It is full of international stars and film premiers that aren't just for the south Asian community.
There will be 70 movies screenings over four days. They typically carry a high emotional quotient, such as Friday's world premiere of the "The Mehta Boys." The film is about a difficult 48 hours between father and son and is the directorial debut of famed Bollywood superstar Boman Irani.
"Something drew me here I don't know what it is," Irani said. "There were a few offers. This one just seemed perfect for me, the way we spoke over the phone, and so I said okay, and here we are."
Irani will conduct a filmmaking masterclass Sunday, one of many events tied to the festival.
SEE ALSO | All-night Ragamala concert of Indian Classical Music kicks off World Music Festival Chicago
His young co-stars were thrilled to be in Chicago.
"For me, to be in a foreign country bringing our film over here is, I think, one of the most proud moments of my life," Shreya Chaudhry said.
Tickets to all screenings are available on the Chicago South Asian Film Festival's website.