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
2026 Chicago Southland International Film Festival
Save the Date:
April 9-11, 2026
The Chicago Southland International Film Festival is back for another unforgettable year! ️Join us April 9-11, 2026 for three action-packed days celebrating storytelling, creativity, and the power of film. Featuring a dynamic lineup of international shorts and local feature films, filmmaker Q&As, red carpet moments, and community fun, CSIFF is the can't-miss event of the year for movie lovers, filmmakers, and dreamers alike.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest festival news and announcements.
Think your film has what it takes to shine on the big screen? Submissions for CSIFF 2026 are officially open!
Whether you're a student, a rising indie creator, or an established professional, we want to see your work. Click the button below to submit your film and be part of the excitement!
PAST SCREENINGS
2025 Chicago Southland International Film Festival
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!
2025 Chicago Southland International Film Festival Highlight Reel
2024 GovState Student Film Showcase
A celebration of Governors State University film students featuring selected short films produced in GovState’s film program.
2023 GovState Student Film Showcase Highlight Reel
BingeFest 2024
August 29, 2024
5:30 p.m. in the F1622 Amphitheater at Governors State University
BingeFest 2024 has officially wrapped, and we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out! It was an incredible evening filled with red carpet moments, engaging film discussions, and, of course, binge-watching some of the best short films from the Chicago Southland International Film Festival. We’re grateful for the support from GSU students and the community, and we hope you enjoyed the pizza, drinks, and exclusive CSIFF swag. Stay tuned for more exciting events, and we can’t wait to see you at the next one!
Summer Showcase: Star Wars Episode I- The Phantom Menace
July 11, 2024
E Lounge in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University
Our Summer Showcase featuring "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" on July 11, 2024, was a fantastic event! Attendees enjoyed self-guided tours of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, participated in Star Wars trivia, and showed off their best costumes in a spirited contest. The evening concluded with an outdoor screening of the iconic film under the stars.
If you missed it or want to relive the memories, watch the highlight video below!
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.
The Chicago Southland International Film Festival
is proudly produced by
the Digital Learning and Media Design Department
at Governors State University.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to these University Departments
for your invaluable support.
School of
Extended Learning
Center for Performing Arts
Disclaimer: Governors State University is an inclusive environment that promotes and encourages critical thinking, fact finding, and development of diverse thinking and conclusions. The thoughts, views, and expressions of rental events and, or those who do not expressly speak on behalf of the university are that of their own, and do not represent the University in any manner.
