CHICAGO (WLS) — The 2025 Cinema Femme Short Film Festival returns July 17-21 to the iconic Music Box Theatre in Chicago.

The five-day festival shines a spotlight on innovative new projects by women and nonbinary filmmakers. It gathers filmmakers, producers, and creatives for a series of screenings, panels, and networking events, all focused on showcasing an impressive array of films.

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By highlighting gender diversity, the festival aims to uplift female and nonbinary filmmakers, creating connections with experienced industry professionals. The primary objective is to pave the way for these talented emerging filmmakers to build long-lasting, successful careers.

Visit cinemafemme.eventive.org for ticket information.

Festival schedule

Thursday, July 17 – Opening Night

6:00 PM – Opening Night Welcome Reception @ Music Box Theatre

7:00 PM – Opening Night Screening: Best of Fest Retrospective @ Music Box Theatre

9:00 PM – Opening Night Party (Music Box Theatre Lounge)

Friday, July 18

4:30 PM – Shorts Program 1 (Theatre 2)

7:00 PM – Noisefloor Post-Credits Cocktail Party at Music Box Theatre

Saturday, July 19

1:00 PM – Post-Production for Producers presented by Journeywork at Music Box

2:45 PM – Spotlight Panel: DePaul & CHA Collaboration at Music Box Theatre

4:30 PM – Shorts Program 2 at Music Box Theatre

7:30 PM – Filmmaker Reception at Alma | Hotel Zachary

Sunday, July 20

10:30 AM – Cinema Femme Members Coffee & Chat at Music Box Theatre

11:30 AM – Shorts Program 3 at Music Box Theatre

1:30 PM – Mezcla Media Collective x CFSFF25 Panel at Music Box Theatre

3:00 PM – Tribute: Catherine Coulson – The Missing Pieces at Music Box Theatre

4:30 PM – 2025 Awards Presentation at Music Box Theatre

Monday, July 21 – Closing Night

6:00 PM – Closing Night Welcome Reception at Music Box Theatre

7:00 PM – Closing Night Screening at Music Box Theatre