The Northwest Illinois Film Office is proud to announce the return of its signature event, the Sixth Annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival: Shorts‐A‐Palooza 2026, taking place Wednesday, April 29th, at Morrison Tech, 701 Portland Ave., Morrison, Illinois. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with screenings beginning at 7:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.
“Shorts‐A‐Palooza continues to showcase the extraordinary talent emerging from our region and across Illinois,” said Gary Camarano, Executive Director of the Northwest Illinois Film Office. “Our independent filmmakers are contributing to award‐winning feature films, short films, documentaries, and animation projects. This festival gives audiences a small but powerful taste of the creativity and momentum driving the Illinois film industry.”
A Diverse Lineup of regional talent. This year’s festival features an exciting mix of documentary, animation, drama, comedy, suspense, and horror shorts, including:
Kelly & Tammy Rundle — Fourth Wall Films (East Moline) – Screening “The Last to Fall from Hero Street,” the final episode of their acclaimed “Hero Street” documentary series, a landmark project honoring the Hero Street families and their extraordinary service.
Matt Cichella — “The Renaissance Man of Rockford” – Presenting “The Middle Cross,” a dramatic short that continues Cichella’s reputation for emotionally resonant, character‐driven storytelling.
Michael Cook — Chucky Chicken Series – Debuting the newest animated episode, “Drivin’ Me Looney,” from his retro‐inspired Chucky Chicken universe.
Tim Troy — Festival Favorite – Returning with “On Broken Glass,” a tightly crafted suspense/horror short that exemplifies Troy’s mastery of tension and atmosphere.
Michael Flores — Festival Newcomer – Introducing “Peter,” a psychological horror short marking Flores’ first appearance at Shorts‐A‐Palooza.
Additionally, filmmakers Sarah Faulkner, and Tessa Films will also be screening their shorts.
A Growing Creative and Economic Force
The film industry continues to expand as a meaningful contributor to both the State of Illinois’ economy and the Northwest Illinois regional economy. Independent productions, documentaries, animation, and digital media are increasingly part of the region’s creative identity and economic development strategy.
“Film is becoming an important part of our regional economy,” Camarano noted. “Events like Shorts‐A‐Palooza highlight not only the artistic talent in Northwest Illinois, but also the economic opportunities that come with a vibrant creative sector.”
Event Details
Sixth Annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival — Shorts‐A‐Palooza 2026
Date: Wednesday, April 29th
Time: Doors 6:30 PM | Screenings 7:00 PM
Location: Morrison Tech, 701 Portland Ave., Morrison, IL 61270
Admission: Free and open to the public