Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: I’m new here, so what is this Premiere Film Showcase that everyone keeps talking about?
A: Premiere is the annual student film festival hosted by DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts. The showcase displays the best of DePaul University student work in cinema and animation with awards presented in over 20 categories covering all facets of filmmaking from screenwriting to post-production.
Q: When and Where the heck is it?
A: This year’s Premiere Film Showcase will be held on June 6, 2025, at the Music Box Theatre. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 6:30.
Q. Do I need a ticket and does it cost anything?
A: Nope, you don't need a ticket, and it's free!
Q. Who can come to the Showcase?
A: Anybody! It's free and open to the public
Q. Are there refreshments?
A: Of course! But they aren’t free, so you’ll need money for that. The Music Box Theatre concession area is open for your consumption.
Q: Who can submit to the 2025 Premiere Film Showcase?
A: Submissions for the 2025 Premiere Film Showcase is only open to current DePaul students and alumni who graduated in 2024.
Q: Who Judges Submissions?
A: Jury members include industry insiders, festival programmers, and filmmakers from around the country.
Q: Where can I find previous Premiere Film Showcase Winners?
A: Previous winners can be found here.
Q: What should we wear?
A: This is your chance to get fancy. It’s a big awards ceremony and a great chance to look the part. Sure there is going to be a dude in a frisbee golf t-shirt, but don’t be that guy.
Q: Can we bring friends and family?
A. Certainly! Everyone is invited to experience the cinematic creativity of SCA students.
Q: Are there movies?
A. Um yeah…Lots of them! A bunch will be screening and even more that have been nominated for awards.
Q: What kinds of movies are there?
A: Awesome movies that represent grad and undergrad students in five categories: Live-Action Fiction, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Episodic, and Music Video.
Q. How long is the movie program?
A. Shorter than End Game. Just about two hours. There is an intermission between the two acts to give you a chance to stretch, get refreshments, and talk with your friends. And then there is an awards ceremony.
Q. What do you mean by “awards ceremony”?
A. At the end of the movie program, over twenty (20) awards are announced (they are a surprise to the filmmakers) and trophies are handed out to the recipients. Plus, there are two talented DePaul students who host the evening’s festivities with humor and zest.
Q. Are all of the awards decided before the fest?
A. No! There are two awards that the Premiere Committee have not decided, the invited Jury’s Choice award and the Audience Choice award.
Q. What’s the deal with the Jury’s Choice Award for Best Picture?
A. Each year, the Showcase invites a group of guest jurors to attend, screen the program, and vote for their Best Picture award. Most of these jurors are responsible for programming Academy qualifying film festivals from across the country. It’s a big deal for the winning film.
Q. What about us? Doesn’t the audience have a say?
A. You bet! At the end of the program, you get a chance to text your favorite film for the Audience Choice Award which is announced as the final award of the evening.
Q. How many people show up for this thing?
A. Every year, DePaul students, friends, families, faculty, staff and film fans fill the 700 seat theater at the Music Box.
Q. What about parking?
A. Parking can be a bit tricky due to permitted streets in the area. There is limited meter parking on Southport. You can find “free” parking a few blocks away or can get parking via parking apps like spothero. If there is a Cubs night game that night—take the brown line.
Q. What if I use public transit, how do I get to The Music Box Theatre?
A. Two ways: Red Line: Exit at the Addison stop, walk five blocks west to Southport, turn right onto Southport Avenue, walk two blocks north. Brown Line: Exit at the Southport stop, walk three blocks north.
Q. What time should I get to the Music Box Theatre?
A. If driving get there before 6 to find parking. If public transit, why not show up when the doors open around 6:00PM? This gives you a chance to meet friends, grab refreshments, and score some choice seats for the event. We start at 6:30pm sharp, so don’t be late!
Q. Give me one really good reason why I should attend the Premiere Film Showcase?
A. Just one?!? Apart from the awesome movies, how about this: It’s an opportunity for students to gather as a group and celebrate the end of the school year. In other words, enjoy a cinematic party! Even if you don’t have a film playing or up for an award, see what the other students are making and aspire to be a part of the fest someday!