Welcome to the Chicago Southland International Film Festival, enhancing the rich tradition of the vibrant arts and cultural community at Governors State University with a showcase of global cinematic excellence.
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
2024 Chicago Southland International Film Festival
April 4-6, 2024
at Governors State University
Get ready for a cinematic celebration like no other! Tickets are now open for the sixth annual Chicago Southland International Film Festival, where we'll be bringing international shorts and local feature films to Chicago’s southland. Mark your calendars for three days of exceptional films, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable experiences. Get your tickets now and secure your spot at this unforgettable event!
CSIFF 2024 Schedule of Events:
Thursday, April 4th
CSIFF 2024 Kick-Off Cocktail Reception
@ 5:00pm in F Wing Atrium
As a prelude to opening night of our Short Film Competition and Feature Film screenings, enjoy cocktails and conversation as Chicago Southland International Film Festival commences our 6th year!
Full bar and heavy hor d'oeuvres will also be available.
International Short Film Competition: Short Program 1
@ 6:15-8:00pm in F1622 Amphitheater
Check out the films here!
Feature Film Showcase: Provo
@ 8:10p in F1622 Amphitheater
A self-destructive ex-Mormon finds out her estranged, abusive father is on his deathbed in Provo, Utah – so she road trips across the country to reckon with her past, current friend-with-benefits in tow.
View the trailer here.
Friday, April 5th
International Short Film Competition: Short Program 2
@ 6:00-7:45pm in F1622 Amphitheater
Check out the films here!
Feature Film Showcase: Bike Vessel
@ 8:00p in F1622 Amphitheater
Pulled pork, ribs, and liverwurst sandwiches — these are a few of the Southern delicacies filmmaker Eric D. Seals grew up eating alongside his father, Donnie Seals, Sr. But after facing near-death and undergoing the first of three quadruple bypass operations, the elder Seals decided to completely overhaul his life. Bike Vessel chronicles Donnie’s new chapter after becoming an avid cyclist, and follows the two men as they set out on an epic bike ride from St. Louis to Chicago.
View the trailer here.
Saturday, April 6th
International Short Film Competition: Short Program 3 - Family Program (12+)
@ 12:30-1:50pm in F1622 Amphitheater
Check out the films here!
International Short Film Competition: Short Program 4
@ 2:00-3:35pm in F1622 Amphitheater
Check out the films here!
International Short Film Competition: Short Program 5
@ 3:45-5:45pm in F1622 Amphitheater
Check out the films here!
VIP Awards Reception
@ 6:00pm in E Lounge
Join our Chicago Southland International Film Festival Team as we toast the filmmakers whose works have been selected to this year's festival, applaud the volunteers who helped select them, bestow our awards on the deserving winners, and show appreciation to our judges who rated them! Enjoy an open bar and heavy hor d'oeuvres while mingling and networking.
CSIFF 2024 Ticket Options
Choose from various passes and ticket options, including single program tickets and VIP Festival passes granting all-access to all screenings and events.
Discounts are available for students, GovState employees, and veterans, ensuring accessibility for all film enthusiasts.
Tickets are available now at our Eventive ticketing site.
Don't miss your chance to be a part of this cinematic celebration! Click the button below to secure your tickets now.
SPECIAL SHOWCASE: 1948: Creation & Catastrophe
Directed By: Andy Trimlett & Ahlam Muhtaseb
April 25, 2024
4:30 P.M. IN SHERMAN HALL AT GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Join us for a powerful partnership between the Chicago Southland International Film Festival and the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Governors State University. Together, we're bringing the gripping documentary '1948: Creation & Catastrophe' to campus for an unmissable event commemorating World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
Experience the profound impact of this documentary, featuring personal accounts from Palestinians and Israelis, as we shed light on the global humanitarian crisis in Palestine. This event is your opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation, gain cultural knowledge, and amplify diverse and marginalized voices.
After the screening, join us for a dynamic cross-cultural dialogue and panel discussion with experts and fellow attendees. This is more than just a film screening—it's a chance to make a difference and be part of a movement toward understanding and change.
View the trailer here.
PAST SCREENINGS
SPECIAL SHOWCASE: Who Will Write Our History?
Directed By: Roberta Grossman
January 25, 2024
6:00 p.m. in F1622 Amphitheater at Governors State University
Join the Chicago Southland International Film Festival in a powerful partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Governors State University as we bring the gripping documentary, 'Who Will Write Our History,' back to campus for an unmissable event commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day. Transport yourself to the heart of history as we unveil the untold story of a courageous group of journalists, scholars, and community leaders who defied the Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto. This free, public program promises an evening of inspiration, resilience, and the triumph of the written word over tyranny. Immerse yourself in the profound narrative of Emanuel Ringelblum and the Oyneg Shabes, a clandestine group armed with pen and paper against the forces of hate.
View the trailer here.
2023 GovState Student Film Showcase
A celebration of Governors State University film students featuring selected short films produced in GovState’s film program.
2023 Summer Showcase Screening Series
Our Summer Showcase was a fantastic celebration of local filmmaking talent, featuring thought-provoking feature films from June to August. Open to the public, the event, supported by GovState and The School of Extended Learning, sparked engaging conversations through Q&A sessions. Rooted in inclusiveness, diversity, and quality of life, the festival continues to provide a platform for independent filmmakers. Grateful for the support, we look forward to seeing you at future showcases!
2023 Summer Showcase Highlight Reel
2023 Summer Showcase Featured Films
Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter.
Directed By: Rebecca Halpern
View the trailer here.
Art and Pep
Directed By: Mercedes Kane
View the trailer here.
Good Guy with a Gun
Directed By: John Mossman
View the trailer here.
2022 Chicago Southland International Film Festival Highlight Reel
2022 Summer Showcase Highlight Reel
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank You to Our Partners
Digital Learning and Media Design
School of
Extended Learning
Center for Performing Arts