D.E.F. Showcase 2025

D.E.F. is both an acronym for “DePaul Experimental Film” and the slang word “def,” meaning “cool.” Experimental film is a visionary art form, boundary pushing and virtually limitless in scope. And yes, it’s really, really cool!

The juried “Showcase Screening” features short films that span many forms of the experimental filmmaking medium, from letterist cinema, to lyrical film, to collage, to structural, to landscape, to music video, to dance film, to experimental documentary, experimental narrative, and beyond. In many cases, the work is challenging and complex, stunning visually, and often times incredibly personal—it is work that deserves to be seen and celebrated. Preceding the “Showcase Screening” is Experimental Animation on loop from 1–2:30pm.

These projects were created by DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts students in Experimental Filmmaking I and Experimental Filmmaking II classes.

A limited number of seats are available for the 3pm Showcase Screening. To reserve a spot, please register.