Chicago Women Film Fest reveals its winners

The Chicago Women Film Festival is dedicated to independent cinema and the representation of women in films and media. Each year, the festival organizes digital competitions and annual screenings for independent women directors and producers from the U.S. and around the world. Supporting, promoting, and marketing shorts and features of all genres created by women is a priority for the festival committee.

By fostering and highlighting women's contributions to film, the festival aims to inspire future storytellers, encouraging them to unleash their creativity and challenge traditional filmmaking conventions. The IMDb-qualifying Chicago Women Film Fest, in collaboration with the Chicago Women Film Institute, is an international event that celebrates female talent globally. The festival features both seasonal and annual competitions and screenings, honoring the diverse perspectives and creative visions of women directors, producers, and writers across all film genres. It underscores the power of storytelling and the crucial role women play in shaping the cinematic world. Our mission is to offer continuous support and screening opportunities for female directors and women in film through our seasonal and annual events. By nurturing and showcasing women's work in film, we aim to inspire the next generation of storytellers and continue to push the boundaries in the cinematic realm.

Winners:

Best Documentary Feature

Meeting the Buddha

Director: Marta György-Kessler

Best Narrative Short

Zosia wants it here and now

Director: Małgorzata Kocik

Best Documentary Short

Discovering Bessie Coleman

Director: Beth Powell

Best Director

Blythe Haaga

Still Mine

Best Producer

Karen Elaine Lutz

The Power of Ink

Best Actress

Nina Fidderman

Lost For Words

Best Cinematographer

Emily Marquet

Shanidar

Best Editor

Emilie Lowe

The Canary

Best Experimental

INK&CANVAS

Jeanisha Mariah

Best Animation

Departure

Director: Bolormaa Luvsandorj

Best Student Film

Water

Director: Alma Ben Zeev

Best Music Video

Each Day Feels the Same

Director: Lisa Reinerth

Best Environmental

Spring

Director: Dex Decker

Best Human Rights

DEMOCRACY NOIR

Director: Connie Field

Best Comedy

jAImes

Director: Cathy Fiorillo

Best Independent Film

ZEYNEP

Directors: YILDIZ YILMAZ and MATTHEW LUCAS

Best Feature Screenplay

Ffin

Jamie "Sage" Cotton

Best Short Screenplay

When We Show Up

Trish Walker