Free Events
at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival

Join us during the Opening Weekend of the Festival for a free two-day celebration of physical media, with opportunities for film-lovers to connect, purchase, and swap physical media and film merch, hear from filmmakers and industry leaders, win prizes, discuss the power of movies and media, and more.

In this program featuring a selection of shorts from the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival’s City & State shorts program, anxieties, both real and imagined, take center stage in the face of unknown family lineage, romantic longings, career disappointments, and bloody satires. With a varied and profound lineup, this program highlights the immense talents of filmmakers based right here in Chicago.

This conversation will explore the similar and distinct ways these two filmmakers blend a range of political, multi-national, and deeply personal influences on their artistry. Moderated by Professor Nick Davis.

The award-winning shorts of CineYouth 2026 showcase the exciting and reflective visions of eight young filmmakers from around the world. Shoe-stealing comedy, heartfelt documentary, thoughtful animation, and playful explorations of self comprise this wide-ranging program.