📣The countdown continues as we get closer to a night that brings filmmakers together from around the world. From powerful stories to standout performances, this year’s nominees represent an incredibly strong group.
In just 3 weeks, the winners will be announced live, and the crowns will be awarded.
Be there to experience it in the room.
Virtual screenings begin May 31, leading into the Crown Awards on June 7 at the Logan Theatre.
🎟Tickets available at cpiff.com.
Direction shapes every aspect of a film, bringing together story, performance, and visual style into a cohesive vision.
Here are the nominees for Best Director Short Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:
• Riley Robbins for Where The Shadows Wait (US)
• Dylan Gouze for Night of Resolutions (Canada)
• Raul Rosco Guerrero for Lucy's Last Song (US)
• Izah Neiva for Firmina (Brazil)
Each of these directors demonstrates strong creative control and the ability to deliver a compelling story in a short format.
Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.
Debut feature films often reveal bold vision and a strong creative voice from emerging directors.
Here are the nominees for Best 1st Time Director Feature Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:
• Greg Dale for Rules of Living (Japan)
• Gregory Pellerito for Moments of Youth (US)
• Mihaela Tudorof & Michael Eric for Family Hug (US)
• Danny L Lee for Perpetual Love (US)
Each of these directors demonstrates confidence in storytelling and a clear point of view in their first feature film.
Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.
👑 UNDER MY SKIN 👑
Directed by Pascal Tessaud (FRANCE)
#CPIFF Best of Fest Nominee
• Best Drama Feature Film
• Best Director Feature Film
• Best Editing Feature Film
Best of Fest screening information at cpiff.com
#CPIFF #BestOfFest #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #CultivateCreativity
New voices bring fresh perspective and creativity, shaping the future of filmmaking.
Here are the nominees for Best 1st Time Director Short Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:
• Davi Bendinelli Paiva Campos for Esfinge (Brazil)
• Silas James Rowland for Say His Name (US)
• Jonathan Andrew Nettleton for The Christmas Hitlist (US)
• Sofian Francis for Dante's Inferno - The Ascension (US)
Each of these directors demonstrates strong vision and storytelling, making a notable impact with their debut work.
Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.
👑 Where The Shadows Wait 👑
Directed by Riley Robbins (US)
#CPIFF Best of Fest Nominee
• Best Thriller Short Film
• Best Director Short Film
• Best Supporting Actor Short Film
• Best Cinematography Short Film
Best of Fest screening information at cpiff.com
#CPIFF #BestOfFest #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #CultivateCreativity
👑 TIMINGS👑
Directed by Jeffrey Moore (US)
#CPIFF Best of Fest Nominee
• Best Actress Feature Film
• Best Supporting Actor Feature Film
• Best Supporting Actress Feature Film
Best of Fest screening information at cpiff.com
#CPIFF #BestOfFest #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #CultivateCreativity
A powerful lead performance can bring a story to life, adding depth, emotion, and authenticity to every scene.
Here are the nominees for Best Actress Feature Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:
• Sarah Pribis for Music City Mistletoe (US)
• Mackenzie Larsen for The Caretaker (United Kingdom)
• Tasia Mantzoros for Do You See Her? (US)
• Jacquie Bonnet for Timings (US)
Each of these performances demonstrates strong character work and a meaningful connection to the story.
Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.
👑 Vita Nova 👑
Directed by Dmytro Zavora (UKRAINE)
#CPIFF Best of Fest Nominee
• Best Animation
Best of Fest screening information at cpiff.com
#CPIFF #BestOfFest #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #CultivateCreativity
👑 This Is Book Club 👑
Directed by Robyn Okrant (US)
#CPIFF Best of Fest Nominee
• Best Thriller Short Film
• Best Supporting Actress Short Film
Best of Fest screening information at cpiff.com
#CPIFF #BestOfFest #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #CultivateCreativity
A strong lead performance can carry a film, bringing depth, authenticity, and connection to the story.
Here are the nominees for Best Actor Feature Film, representing the best among submissions from over 60 countries in 2025:
• Jackson George for Do You See Her? (US)
• Tommy Waller Hulett for The Stand at Alder Creek (US)
• Tuc Watkins for Exit Interviews (US)
• Ben Probert for The Caretaker (United Kingdom)
Each of these performances delivers a compelling portrayal that anchors the film and resonates with audiences.
Join us for our virtual screenings May 31 – June 6 and the Crown Awards on June 7 in Chicago. Tickets available at cpiff.com.
👑The Stand at Alder Creek 👑
Directed by Chase Morgan Hulett (US)
#CPIFF Best of Fest Nominee
• Best Actor Feature Film
• Best Score Feature Film
Best of Fest screening information at cpiff.com
#CPIFF #BestOfFest #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #CultivateCreativity
