Membership

Joining the Chicago Indie Critics opens a gateway to exclusive perks including access to Chicago-area press screenings, online/DVD screeners, and special-event screenings. Members actively engage by voting on prestigious CIC Awards, participating in programming events, and hosting film/TV gatherings while gaining press accreditation opportunities at local festivals. Additionally, members enjoy the spotlight with their work featured on the CIC website and social media, along with access to enriching workshops tailored for film and TV enthusiasts.

Apply to Join

Membership in the Chicago Indie Critics is open to individuals residing in the Chicagoland area encompassing specific counties in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Prospective members must demonstrate their expertise by meeting specific review criteria while ensuring 15% of their reviews focus on independent, foreign language, or documentary content. Alongside the quantitative requirements, the application process considers the quality of reviews, professionalism, outlet reach, and personal traits, with an option to bolster one’s application through a letter of reference from an existing CIC member.

The Windie Awards

Each year, the film critics and voting members of Chicago Indie Critics hold their annual Windie Awards in more than 20 categories. Two awards of special interest over the years are the Trailblazer and Impact Awards.  The Trailblazer Award honors the work of an artist who truly pushed the boundaries of the medium in terms of form and content.  The Impact Award celebrates a person whose work has had a positive impact on society.