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CHHOBIGHAR | FILM SUBMISSION
CBFF2026 Submission Page Header.jpg

FILM SUBMISSION

Chicago Bengali Film Festival (CBFF), organized and hosted by Chhobighar Film Society, takes place annually around August-September. Since the inaugural CBFF in 2019, the fest has built a reputation on its impactful movies, and the connection audiences make with the contemporary Bengali cinema that develops a better understanding of the role of movies in today's world, while nurturing the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and legacy of Bengali cinema.

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Chhobighar Film Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, a Bengali film society initiative in Chicago to engage the local community in Chicagoland area in creative and cultural discovery through moving images that advocate and encourage the appreciation of Bengali cinema both as a medium of education and as an art.

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Inspired by visions of integration, harmony, and celebration of life, Chhobighar Film Society hosts CBFF to
- Showcase Bengali movies in a festive milieu
- Emphasize cultural integration in Chicagoland area through Bengali films
- Ensure the next generation has access to the riches of global cinema

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Chhobighar Film Society proudly presents this year's Chicago Bengali Film Festival, CBFF2026 on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026.

AWARDS & PRIZES

  • Best Film: $1000

  • Best Direction: $500

  • Best Actor: $500

  • Best Actress: $500

  • Best Supporting Actor: $250

  • Best Supporting Actress: $250

  • Audience Choice Best Film: $500

CBFF2026 IS SUPPORTED BY

Government of India: Consulate General of India, Chicago

Illinois State Government: Illinois Arts Council 

DuPage County Government: Arts DuPage​

Illinois Arts Council IAC
Consul General of India Chicago
Arts DuPage

RULES & TERMS

Submissions:
(a) All films must be available to screen during CBFF2026, August 21-22, 2026
(b) All films must not have been shown on any television, satellite, digital or OTT platform prior to CBFF2026.
(c) All films must be in Bengali language with English subtitles.
(d) Entries must be received by June 29, 2026.
(e) Chhobighar Film Society accepts secure screeners through Vimeo.
(f) Films submitted without the proper submission media may be deemed ineligible.
(g) Chhobighar Film Society requires a password protected HD quality Vimeo link for every film that will be screened at the festival.
(h) Chhobighar Film Society reserves the right to withdraw any film from the lineup, before or during the festival.

(i) If a film is selected, Chhobighar Film Society will contact the entrant by phone, Whatsapp, text or email.

(j) All entrants will be notified by July 10, 2026. Chhobighar Film Society does not provide feedback or screening notes to entries that are not selected.
(k) Marketing materials including digital posters, trailers, and video bites from directors, actors and actresses of the selected films are required to be provided for immediate and effective promotion.

DATES & DEADLINES

  • May 3, 2026

       Opening Date

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  • June 29, 2026

       Submission Deadline

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  • July 10, 2026

       Notification Date

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  • August 21-22, 2026

       Event Dates

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