generation of filmmakers is showcased in this eclectic collection that celebrates the vast array of creative expressions emerging from our city.*

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Virtual Screening

Be Seen, Be Heard: Documentary

4 shorts | 48 minutes

These documentaries demonstrate that the personal is powerful, and sharing your unique voice and perspective can brighten the world and help make others feel seen.*

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Virtual Screening

CineYouth Selections: Captions Available

10 shorts | 107 minutes

As part of our ongoing accessibility initiative, we are proud to present this selection of CineYouth films with captions available.

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Virtual Screening

Free Verse: Experimental

9 shorts | 50 minutes

Cinematic poetry comes to life in this stunning and thought-provoking array of films that break boundaries and inspire creativity.

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Virtual Screening

Humor Me

6 shorts | 47 minutes

Come experience the joys and absurdities of the world with these lighthearted knee-slappers–sure to make you laugh and delight in their quirky comedic sensibilities!

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Virtual Screening

Intertwined: Drama

5 shorts | 62 minutes

These powerful dramas from around the world highlight the connections, whether fleeting or lifelong, that impact our lives forever.*

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Virtual Screening

It’s Personal

6 shorts | 63 minutes

Tender and nuanced, these intimate films reflect on questions of self-discovery, mental health, growth, and healing–along the journey to connecting with one’s true self.

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Virtual Screening

Late Night Thrills

6 shorts | 58 minutes

Leave the natural world behind and enter a landscape of the supernatural, fantastical, thrilling, and chilling with these genre-bending spooky tales.*

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Virtual Screening

Making a Change

5 shorts | 66 minutes

Utilizing a variety of styles and genres to deftly explore their sociocultural environments, these young storytellers inspire activism and advocacy with their impactful work.*

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Virtual Screening

Playtime: Family Fun!

10 shorts | 44 minutes

Come share moments of joy, laughter, and comfort with these vibrant tales about family, friendships, and life–fun for all ages!

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Virtual Screening

(Up)Rooted

7 shorts | 48 minutes

These emotionally resonant stories explore the complexities of the concept of home, feeling out of place, and the true meaning of belonging.

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*Films in this program contain themes or language that may not be suitable for all ages.

Past Workshops

Workshop

Creative Collaboration: An Exploration of Editing Workflow

Sunday, April 23 @ 11:30am

How do a director and editor collaborate and communicate to bring a film to life? Hear from a director-editor team about the process of editing a feature film together.

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Workshop

Making a Change: Creating Impact Through Storytelling

Saturday, April 22 @ 12:30pm

How do the stories we tell have the power to inspire social and cultural change? Join us for a conversation about channeling your passion for self-expression and activism into films that can transform the world.

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In-Person Screening & Event Schedule

Friday, April 21

Screening

Closing Night: Chicagoland (encore)

Sunday, April 23 @ 7:00pm
7 shorts | 63 minutes

The exhilarating work of Chicago’s next generation of filmmakers is showcased in this eclectic collection that celebrates the vast array of creative expressions emerging from our city.* With open captioned films and a live captioner.

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CineYouth Awards Ceremony

Sunday, April 23 @ 5:30pm
60 minutes

Celebrate the winners from this year’s CineYouth Festival at the Awards Ceremony. Categories include Animation, Chicago, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, International, Rising Star, and Social Impact awards.

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