The Chicago International REEL Shorts Festival is an annual short film competition and screening put on by Project Chicago. The festival was founded by Scott Rudolph and Nels Dahlquist. Held annually, this three-day event plays host to more than 150 films (all under 35 minutes) from many countries throughout the world. In 2017 the venue changed to Chicago Filmmakers' Firehouse Cinema located at 1326 W Hollywood Ave in the city of Chicago. Some venues in years past include Columbia College's beautiful penthouse theater. In 2004 and 2005 the 3-Penny Cinema, in Chicago's Lincoln Park district, was the main venue. In 2006 REEL Shorts moved to the historic Davis Theatre in Lincoln Square. In 2007, 2009. 2009 Columbia College came on as a presenting sponsor and the festival is to be held at Columbia's Film Row Theatre.

Particular years

2021

The 18th edition of the Chicago International REEL Shorts Festival was originally scheduled for November 2021 but was postponed due to Covid-19. The festival returned to Chicago Filmmakers' Firehouse Cinema for in-person screenings from March 18-19, 2022.

2020

Festival dates: Streamed online November 14 - December 5

Winners

2019

The 2019 Chicago International REEL Shorts Festival was help at Chicago Filmmakers' Firehouse Cinema located at 1326 W Hollywood Ave in the city of Chicago.

WINNERS

BEST SHORT FILM - Minor Accident of War - Jakob Satzaria SEMI-FINALIST SHORT FILM - Anxiety - Tridib Chakraborty AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS Pageant Mom, Down Dickie & Bea Ballhawks Just Give Me a Minute to Change The Sweatshirt Programmers Awards Best Foreign Rock On, Dude! Best Drama Broken Best Animation King of the House Best Comedy Dickie & Bea Best Musical Short The Odyssey of Cleve Eaton Best Documentary Uncaged: A Stand-In Story Best Horror Keep Looking Best Action Vicarious Best Sci-Fi Dissidence (2084)

2018

Festival dates: November 9-10

Winners

2017

Festival dates: November 10-11

Winners

2016

Festival dates: December 2-3

Winners

2015

Festival dates: December 11-12

Winners

2014

Festival dates: October 9–12

Winners

2004

Festival dates: September 17–19

Winners

2005

Festival dates: September 30 - October 2

Winners

2006

Festival dates: September 29 - October 1

Winners

2007

Festival dates: September 21–23

Winners

2008

Festival dates: September 11–14

Winners

2009

Festival dates: September 10–14

Winners