West Cook News

The Oak Park Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its upcoming event, scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 12. The festival will kick off with a celebration of Oak Park’s connection to Hollywood at The Lake Theatre (1022 Lake St.), featuring a red carpet and gala event alongside a screening of a new edition of “The Abyss.” The film stars Oak Park River Forest High School alumna Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Ed Harris and was written and directed by Academy Award winner James Cameron.

On Saturday, September 14, the festival will highlight local talent with special screenings and a panel discussion at the Madison Street Theater (1010 Madison St.). Starting at 10 a.m., the day will include screenings of shorts, animations, documentaries, student films, and more. The festival welcomes movies of various genres and lengths that have a local connection through cast or crew members from Oak Park or settings within the Village. Awards will be given in multiple categories.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, July 31, with an early bird discount available for submissions made by Sunday, June 30. All entries must be submitted via the festival’s Film Freeway page.

For more information about the Oak Park Film Festival, including awards, rules, and deadlines, visit https://www.opilff.org/. The event is organized by a committee of volunteers. Those interested in supporting the festival can email team@opilff.org.

Oak Park is located nine miles west of downtown Chicago and offers an urban/suburban lifestyle in a multicultural community known for its progressive values. The Village features tree-lined streets, bustling business districts, high-quality public schools, arts and cultural attractions such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, and Unity Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage site.