The Buskirk-Chumley Theater celebrates and encourages Midwest filmmakers via this short film competition and screening held in conjunction with the public Academy Awards screening each year. Filmmakers based in the region surrounding Bloomington, IN, as far as and including St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Louisville are invited to submit films featuring the culture, landscape, and lifestyle of the Midwest.
Films selected as finalists are screened at this historic downtown movie palace on the afternoon of the Academy Awards. Filmmakers receive free tickets to the screening and Oscar Party, which includes a luxurious buffet and free drink. The winning film is selected by a panel of judges from around the region with involvement by the audience. All finalists may receive notes from the judges, if desired. The winning filmmaker is granted rent-free use of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in July or August for a film-based event of their choosing.