THIS IS NOT AN APPLICATION TO HAVE A FILM MADE IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO. WE ARE ONLY CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS FOR POTENTIAL FILM/ MEDIA SCREENINGS AT THE CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER.
About Film Programming
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) hosts free film programs in the Chicago Cultural Center throughout the year. DCASE Film Programming Staff creates opportunities for partners to produce film events, such as screenings, discussions, or series, for the public. DCASE staff provides marketing and technical support to cultural groups interested in collaborating on a film event at the Chicago Cultural Center. Examples of programs produced in collaboration with DCASE include:
ITVS Chicago Community Cinema– a monthly screening series showcasing the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Independent Lens. Panel Discussion and Q&A follows screening.
Cinema/Chicago's Summer Screenings–a summer program of international films that spotlights cinemas of foreign nations, exposes audiences to diverse viewpoints, and reveals the artistic sensibilities of the world’s cultures through film.
How to work with the Film Programming Staff
The DCASE Film Programming Staff accepts proposals and applications from organizations interested in partnering with DCASE to produce a film event in the Chicago Cultural Center. To successfully program film events, the DCASE Film Programming Staff seeks programs with distinction in the following categories, but not necessarily including all of the below:
Originality
Quality
Diversity
Chicago-Centric Theme/Focus/Advocacy
Compatibility with past, current and planned DCASE performing and visual arts programs
Compatibility with event themes, audience, technical specifications, and duration
Submission Guidelines
If you are interested in being considered for a film program, please be able to provide the following information in your application and please consider the following parameters:
Statement of Interest
Explain your interest in producing an event at the Chicago Cultural Center and describe how your event meets the programming criteria; please provide the following: photos, biographical information, media clips, links to press, list of past and future programs; and your contact information.
Logistical + Technical Considerations
Please include information regarding how you plan to utilize the space. Equipment that is required from our AV team – technical information regarding your film and what is needed for your presentation and panel discussions: tables, chairs, microphones, etc. The Chicago Cultural Center can only screen DVD, Blu-ray and 16mm films. Additional formats can be considered at applicant’s expense.
House Rules
-Admission for programming at the Chicago Cultural Center is always free and open to the public.
-No ticketing – first come, first served basis only.
-No food + beverages can be served in the Claudia Cassidy Theater.
-Claudia Cassidy Theater is ADA accessible.
Submission Timeline
Submissions are evaluated on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Due to the high volume of submissions for programs in the Chicago Cultural Center, please allow 4-5 months from the date of your submission for a decision. Questions regarding our submission policy and process can be directed via e-mail to DCASE@cityofchicago.org. Please do not contact us about the status of your submission and we will notify you if you have been selected. The schedule and bookings for film programs are publicized on www.cityofchicago.org/DCASE.
Please click on the following Survey Monkey link and complete the following DCASE film submission application for film programming at the Chicago Cultural Center: