City of Lights Film Festival

     September 18 & 19, 2026

Aurora IL City of Lights Film Festival.

This year’s festival weekend will take place exclusively at The Venue - one of downtown Aurora’s live music and performance spaces.

Now Accepting Submissions! 

Click to submit on FilmFreeway

  • Early Deadline - May 29
  • Regular Deadline - June 26
  • Late Deadline - July 17

Notifications will be sent out by July 27, 2026! Head to Film Freeway to enter your short film, student film, or music video!

Become a Sponsor

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Film Festival Sponsorship Tiers(PDF, 419KB)

More Information

Please contact the City of Aurora Communications & Marketing Division:

630-256-3367, filmoffice@aurora.il.us

2025 Lineup

2025 City of Lights Film Festival Lineup.