The Chicago Southland International Film Festival is excited to announce that submissions are officially open for 2027!
We’re looking for bold, creative, and compelling films from storytellers around the world to be part of our next festival, taking place April 15–17, 2027. From powerful short films to captivating feature-length stories, CSIFF celebrates diverse voices and unforgettable cinematic experiences. Selected films will be showcased on the big screen and many will include opportunities for filmmaker Q&As, connecting you directly with engaged audiences.
Whether you're a student filmmaker, emerging creative, or seasoned professional, this is your chance to share your story and be part of an inspiring, community-driven festival.
Ready to submit? Click the button below to enter your film through FilmFreeway and join us for CSIFF 2027!
The 2026 Chicago Southland International Film Festival has officially wrapped, and what an incredible year it was. Across three unforgettable days, audiences experienced powerful storytelling from around the world, connected with filmmakers during insightful Q&As, and celebrated the art of cinema together here in the Southland.
We’re deeply appreciative of every filmmaker, attendee, volunteer, sponsor, and partner who helped bring this year’s festival to life. Your energy, support, and enthusiasm made CSIFF 2026 something truly special—from the excitement in the theaters to the conversations that continued long after the credits rolled.
Thank you for being part of this year’s journey.
This special event was an incredible celebration of storytelling, impact, and global connection. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us in honoring 10 years of Governors State University’s international service-learning efforts. From the powerful world premiere of Medaase: A Ghana Public Health Brigade Story to the engaging post-film Q&A, the evening was filled with inspiration, meaningful dialogue, and unforgettable moments.
We are grateful to all who attended and helped make this event such a resounding success. For those interested in screening the film or learning more, please contact Joshua Young at 708-235-2826 or jyoung4@govst.edu
About the Film: A group of students, faculty, and community members from Governors State University- a public higher education institution rooted in the heart of Chicago's Southland- set out on a Public Health Brigade to Ghana. What unfolded was nothing short of transformational. Partnering with Global Brigades, an international non-profit, these volunteers ventured far beyond the classroom and immersed themselves in the living heartbeat of Ghana: its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse people. The work changed them, but so did the land, the relationships, and the profound sense of connection with the global community.
The GovState Student Showcase was an inspiring celebration of student creativity and talent! The event was an engaging day highlighting the best student films produced at Governors State University. Featuring a diverse lineup of shorts and projects, filmmaker Q&As, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and faculty.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest festival news and announcements.
Our 2025 festival has come to a close, and we are filled with gratitude for everyone who made it such an unforgettable experience. This year’s celebration of cinema brought together a powerful lineup of international and local films, inspiring panel discussions, and lively Q&A sessions with talented filmmakers. We are so thankful to our attendees, filmmakers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for helping us foster a vibrant and welcoming community. From the excitement of the red carpet to the connections made in every conversation, this festival was truly a celebration of creativity, passion, and storytelling. Relive the magic of the festival by viewing our highlight video below!
A celebration of Governors State University film students featuring selected short films produced in GovState’s film program.
