The Chicago Independent Film and TV Festival supports international and national filmmakers and showcase strong independent work in the city of Chicago.
CIFF fills the overdue need for a quality international independent film festival in Chicago. Ran by filmmakers with a recognized and notable track record, CIFF not only brings quality projects to Chicago but partners with reputable, knowledgeable local film and arts groups. We will use an inside-out approach to championing local creators. After having worked in both Chicago and Los Angeles for nine years we understand the realities of film and video in Chicago and the bulk of the opportunities outside of the region. We see the need to educate and champion local production opportunities but also the actuality of the current industry.
Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?
Brent Kado: We are connecting them with strong opportunities to success both in Chicago and in LA. We’re happy to be working in both cities and love connecting the two filmmaking communities together.
2) What would you expect to experience if you attend your upcoming festival?
We are doing many co-events with our sister festival Chicago Comedy Film Festival. Between the two festivals we will have over 300 filmmakers, actors, agents and producers in attendance. So it is a great way to network. Obviously you’ll see amazing premieres of films and enjoy talking with those involved in each project.
3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?
Chicago premiere and not online or distributed.
4) Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?
Not really. There is a gluttony of film festivals right now. So many little towns have them, 100s in LA, so I feel you can get in somewhere. But the really difference maker is getting into the top tier fests.
5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?
We are filmmakers who understand the festival circuit. We’ve had our own successes (and failures). Our team understands the work and love for independent filmmaking. We’ve also seen a lag in good advise, education and credibility in Chicago’s scene and really try hard to inform and promote our filmmakers to the larger industry in Chicago and LA.
6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?
Good overall. The main issues with them is, again, this gluttony of festivals and awards “contests” and needing to do better weeding out the scams and misleading events.
7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?
With Chicago Comedy Film Festival we’ve seen growth happen in areas I never would have thought. Things happened organically and I expect the same for CIFF. I hope we grow as needed and continue to work with Chicago Comedy Film Festival on creating content and having educational initiatives that make a difference.
8) What film have you seen the most times in your life?
Besides my own, Friday and Gimme Shelter
9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?
Belief.
10) How is the film scene in your city?
Chicago is a great place to create. Cheap, lots of resources and supportive. It’s also a great city to consume art, including film.
Festival Reviews 