2026 Festival Update

**The Oak Park Film Festival will not be held in 2026. We have made the decision to pause this year's festival as we take time to refresh and reimagine the event for the future.

We sincerely appreciate the support of the filmmaking community, our audiences, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who has helped make the festival a success over the years. We look forward to returning with an even stronger experience.**

All 2026 submission fees will be fully refunded. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

The Oak Park Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission proudly presents the Oak Park Film Festival β€” a vibrant celebration of film, creativity, and community.

Held in the heart of Oak Park, this multi-day festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences for an engaging experience featuring curated film selections, interactive activities, creative workshops, and local food. The festival is dedicated to uplifting diverse voices and showcasing the powerful storytelling happening both locally and beyond.

The spirit of film is alive and thriving, and the Oak Park Film Festival exists to create space for meaningful stories to be seen and shared.

Filmmakers of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to submit their work and be part of this growing celebration of cinema.

Some films may also be available virtually during the festival period to expand access and reach.

Awards & Prizes

Best Picture
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Screenplay

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION FEES

To be considered for the Oak Park Film Festival, all films must be submitted through FilmFreeway and accompanied by the applicable registration fee by the posted deadline. Deadlines and fee tiers are clearly listed on our FilmFreeway page.

Submission of a film does not guarantee selection into the festival.

All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of selection status, withdrawal, disqualification, or scheduling decisions.

It is the responsibility of the submitting filmmaker to ensure that all information provided is accurate and that the film file is accessible and viewable at the time of judging. Incomplete submissions or inaccessible screeners may be disqualified without refund.

By submitting, the filmmaker confirms they hold the rights to the work and grant the Oak Park Film Festival permission to screen the film if selected.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jonathan Sullivan-Wood

    It was fun being at the festival, it was small and intimate, very relaxed atmosphere. I only wish I had more than a week's noticed about being accepted into the festival.

    September 2024
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  • Serkan Aktaş

    I was honored to participate in this year's Oak Park Film Festival with "Resurrection under the Ocean" short film! - πŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒπŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

    September 2023
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  • Jaylen Harris

    I Had a Great time at the festival, it's great to be apart of a growing community of metro Detroit film lovers.

    September 2022
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  • Ajinkya Narkar

    A Big Thank you Oak Park Film Festival for the Amazing recognition we have received for our feature film, " Sleepless in Bandra "

    Thank you entire Jury, OPFF team and Mr. Donny Wilson for the recognition. we are humbled with your love.

    September 2022
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  • Lisa Hagopian

    Great first time festival. Looking forward to next year.

    December 2021
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