City of Lights Film Festival

05/27/2026

🍿Is it that time already?🍿

Submit now to the City of Lights Film Festival. The early deadline is this Friday, May 29. But don't worry - you have two more deadlines this summer to submit your masterpiece.

🎬Get rolling! Find submission info and more at aurorafilmfest.com.

05/11/2026

⭐ Venue Spotlight! ⭐

This year, all screenings during the City of Lights Film Festival will be held exclusively at The Venue!

🎟️ Keep your eyes peeled for when tickets go on sale to celebrate film at one of our favorite live music scenes in downtown Aurora. Submissions are still open - now, through July 17!

Submit your film today at https://filmfreeway.com/CityofLightsFilmFestival

04/29/2026

Last year, students from Augustana College, Aurora University, Columbia College Chicago, College of DuPage, DePaul University, and Waubonsee Community College threw their hat in the ring at the 2025 City of Lights Film Festival. 🎬

Current students...make your mark and get those cameras rolling! The EARLY deadline to submit to the City of Lights Film Festival is May 29!

Submit your film today at https://filmfreeway.com/CityofLightsFilmFestival

04/02/2026

Submissions are now open! 🍿

The City of Lights Film Festival accepts submissions in the following categories: Student Film, Short Film, and Music Video.

If you've never submitted to a festival before or are anxious to see your work on the big screen - now's the time!

Deadlines and eligibility guidelines can be found on Film Freeway: https://loom.ly/eOk_-Es

The City of Lights Film Festival is a must-attend event for movie lovers! Join us September 18 & 19, 2026 in downtown Aurora for a weekend of local filmmakin...

03/27/2026

03/25/2026

The lights are dimming and the Chicago-style popcorn is calling...it's time to save the date for the 4th annual City of Lights Film Festival! 🎬

Join us in downtown Aurora during this two-day festival. Submissions open soon...get those cameras rolling!

09/24/2025

Congratulations to the winner of 2025's Excellence in Student Filmmaking Award - Autumn English!

Autumn's Film, PERFECT CASTING, stood out amongst an incredibly talented group of student entries.

Congratulations, Autumn!

09/20/2025

Don't miss Sierra Falconer's sun-dappled ode to summer as she brings her film, SUNFISH (& OTHER STORIES ON GREEN LAKE) to Aurora TONIGHT.

Arrive early at 5:45PM for a guided meditation workshop, brought to us by InspiHer: Mind Body Business + partners at Aura Holistic & Metaphysical Wellness.

09/18/2025

Vince Lawrence, founder of Slang Music Group, will join Aurora TONIGHT for the City of Lights Film Festival's Opening Night Premiere of MOVE YA BODY: THE BIRTH OF HOUSE.

Catch the illuminating documentary telling the real story of black and q***r culture in Chicago's influence on House Music at 7PM at The Venue. Q&A with Vince to follow.

*Please note: Vince Lawrence will be the subject of Thursday night's Q&A.

09/12/2025

Our short film lineup is BIG on story! Head to The Venue at 11AM for Block 1 & 6PM for Block 2 on Saturday, 9/20 to see some wacky and moving short films.

Many filmmakers, production, and on-screen talent from our short film selection will be in the audience and on the stage for post-screening Q&As!🎥🎥

Tickets at aurorafilmfest.com 🍿