What is ChangeFest?
SOCIAL CHANGE launched its flagship initiative: the Chicago International Social Change Film Festival, ceremoniously known as CHANGEFEST. CHANGEFEST began as – and became – a platform for dialogue on social issues to engage diverse audiences and ideas to drive activism and action “from the screen to the streets” – to spark civic engagement and movements for change.
To date, CHANGEFEST has shown over 750 original films from numerous cities across the United States – countries as far as Brazil, Tanzania, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and beyond – on various topics, including mass incarceration, immigration, LGBTQIA+, police brutality, healthcare, climate change, mental health, disability, and more!
We’ve hosted 20 in-person ChangeFest Film Festivals, collectively, in Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. CHANGEFEST also invites youth directors to submit their films, regardless of age, recognizing there is no age limit to witness and pursue social change.
Changefest is a chance to take part in an unforgettable Film Festival filled with:
Fun - receptions & conversations
Fashion - red carpet and a step & repeat
Film - inspiring films including world premieres and more
Art & Music - eye-opening works that help those who experience it see, hear and feel the issues from a different lens
Award-winning filmmakers, artists, musicians, actors and leaders from every corner of the globe
Chances to hear from movement leaders and get involved and more!
Relive the Magic of Previous Festivals
