The free event featured a curated slate of short films spanning documentary, animation, drama, comedy, suspense, sci-fi, and horror.
“Shorts-A-Palooza is about putting Illinois storytellers on a big screen in their own communities—and reminding people that film is both an art form and an economic driver for our region,” said Gary Camarano, Executive Director of the Northwest Illinois Film Office. “We’re grateful to Morrison Tech, to the Illinois Film Office, and to every filmmaker and audience member who made this year’s festival such a strong night for independent film.”
Festival highlights included opening remarks from Peter Hawley, Director of the Illinois Film Office, who highlighted Illinois’ $700 million in media projects for the prior year, along with an upcoming workshop on Illinois film incentives to be hosted by the Northwest Illinois Film Office and the Illinois State Film Office. The date and time are to be announced.
Screenings included The Last to Fall from Hero Street, the final episode of Fourth Wall Films’ acclaimed “Hero Street” documentary series by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of East Moline; The Middle Cross, a dramatic faith-based short by Rockford filmmaker Matt Cichella; and Drivin’ Me Looney, the newest animated installment in Michael Cook’s retro-inspired Chucky Chicken series.
Returning festival favorite Tim Troy presented the suspense/horror short On Broken Glass, while first-time Shorts-A-Palooza filmmaker Michael G. Flores premiered the horror short Peter and thriller The First Session. Additional filmmakers included Chicago-based Sarah Falkiner of Shytown Sugar Films and her film Crimson; Joe Otting’s comedy film The Talk; Michael Gabriele’s comedy film Chips or Crackers; and the sci-fi thriller Love Machine by writer/director Jon Clark and actor/writer/producer Clare Cooney.
This year, the festival introduced a new category for Public Service Announcements and screened Dominoes and Consequences from Chicago-based filmmaker Patricia Frontain, as well as Smartphone Free Childhood x US and Heat Initiative by writer/director Tim Mason.
“Shorts-A-Palooza continues to showcase the extraordinary talent emerging from our region and across Illinois,” said Gary Camarano. “Our independent filmmakers are building momentum through award-winning features, short films, documentaries, and animation projects—and this festival gives audiences a powerful taste of that creativity.”
Shorts-A-Palooza 2026 reaffirmed the expanding role of film, digital media, and independent production in Northwest Illinois. By bringing filmmakers and audiences together, the festival spotlighted both the artistic strength of regional storytellers and the broader opportunities that come with a vibrant creative sector.
“Film is becoming an important part of our regional economy,” Camarano added. “Events like Shorts-A-Palooza highlight not only the artistic talent in Northwest Illinois, but also the economic opportunities.”
The Northwest Illinois Film Office extends thanks to Morrison Tech for hosting, to the Illinois Film Office for its support, and to the filmmakers who shared their work, along with the audience whose attendance continues to strengthen the region’s film community.
About the Northwest Illinois Film Office
The Northwest Illinois Film Office is dedicated to assisting film projects as they find locations, navigate local regulations and state film incentives, and connect with local cast, crew, and supply chains. The Film Office also promotes Illinois filmmakers and their work through events such as the annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival.
