Sixth Annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival Wraps Successful “Shorts-A-Palooza 2026” at Morrison Tech

The Northwest Illinois Film Office just wrapped the Sixth Annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival: Shorts-A-Palooza 2026 at Morrison Tech, welcoming community members for an evening celebrating independent filmmaking from Northwest Illinois and across the state. 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 artform 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 the Director of the State of Illinois Film Office, Peter Hawley’s opening remarks which highlighted Illinois’ seven hundred million dollars in media projects for the prior year, and an upcoming workshop on Illinois film incentives to be hosted by the Northwest Illinois Film Office and the Illinois State Film Office (date and time 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 Kelly and Tammy Rundle (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,” and 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 sci- fi thriller “Love Machine” by writer/director Jon Clark and actor/writer/producer, Clare Cooney.

This year we introduced a new category for Public Service Announcements, and screened “Dominoes” and “Consequences” from Chicago-based filmmaker Patricia Frontain, and “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.

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