March 28th - 30th, 2025 at FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton) in Beautiful Lincoln Park Chicago
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
A Celebration of Independent Cinema
FRI
SAT
6pm-630pm
48 HR Film Frenzy Kick-Off
630pm-8pm
Cocktail Hour/Networking Party
8pm-10pm
Opening Ceremony & Film TBA
10pm-1130pm
DJ/Dancing/Films/ Drinks/Food Truck
10am - 11am
Film Screenings: Shorts Program
11am-12pm
GUEST SPEAKER: TBA
12pm-11pm
Film Screenings:
Shorts & Features
5pm-10pm
Workshops & Q&As: TBA
SUN
10am - 11am
Film Screenings: Shorts Program
11am-12pm
GUEST SPEAKER: TBA
Film Screenings:
Shorts & Features
12pm-6m
6pm-7pm
Awards Ceremony
7pm-1030pm
48 HR Film Frenzy Showings & Closing Party
Lineup Of Films Will Be
Announced on 2/20/25!
FEATURED Speakers & Workshops
Speakers and Workshops Will Be
Announced January 2025!
48 HOUR
FILM
FRENZY
Create a short in 48 hours
Compete against your peers
Step 1: Gather Your Crew
Step 2: Sign-Up here starting 1/1/25 (more details to be released on this date)
Step 3: Show up at 6pm on Friday 3/28/25 to draw your category and "must have" elements
Step 4: Get to Work! You only have 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit your film!
Step 5: Deliver your film to us by 6pm on Sunday 3/30/25 and have it screened to close out our festival!
EARLY BIRD $$$
$85/TEAM
ABOUT
OUR MISSION
Get ready for a whirlwind of cinema at the first-ever Chicago Film Frenzy! From March 28th-30th at FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton in Chicago), the Windy City film scene will be buzzing with excitement as filmmakers, movie lovers, and creative minds come together to celebrate a vibrant mix of films.
Chicago FiIm Frenzy is all about energy, diversity, and the power of film to ignite conversation and inspiration. Our lineup will feature a dynamic range of films, from gripping narratives and groundbreaking documentaries to daring experimental shorts and everything in between. Each selection has been chosen for its ability to captivate, challenge, and/or entertain audiences, offering fresh perspectives.
Beyond film screenings, the festival will include lively panel discussions, filmmaker Q&A's, intriguing workshops, special networking parties, and a 48 hour Film Frenzy. Join us in celebrating the inaugural year of the Chicago Film Frenzy!
WHO WE ARE
Billy Surges
- Co-Founder of Chicago Film Frenzy
- Owner of Surging Films
- Award-Winning Director for TV Pilot and Doc Short
- On-Set Coordinator for various Chicago films and shows such as Divergent, Shameless, At Any Price
Emma Widlowski
- Co-Founder of Chicago Film Frenzy
- Producer at Surging Films
- Star of new Christmas Film coming to a major streaming network in 2024
OUR PARTNERS
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What is parking like near Facets?Paid Parking is available along Fullerton Ave. Free Street Parking is available on side streets including Greenview Ave and Bosworth. Spot Hero options are also available nearby.
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Is there public transport to get to Facets?The 74 Fullerton bus stops outside of Facets on the corner of Fullerton and Greenview. Brown and Red L line train stops at Fullerton Avenue, 14 minute walk to Facets. Divvy station located at Fullerton and Greenview as well as municipal bike racks in front of Facets.
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Are there hotel accommodations nearby?We recommend The Hotels at Midtown Chicago and The Sono Chicago.
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What is accessibility like at Facets?Facets' first floor entrance is a covered ramp, offering step-free access. There is an accessible entrance to the cinema through the front door by the screen. Please ask a customer service representative for assistance. There are two cinema spaces designated to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices with reserved companion seats.
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How do I submit my film?Films can be submitted for consideration at FilmFreeway https://filmfreeway.com/ChicagoFilmFrenzy
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How many films will be selected to screen?Over the three day festival, we plan to screen a little over 100 films.