This free program features selected short films produced by Governors State University students. Support these aspiring young filmmakers!

An off-duty detective catches a thief in his garden and fails to catch him. But with the help of a friend, the thief decides to reform his life and become a better person. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/4cac902c56e18d70c1757a709cad085e.jpg" width="152" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;">Director BiographyISA OLUGBILE-MUHAMMAD is a media student worker and frequent production assistant who is skilled in the art of creating news, directing and editing short videos and films.

English

Runaway Weed

Keep your fauna close and your job closer.

In the quiet aftermath of loss, a grieving man confronts the memories and silences that remain, discovering that healing often begins when nothing is left to say. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/d310a60f85e268a31d6690adbdefcd8c.jpg" width="216" style="display: inline; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; float: left;">Director StatementThe Send Off is an intimate short film exploring grief from the inside out. Centered on Cory, a Black man navigating the emotional weight of personal loss, the film unfolds in restrained moments—glances, pauses, and unspoken truths—rather than overt dramatics. Grounded in silence and physical presence, the story reflects on how grief lives in the body and how healing arrives not with closure, but with acceptance. I wanted to create a film about grief that didn’t explain itself. Grief doesn’t arrive with answers—it arrives with weight, silence, and unfinished moments. This film is about sitting in that space without rushing healing. — Jesse “Chop” Logan

The Send Off

Grief doesn’t ask permission—it waits.

After an irresponsible purchase with a credit card, college student Zia tries her best with her best friend Xavier by her side to do “side-hustles” she found on the internet to pay off her debt. Working food delivery, pet sitting gigs, and even trying to be a TikTok influencer, Zia tries to balance it all while also staying on top of her studies during the busiest time of the academic semester. A fun and comedic short film truly about the spirits of working hard, friendship, and the reality of college students across the country. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/548891b6bada6ec793dd394221e904c2.jpg" width="279" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;">Director BiographyMia Romo, a current sophomore at Governors State University, besides working as the director and DP for “Side-Hustlers” works in the control room for GovState’s This Week at GovState (TWAG) as the director and lead field producer. With a love for all things media, she has been working on her skills for over 4 years. You’ll always find her with a camera in her hands and big dreams in her mind!

Side Hustlers

After a questionable purchase with a credit card. A college student is left to try working different “sidehustles” to pay off her debt.

In a world where stories shape communities and voices define culture, the Digital Storytelling Initiative emerges as a beacon for aspiring creators. This short documentary follows the journey of participants who step into the Institute's immersive program, gaining access to tools, mentorship, and hands-on training that transform raw ideas into powerful digital narratives. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/29d0d4c08cbda4afd35e97f1554f6e08.jpg" width="219" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px;">Director Profile With a discerning eye to details, Claudia tells compelling stories through her camera, utilizing both sides and video production to create memorable experiences with each project.

DSI Southside Chi

Before filmmakers were made, they were afforded an opportunity to create. For these filmmakers, that opportunity came from the Digital Storytelling Initiative.

After discovering her telekinetic ability, a young woman confides in a friend to keep her safe. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ce9e4b61d4f07507aef28c6715b633a7.jpg" width="178" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;">Director BiographyAhmasi Martin is studying independent film at Governors State University.

The Secret

Bill, an underachieving stoner is approached by a businessman with a plan that includes corporate espionage and time travel. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/200920450476ef742a3aaa27d94c2197.jpg" width="160" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px;">Director BiographyWeston Auburn is a Chicago-based filmmaker and graduate student at Governors State University. His work has received Vimeo staff picks and screened at multiple festivals, including Tribeca, SXSW, Heartland, Florida Film Festival, and Austin Film Festival. He co-wrote Black Santa a short that was selected as part of the Indeed Rising Voices program and wrote and directed the short animation, You Don't Mess With James. Most recently he wrote and produced The Travel Companion which had its world premiere at Tribeca in June 2025.

Bill's Cube

Illinois

Indiana

Wisconsin

Iowa

Michigan

Missouri

2026 GovState Student Film Showcase

Virtual Admission

Chicago Southland International Film Festival

Donation to {{name}}

Donate to CSIFF

Gift Cards

None available

Memberships

These are all the memberships tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_membership_link|Looking to buy more memberships?}}

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy more passes?}}

These are all your purchased tickets for the Chicago Southland International Film Festival. Each ticket gives you access to the various short film programs and feature film screenings our festival offers. Too many tickets? Purchase an All-Access Pass to unlock access to our entire festival catalog for one low price!

All-Access Festival Pass

3 Program Pack

Virtual Festival Pass

Festival Pass

VIP Festival Pass

All Access Festival Pass

Standard Festival Pass

Festival Passes

Here you can browse our available virtual programming. Plan to watch more than one program? Click "Return to Festival Page" above and then shoose "Select a Pass" for discounted access to more films. For any questions, please feel free to contact us at csiff@govst.edu.

Chicago Southland International Film Festival

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Our live-streams will be available for 24 hours from their initial air time.