Now in its second year, the free 2020 DOC CHICAGO conference brings Midwest documentary filmmakers together to exchange ideas, learn, and connect. From expert panels to film screenings, community conversations, and a new Short Docs Contest, DOC CHICAGO offers a gathering place for filmmakers to gain new insights and strengthen our connections across the region.

The 2020 DOC CHICAGO conference is presented by the non-profit Percolator Films in partnership with the Chicago Film Office/Department of Cultural Affairs (DCASE), with a majority of the programming taking place at the Chicago Cultural Center on Fri, May 1 – Sat, May 2, 2020. The conference will conclude with an evening program at Chicago Filmmakers on Sat, May 2nd.

We are excited to add a Short Docs Contest to the 2020 DOC CHICAGO conference! Presented in partnership with the Illinois Film Office, the contest aims to highlight documentary productions from across Illinois and help nurture new talent.

Illinois filmmakers are invited to submit a short documentary to compete for a $500 cash prize. The winning entry plus select finalists will screen as part of the DOC CHICAGO conference at the Chicago Cultural Center.  Submitting your film and attending the conference is FREE!

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DEADLINE: March 23, 2020

SUBMISSIONS are solely accepted via FilmFreeway. You must be a current Illinois resident to enter this competition. Films must have been produced between 2018-2020 and run 25 minutes or less. 

The 2020 DOC CHICAGO conference is a project of Percolator Films, a 501c3 non-profit media arts organization, and is presented in partnership with the Chicago Film Office/Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCASE) with support from the Illinois Film Office, Chicago Filmmakers, and Northwestern University’s MFA in Documentary Media Program.

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