The Black Earth Film Festival is presented in September in beautiful and historic downtown Galesburg, Illinois. Black Earth seeks to present the best in independent feature, documentary, short and animated films in a unique and entertaining festival.
blackearthfest.com

The Chicago International Film Festival will be held in the Windy City every October. See a selection of movies from both big studios and independent filmmakers at theaters around the city.
chicagofilmfestival.org

The Illinois International Film Festival is held in October in St. Charles and is dedicated to celebrating the art and entertainment of film in all its forms. Through screenings and associated events, the festival aims to present a wide spectrum of filmmaking - feature films, documentaries, animation, short films, experimental student work, big budget, micro budget and more.
illinoisinternationalfilmfestival.com

See the work of independent filmmakers from around the world and learn more about making movies at the Naperville Independent Film Festival. The weeklong festival held in September includes a family oriented movie making day with film screenings and workshops, and a walk down a Hollywood-style red carpet.
naperfilmfest.org

The Midwest Independent Film Festival is the nation's only film festival solely dedicated to the Midwest filmmaker, presenting audiences with regionally produced independent cinema every first Tuesday of the month at Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 North Clark in Chicago. This year-round film festival sits proudly at the center of the independent film scene in Chicago and the Midwest and is dedicated to celebrating and strengthening that community.
midwestfilm.com

The Route 66 Film Festival is held every year on the third weekend of September. The festival offers a variety of films and a chance to meet filmmakers and vote for your favorite short in one of the Audience Choice sessions. route66filmfestival.net