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33rd edition
Chicago Underground Film Festival
Chicago, United States
September 23-27, 2026
5 days
About Chicago Underground Film Festival
Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) is a five-day celebration of genre-defying, experimental, and boundary-pushing cinema that champions independent artists working outside the mainstream. Founded in 1993, it is widely regarded as the longest-running underground film festival on the planet.
Festival details
Location
Chicago, Illinois · Chicago, United States
Scope
International
Focus
Underground · Experimental · Independent · Avant-garde · Documentary
Duration
5 days
Founded
1993
Special programs
Feature screenings
Feature-length experimental/independent works.
Short film blocks
Curated shorts blocks.
Panel discussions
Industry and craft panels.
Workshops
Educational workshops.
Filmmaker Q&As
Conversations with filmmakers.
Best Documentary Films
Award-Winning Documentaries
Curated For You
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