WINNERS: June 2026 CHICAGO Film Festival

A showcase of the best new films from around the world today.

AUDIENCE AWARDS (from audience feedback festival):
Best Feature Film: THE QURAN
Best Short Film: BURNOUTS
Best Story: DESERT REFORESTATION
Best Direction: TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

THE QURAN, 100min., USA
Directed by Masood Ali
A Chicago‑based family, once agnostic, embarks on a transformative journey to uncover the true meaning and timeless values of the Quran. Their quest inspires them to bring this exploration to the screen, resulting in a heartfelt film that celebrates faith, understanding, and universal humanity.

https://www.instagram.com/hollywood2bollywoodpictures

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-the-quran

Desert Reforestation: Rivals and the Dropped Camera, 5min., Czechia
Directed by Stanislav Skricka
The film captures real, unplanned moments in which divided communities — rivals in politics, work, and sport — come together in a desert reforestation project. In a place where conflict might be expected, tension unexpectedly transforms into strong bonds of friendship.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-desert-reforestation-chicago

Take It Or Leave It, 3min., USA
Directed by Alex Chacon
This music video speaks to the all-too-common matter of people dealing with rejection simply because they have decided to be true to themselves, to be authentic and be who they are. It is a project designed to bring hope, energy and resilience to those who are marginalized and minimized by others who choose to, nor cannot accept them or make any attempt to understand and love them. Our target audience it turns out to be the emerging generations.

https://instagram.com/sarahjames_music

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-take-it-or-leave-it-chicago

BURNOUTS, 28min., USA
Directed by Jeff Poindexter
2 directionless losers in their late 20’s that have never mentally left 2005, decide to take control of their lives for the first time, resulting in one disaster after another.

https://www.instagram.com/midnightboardwalkproductions

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-burnouts

Unknown's avatar

Author: chicagofilmfestival

Submit your Short Film and get it showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival in Chicago. 1 event in 2019. 12 events in 2020. Festival takes place at LOGAN Theatre in downtown Chicago on the 3rd Friday of every single month.

Leave a comment