CUFF promotes works that dissent radically in form, content, and technique from both the tired conventions of Hollywood and the increasingly stagnant IndieWood mainstream.
From 2009 to 2010, the festival Was held at the Gene Siskel Film Center, a state of the art cinematheque connected to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago since 2011 the festival has been held at the Logan Theatre in Chicago, a popular independent movie theater on city's North side.
[5] CUFF welcomes a mix of films and videos of all lengths and genres, but the festival's dominant focus is on works that chart new, experimental ground in form or content.
The festival has also featured retrospectives of legendary underground filmmakers such as John Waters, Kenneth Anger, and Alejandro Jodorowsky.
The festival screens 100 films[2] and hosts workshops, Q&A's, and after-parties to encourage discussions about underground art and build a community among attendees.