DCEO Invites Filmmakers to Enter Shortcuts Short Film Contest
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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is encouraging Illinois filmmakers to enter the DCEO Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest dedicated to promoting the best short films from Illinois students or residents 22 years old or younger.
“DCEO’s Illinois Film Office continues to serve as an integral partner for the 815HORTS festival,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “I encourage eligible filmmakers throughout the state to submit their short films to the Shortcuts contest for their chance to be featured on the big screen as part of Illinois’ world-class film industry.”
The Shortcuts winner will receive $250 and be screened at the 815HORTS festival, a short film festival based in Rockford scheduled November 14-15, 2025. All Shortcuts submissions received by August 31, 2025, will be automatically submitted for screening consideration at 815HORTS. Submission guidelines and additional information for Shortcuts can be found on the 815HORTS website.
“We’re so grateful to the Illinois Film Office for its continued partnership with 815HORTS and our film program in Rockford,” said Nicholas Povalitis, founder, Plus Seven company and program director, 815HORTS. “With the return of Shortcuts and its integration into 815HORTS, we are now able to improve on one of our most important festival goals – reaching the many aspiring and talented student filmmakers throughout the state. It’s an honor to help IFO uplift young filmmakers and we’re thankful for this opportunity.”
Film achievements throughout Illinois are centrally driven by Governor JB Pritzker’s commitment to growing Illinois’ world-renowned film industry by expanding the Film Production Tax Credit, extending the credit through 2032, and launching the Film & TV Workforce Training Program. Illinois’ incentive program, which offers tax credits for local labor and production expenditures, has been a key factor in Illinois landing major productions.
Recently, Illinois reached the second-highest film industry investment in state history with $653 million in production expenditures in 2024. The State’s tax credit has resulted in a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar spent on the incentive, resulting in over $4.5 billion in economic activity between FY17 and FY24. 94% of Illinois’ current film industry economic impact is attributed to the impact of the tax credit enacted by Governor Pritzker.
